How to Keep Your Chickens’ Drinking Water from Freezing

Admittedly, this is not an original idea, but should you need to build a quick, inexpensive mechanism to keep your chickens’ drinking water from freezing, read on.  I’ve been using this simple set up for 3 winters now and can report that it works like a charm with a basic plastic Poultry Waterer. Note, this device assumes you have electricity available nearby.

What you’ll need:

• 1 Outdoor extension cord of suitable length

• 1 outlet-to-plug light plug

• 1 25-watt bulb

• Duct tape

• Large ceramic or concrete tile, approx. 12x12”

• Hollow concrete block (see photo)

• 1 terra cotta saucer about the size of the bottom of the Poultry Waterer

Ridiculously easy, if not slightly awkward, Assembly Instructions:

1. Make the “heater”: Screw the light bulb into the socket; then plug the socket into the extension cord.

2. Tear 3-4 strips of duct tape about 8” long in preparation for Step 3.

3. Set the “heater” in the center of the tile in the shape of an “L” so that the bulb end is pointing up, and the extension cord is flat against the tile.  Duct tape into place. Note, you’ll likely need more duct tape to do this, but the 3-4 strips should help you get started.

4. Set the “heater”/tile assembly on level ground in the chicken run. Carefully place the hollow concrete block over it.  Note, some concrete blocks have a conveniently etched groove where the extension cord can be routed so as not to be crushed.  If yours does not, use a shim or two. Again, make sure the top surface is level, or the waterer will overflow.

5. Set the terra cotta saucer on top of the concrete block and “heater.”  Plug in/turn on the electricity.  Now, position the Poultry Waterer on top. Voila! You are done! No more having to run out every couple of hours to replace frozen water!

As I said previously, this DIY device has kept my chickens happy and hydrated the past few winters.  But I’m always open to alternatives.  If you’ve come across a different approach, please feel free to share.  And if you’ve tried this and it worked for you, share that, too!