Broken heated waterers

[mommanine]

I have several heated dog type waterers that I use for my chickens in the winter. Right now I have three that quit working. The electronics don't seem to be too complicated, but does anyone have any idea what I could use to replace the element? I'm not sure if the thermostat part just quit or what. It's supposed to turn on if the temperature gets below 40. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[Hooligans7]

If they're made by Farm Innovators, they'll have either a one-year or three-year warranty, and the company will replace them free within the warranty period. As far as repairing them, you might take one apart and see what you find. The problem might just be a bad fuse that you could replace. But if the heating element is cooked, it would likely cost more to replace than to buy a new heated waterer. Nevertheless you might check with the manufacturer about replacements.

The problem you're having is the reason why cookie tin water heaters are so popular. I built mine out of wood and cement board, and I replace the 60-watt light bulb inside about one a year. The heater is plugged into a ThermoCube, which switches on at 35F and turns off at 45F. Works like a charm down to somewhere below 0F, and there's about 13 inches of space between the heater and my hanging bucket waterer. Good luck!

 

[mommanine]

Thank you for your reply. I'm sure they're made by Farm Innovators; I'm not sure anybody else makes them! However, they're at least a year old, and probably older. I thought maybe the heating element itself would be pretty cheap- it doesn't look all that complex,but I have no idea what it would be called. Do you have any pictures of your cookie tin water heater? That sounds like it might be a good idea down the road.

Thanks again,
Cheryl

 

[Hooligans7]

There's a HUGE, LONG thread on cookie tin water heaters. Just type it in the search window (and you'll be overwhelmed)! But really, they're cheap, easy to make, and highly effective.

 

[jetdog]

Anyone who lives where the temperature gets very cold should have horizontal nipples, I put them in a old cat food container has a lid and fits nicely being square, the water doesn't stay inside the nipple like the vertical ones, stock tank heater in the bucket and your done, 2 degrees when I got up and they were working perfectly, I got them from"all bout chickens"

 

[Hooligans7]

Anyone who lives where the temperature gets very cold should have horizontal nipples, I put them in a old cat food container has a lid and fits nicely being square, the water doesn't stay inside the nipple like the vertical ones, stock tank heater in the bucket and your done, 2 degrees when I got up and they were working perfectly, I got them from"all bout chickens"

Nice! But how do those horizontal nipples work without leaking? Are they spring loaded?

 

[jetdog]

Yes they are spring loaded so when they peck them the water comes out, there is no water left in them to freeze, I have been pulling my hair out this winter with vertical nipples and aquarium heater tried the stock tank heater and it always froze, the stock tank heater with this setup works great the back of the nipple is the only thing that is in the water and being warm it just doesn't freeze. Love them.

 

[pawtraitart]

I'm happy to see more awareness in regards to the horizontal nipples! They are AWESOME! I use them for all of my birds except for my ducks. I'm glad they are working for you, jetdog.