Farm Innovators "All-Seasons" Heated Plastic Poultry Fountain - 3 Gal. Model HPF-100, 100-Watt

I just doubled checked the one I have. The top slides into place - maybe a 3/4 inch movement but will not stay locked in that position. Maybe there is more than one version of this thing and one of them locks better.
I did decide to up my rating from one star to 2 stars since it did keep the water from freezing last year so I did get some value from it.

I bought this earlier this fall. The first time I filled it and flipped it over the bottom fell off soaking my feet.The second time I filled it, it fell over soaking my feet again, so I filled it again while carrying it to the coop the bottom fell off again soaking me from the waist down. I brought it back to the store the next day and made a cookie tin water heater which works perfect.

i saw that on a number of reviews...luckily, so far, my bottom hinge-thingies seem to hook and hold/turn and lock, without too much effort or incident. and i like how easy it is to clean... and the fact that it does hold so much water in a small footprint.
i never flip it til i am right by the coop, so it certainly would present a problem if it started to act as a soaker instead
i am still seeking the perfect 3 season waterer (thin profile, poop guard & proper hanging) should anyone have any recommendations. otherwise i think i'll be buying lots of chick ones and swapping them out.

I have 5 of them, and dislike them intensely. The only way to fill them is from the bottom, you must flip them upside down to access the fill hole (or to remove the entire bottom). If there is any water left in the waterer when you flip it, the water will go everywhere. likewise when you're done filling it, you must flip it back rightside up, and the water will splash. There's no way to stop the water from pouring from the upper "tank", so if it's not precisely level, it will drain. I had to replace the plastic handles with heavy wire so I could hang the waterers, and the electrical cord is only 2 1/2 ft long, so you need to place it right next to an outlet, or use an extension cord. I would not buy them again.

I have 3 of these and couldnt live without them. They saved me a ton of work all winter long.
Never had any trouble at all and was extremely happy to be able to add my Apple Cider Vinegar, which I cant do with the metal founts.

I picked one up at Tractor Supply, returned it the next day for all the reasons you list. How come no one makes a good, simple, reliable small heated waterer, and especially one that would be good to 10 or 15 below zero?

I use the heated metal base and love it.
Best,
Karen

The heated bases I looked at were open on the bottom, exposed wiring, so I was concerned dust, feed, or bedding could get under and short it or catch fire. Also, they were a good size for 5 large waterers, but with just 5 chickens, they seemed way too large for a 1 or 3 gallon waterer.
There are good plans here on BYC for DIY cookie can heaters.

I have the unheated version and detest it for the same reason. I spilled water all over the place today turning it over. Wouldnt mind the heater but I am sure its easier can cheaper without the waterer.

Well, farm store won't take it back so I'm going to try setting the good galvanized waterer on top of the base and see if that works.

I have a couple of these and they've worked fine for the 3 years I've had them. I would replace the plastic handle because it will not hold up if hung from it. It will keep the water moving in any weather. The galvanized ones with the heated base will not keep the water thawed in a raised chicken coop in NY winters. In a barn or semi-heated space they seem to keep the ice out.

Oh man, the number of times I've soaked my shoes and feet with this thing . . . the little sliders (the "lock") are too short for such a heavy load of water. And the darn thing is too flimsy -- it warps when flipping, which is often what makes the bottom fall off. I have no idea why, but when I use it unplugged (when the temp is above freezing) it gets scummier much quicker than other styles of waterers I've tried.

To be fair, I have not yet found an affordable waterer (and this one stretches the definition of affordable) that isn't a piece of poo. This one is simply a spectacularly poopy piece of poo.

I agree! I get soaked almost everytime I refill! I thought it was just me.

Wow! Yikes. Thank you for the review.

You're very welcome KellyS! We are very frustrated. Glad to help though!

they are very
to flip, mine has more then a half inch slide but flipping it with out having the bottom fall off takes practice. I agree it is not designed very well. when you flip it take the handle and hold high on the container with the other hand. if you hold the bottom make sure not to let it turn the bottom at all. and don't hold the cord or the bottom will fall off for sure.

unless you can take it back practice a little. there should be at least an inch to slide the top and bottom together, so if not it could be defective

I am not going to practice flipping over a waterer. I shouldn't have to. We paid 45$ for this, it shouldn't be so poorly made.

I just bought one of these today and I agree completely, they are junk. The exact thing happened to me when I tried to flip it over after filling it, the bottom came right off and I ended up with soaking wet jeans and shoes. Not fun when it's 12 degrees out. The bottom does not close firmly, it slides in and out of the "locked" position VERY easily. I thought perhaps I just got a bad one, but after reading about your experience, I will be returning instead of exchanging. I don't want to take a bath in below freezing temperatures every time I fill my chicken water. Thank you for sharing your experience, I appreciate it.

I agree it is very poorly made but if you can't take it back that is a lot of $$ to let set on a shelf
just sayen

You're welcome Imachicklvr2!!

And snowflake, we have every intention on taking it back! We just don't know what we'll do now to keep the chickens' water from freezing...