galvanized water heaters and Fortex bowls

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

far and above, my ducks favorite water container is this 6.5 gallon rubber tub. they will stand around it bobbing in and out. I would like to use it all winter but it of course freezes. I have heated buckets, but they seem to use them out of necessity not for enjoyment. I would like to put one of the galvanized heaters under it, but I am afraid of it off gassing some kind of toxin, has anyone done this? any experience? I used these bowls, 4 and 8 quart for them all the time for peas food etc, they are great because they can't break, the clean up easily and they are inexpensive, also, I figure it is easier on their bills.
please advise

 

[cavemanrich]

I do not know how hot the surface of that one you posted gets. Another thought,,, the plastic bowl will act as an insulator,, therefore the heater must heat plastic sufficiently to melt ice, (keep water from freezing)
I would opt for a stock tank deicer. The one I"m posting claims it is safe for plastic containers. They have thermostats to maintain proper water temperature. Available at F&F.

Read the Features. Also below it states wattage, but I was not able to capture with screen clip. 500 watts 120 volt.
With your small quantity of water 6½ gallons, the unit will not be drawing the wattage constantly,,,,, but on and off as thermostat calls.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[DucksOhio]

I do not know how hot the surface of that one you posted gets. Another thought,,, the plastic bowl will act as an insulator,, therefore the heater must heat plastic sufficiently to melt ice, (keep water from freezing)
I would opt for a stock tank deicer. The one I"m posting claims it is safe for plastic containers. They have thermostats to maintain proper water temperature. Available at F&F.
View attachment 2963309
Read the Features. Also below it states wattage, but I was not able to capture with screen clip. 500 watts 120 volt.
With your small quantity of water 6½ gallons, the unit will not be drawing the wattage constantly,,,,, but on and off as thermostat calls.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I ha that same exact heater…it works great in a rubber bowl, and I’ve had it for years.

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

I was about to order that when I remembered something about birds and Teflon, does anyone have any thoughts on the matter? I know parrot owners who
Have thrown away all their Teflon cookware because it is not safe for them when it gets hot… that seems like exactly the sort of thing a stock water heater does…

 

[cavemanrich]

I am aware of Teflon,,, and my daughter that keeps parrots does not use Teflon products inside home. The Teflon in my reasoning,,, needs to get quite hot. Like a frying pan that reaches hot temperatures. The Teflon pans she keeps in cabinet, and uses for outdoor cooking, are safe to keep inside. All her birds are alive and well after the Teflon pans being stored in kitchen cabinets.
The Teflon danger possibilities are airborne from very hot pans.

Now to compare the tank heater. Teflon coated,,, but if, it never reaches temperature above 40°F . I don't think any is released. The water that it is immersed in keeps the coating cool.

You make your decisions what is best for you.

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

So i have been on the verge of buying the above in bucket heater a few times now, but cant bring myself to do it because of the Teflon. I finally found this one that is plastic and 80W. I also liked the little cord keeper , thought it looked handy. Ive been reading threads here and elsewhere suggesting everything from solar fountains to tea lights to changing out wwter with hot water 3-6 times a day, heating rocks on the stove and continually rotating them… I dunno what other people do all day, but lugging pails full of hot water all day doesn’t fit into my schedule. This hopefully will do the trick.
https://www.chewy.com/kh-pet-produc...IUoAIyBIOyehqC8fVFHAnYh1vVuC1nocaAoKUEALw_wcB