Best Heated Waterers For Chickens

Imagine you wake up on a freezing winter morning. You look out the window, see the frost covering everything, and think about your chickens outside.

If you’re like me, a few thoughts run through your mind. How cold was it last night, and what time did it get cold? Was it cold enough to freeze? Do the chickens have water? Cold weather means frozen water, and that’s a big no-no for keeping your chickens healthy and happy.

Here’s the deal: chickens, like us, need water to stay hydrated. Water helps them digest food, regulate body temperature, and produce those eggs we love. When it’s freezing outside, having a heated waterer can put your mind at ease.

This guide will walk you through three of the best heated waterers out there. By the end, you’ll have a solid idea of which one suits your coop the best. Let’s keep those chickens clucking happily all winter long!

Farm Innovators HB 60P Poultry Drinker

HB 60P Poultry Drinker

First, let’s discuss the Farm Innovators HB 60P Poultry Drinker. This reliable and efficient gadget has a capacity of 2 gallons, enough to keep a moderately sized flock of chickens happy for a while.

The standout feature here is the 60-watt heating element built right into the design. No more trudging out to the coop with hot water in the dead of winter. This unit keeps the water from freezing, making sure your chickens stay hydrated no matter how cold it gets.

Design-wise, the HB 60P boasts a practical look that’s all about function. The removable top makes it super easy to refill and clean, saving you time and hassle. Think of it as the pickup truck of chicken waterers—trustworthy and handy as all get-out.

On the pros side, you’re looking for a durable and weather-resistant waterer. It’s built to last through many winters. Installation is a breeze, and maintaining it is just as simple.

But, like everything, it’s not perfect. Some folks find the cord a bit short, especially if your power source isn’t right next to the coop. A heavy extension cord will remedy that issue.

Chickens aren’t known for appreciating luxury, but they’ll definitely benefit from the constant supply of fresh, unfrozen water. And who knows? Maybe they’ll reward you with a few extra eggs.

If you’re looking for a solid, reliable heated waterer that you can set up and forget, the Farm Innovators HB 60P is a top contender. This is one piece of equipment that makes those icy mornings a lot less stressful for both you and your flock.

Premier Heated Poultry Waterer

Premier 1 Supplies All-Season Heated Poultry Waterer for Chickens and Ducks - 3 Gallon

Say hello to the Premier Heated Poultry Waterer, a stylish yet practical choice for any chicken owner. This three-gallon capacity waterer stands out with its modern look, adding a touch of flair to your coop while keeping your chickens well-hydrated.

The Premier waterer features a 60-watt heater, specially designed to keep the water flowing even when Jack Frost is doing his best to freeze it all. The low wattage ensures safety without sacrificing efficiency, making it a trustworthy addition to your winter chicken care routine.

One of the best things about the Premier Heated Poultry Waterer is that it has a flap to fill with a hose, and the lid comes off with a turn. This makes it incredibly easy to handle, refill, and clean. Plus, its even heat distribution means you won’t have to worry about any icy patches forming, giving your chickens consistent access to water.

However, it’s not all sunshine and roses. With a three-gallon capacity, you might find yourself struggling to carry it around. Water weighs 8.34 pounds per gallon so when full this unit weighs about 30 lbs.

It’s perfect for up to 35 chickens.

Your chickens will likely enjoy the thirst-quenching, cool water that won’t freeze their gizzards off. And you? You’ll appreciate the sleek design and the peace of mind of knowing your bird’s are cared for.

In short, the Premier Heated Poultry Waterer is a hardy, efficient option that beautifully blends form and function. If you want something stylish and functional, this waterer deserves your consideration.

RentACoop BPA Free Poultry Horizontal Waterer

 RentACoop 64oz(2L) BPA-Free Heated Poultry Drinker

Now, let’s talk about the RentACoop BPA-Free Poultry Horizontal Waterer. This one is all about being eco-friendly while getting the job done. An easy-to-carry 64-oz capacity makes it perfect for folks with a smaller flock to care for.

The design is horizontal and BPA-free, appealing to the environmentally conscious chicken owner. The small capacity means checking it often to make sure it has water, which can be offputting if you are busy. The unique heating pad ensures the water stays at the right temperature, even in harsh winter conditions.

One of the big pros of the RentACoop waterer is its use of environmentally friendly materials. This one ticks all the boxes if you want to minimize your carbon footprint and keep your chickens happy.

However, there is a trade-off. The small size requires frequent visits to the coop in hot weather to ensure consistent hydration. It really depends on the size of your flock.

Imagine your chickens getting the spa treatment with this setup. While it’s not a hot tub, the consistent warm water supply will certainly keep them clucking contentedly. The RentACoop BPA Free Poultry Horizontal Waterer is an excellent blend of eco-friendliness and functionality.

How to Choose the Right Heated Waterer for Your Coop

Choosing the right heated waterer for your chickens can feel like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s all about matching the waterer to your needs and your flock’s requirements. Here are some key factors to keep in mind.

  • First up, consider the size of your flock. If you’ve got a large crew, you’ll need a waterer with a bigger capacity, like the Premier, with its 3-gallon tank. Smaller setups might get by just fine with a half-gallon option like the RentACoop BPA-Free Poultry Horizontal Waterer.
  • Climate plays a huge role too. If you’re in an area prone to extreme cold, you’ll want something with a robust heating element. Models with a 60-watt heater, like the Farm Innovators and Premier, ensure that water stays thawed even in the iciest conditions.
  • Take note of your coop setup as well. If your power source is a bit far from where the waterer will be, make sure the cord length can reach. Otherwise, you’ll be running extension cords.
  • Another critical factor is the ease of use. Look for features like removable tops or easy-fill designs to simplify your life. You’re already doing a lot for your chickens, so there’s no need to add tricky refills and cleaning to your list.
  • Budget is always a consideration. Heated waterers come in a range of prices, so find one that balances cost and quality. Sometimes, spending a bit more upfront can save you headaches and money in the long run by avoiding constant replacements.

Considering these points will help you choose a heated waterer that suits your needs and your chickens’ comfort. With the right waterer in place, you’ll have one less thing to worry about during those long winter months.

Making the Best Choice for Your Chickens

So, there you have it! With the right heated waterer, your chickens will stay hydrated and happy through the coldest months. You won’t have to look out the frozen window at your coop and wonder if your chickens are thirsty because of frozen water.

Ultimately, happy and healthy chickens make for a happy and productive coop. Here’s to choosing the perfect heated waterer and enjoying a winter season with stress-free chicken care!

Cheers to your flock’s hydration and well-being!

Dave

Chickenmethod.com

2 thoughts on “Best Heated Waterers For Chickens”

  1. My wife and kids have been wanting chickens and I didn’t even think they needed a water heater. So I’m glad I came across your article. Love it where you say chickens appreciate luxury and may reward you with more eggs. As with everything else, you take care of something and it will take care of you.

    What are your thoughts in regards to having one in the south where freezing happens but not as often as up north?

    Reply
    • Hi Robert. Thanks for stopping by.

      Without a doubt, chickens respond to luxury. Luxury to a chicken, however, means a clean coop and nesting box(es), constant water and food, and arguably the most essential element is ‘no stress.’ But getting back to the waterers.

      If I were you, I wouldn’t bother with a heater in the South as often as it freezes there; dumping a little ice now and then isn’t a chore. Here in the Northeast, it freezes regularly from November through March.

      I have the Premier waterer in my coop because it gets cold up here in NY, but I also have the Dreyoo in my garage because my girls and boys are free-range, and the garage is closer to their typical wanderings. The Dreyoo is nice because you can set any dish or waterer on it, and it won’t melt. It also shuts off when the ambient temperature is 77 Fahrenheit. You can get that one for just under forty bucks.

      If you want to go old-school, a simple heater consists of a 40-watt lightbulb inside a cinderblock turned on its side. You cannibalize a no-longer-used lamp, feed the wire under the block and into the block cavity, and make sure that the bulb doesn’t touch the floor or the feeder on top. You turn the bulb on when needed and haven’t spent a dime. This isn’t the safest option, but it was my first heater, and it worked. 

      One more thing before I let you go: It’s not recommended to heat the coop. Your potential flock’s health will be better under natural conditions.

      I probably over-answered your question, but I think I covered it. Take care, Robert. I hope to hear from you when you get your birds.

      Dave

      Reply

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