Chicken bald back

[Sandychick]

I've been stressing over freezing water recently as I'll be away fo a couple of days over Christmas and the weather forecast doesn't think it's going to get any warmer.

 

I've used a fish aquarium heater in a plastic trough. It does need an elecrtric supply, but it is a fully submersable heater, with a thermostat which can be set between 16 - 35c. It's a low heat, so it's quite safe and nothing melts! I've put it on the lowest setting, and the water felt warm when I put my hands in it this morning. Stress over

 

It only needs the small 25w heater for 4 - 25litres of water. They aren't that expensive, Amozon are selling them for £8.49.

[Misschicken]

An aquarium heater - fantastic I hadn't thought of that... I've actually got a spare, you may have just saved me two hours drive to defrost their water...

 

I'm going to test it over the next few days whilst I am here, in case there are any problems!

[Sandychick]

I'm going to test it over the next few days whilst I am here, in case there are any problems!

 

I'm at the 'testing' stage too! let me know how it goes!

[Snowy]

Have to be careful with the aquarium heaters - they are designed to be fully submersed, so you may have a problem when the water level drops as you are left with a piece of very hot glass sticking out of the water. You can get newer ones designed to cut off when out of water though.

[Sandychick]

Have to be careful with the aquarium heaters - they are designed to be fully submersed, so you may have a problem when the water level drops as you are left with a piece of very hot glass sticking out of the water. You can get newer ones designed to cut off when out of water though.

 

It is submersed in the plastic trough - the heaters don't get hot, just warm. They would burn my fish otherwise!

[whoopsie]

I have no power source out to the garden but did the glycerin trick yesterday and am absolutely delighted! I'm going to be away Christmas Eve and was really worried about the girls' water. Thankyou whoever's post I read about using it!

[mostin]

What a clever idea . I would never have thought of that. If we ever have to go away in the winter, we will set up some power and do that .

[Barkisland]

FAO whoopsie:

Please do not use glycerine, it is toxic to chickens.

[whoopsie]

Well how come some of the other posters suggest it then? I only used half a teaspoon for the whole glug and it was enough for only a thin layer of ice which the girls could break.

 

Do the hand warmers work overnight? I have one of those. The neighbour who used to take care of the girls when I was away is poorly.

Edited December 21, 2009 by Guest

[Lewis]

Glycerine ok for them, but at the levels you need to use to stop the water freezing, its really not healthy for the chickens

 

Aquarium heater is quite a good idea! I'd think it is safer than using a tealight/bulb as well so long as the water level is up.