Heated Water Bowl Question- asap please?

[tatswell]

I will be out of town for two days and would like to use the heated water bowl so the water does not freeze.
I have read in other posts that using a weather safe extension cord should be okay. But what about the coil around the wire connected to the bowl? Is that safe to lay on wood or straw/ hay? Will the ducks get electrocuted if they splash water on the coil?

 

[Amiga]

Is this a homemade unit, or boughten? In either case, is there a photo?

The store unit I saw had warnings about not putting the heater base on anything flammable. I would think you would want a couple of flat concrete pavers or similar under and around the heater.

You are right to be cautious.

 

[tatswell]

Is this a homemade unit, or boughten? In either case, is there a photo?

The store unit I saw had warnings about not putting the heater base on anything flammable. I would think you would want a couple of flat concrete pavers or similar under and around the heater.

You are right to be cautious.

I purchased it from tractor supply. This one;

 

[Amiga]

Any precaution information on the label? You probably looked already, but sometimes I don't, so I thought I would ask.

 

[Amiga]

If it's what I saw online http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/api-all45;seasons-electric-heated-pet-bowl-5-qt?cm_vc=-10005

a couple of reviewers use it with their chickens.

With electricity, things can happen, but the unit itself does not look scary to me. Do you have a neighbor who can kind of watch for signs of trouble? Can the ducks get out of the shelter during the day or in case something goes wrong?

I would place nonflammable material like concrete or smooth pea gravel under and around the unit, and maybe slip the cord through some plastic pipe. I am very cautious about this kind of thing.

Not that it is not a good idea - just you want to protect the ducks, so these are some thoughts. I have not had to do this - we went to a warmer shelter.

 

[tatswell]

Any precaution information on the label? You probably looked already, but sometimes I don't, so I thought I would ask.

It only says to not use it with an extension cord. But I have read posts that say it is okay with a weather safe heavy duty one. My concern is the coil around the wire getting hot or wet. But I can't seem to find anything on the internet about it. Maybe that's good?

 

[Amiga]

I looked quickly at the reviews for it (if it's the same unit), and did not see any complaints . . .

Here are some references from the archives

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/843380/blue-heated-dog-water-bowls-from-tractor-supply

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/105979/heated-water-bowls-and-extension-cords

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/585379/best-heated-waterer

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/109381/heated-water-bowl-safe-with-extension-cord

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/727178/heated-watering-bowl

Okay, I'll stop.

 

[tatswell]

I looked quickly at the reviews for it (if it's the same unit), and did not see any complaints . . .

Here are some references from the archives

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/843380/blue-heated-dog-water-bowls-from-tractor-supply

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/105979/heated-water-bowls-and-extension-cords

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/585379/best-heated-waterer

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/109381/heated-water-bowl-safe-with-extension-cord

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/727178/heated-watering-bowl

Okay, I'll stop.

Haha Thank you so much! I appreciate your time I'm going to do as you suggested- I have some bricks I can put under and around the unit. Unfortunately they will have to be in their run for two days- which I know they will hate But they are timid around people they don't know so I don't think I can have my neighbor let them out then have them cooperate to come back in at night. But I will have a neighbor check in on them to make sure all is well and that their water isnt frozen.

 

[Amiga]

I was thinking that the neighbor could just listen out, and check on things in case anything weird happened, like electrical outage, or that kind of thing, not letting them out, just being an extra pair of eyes for your peace of mind.

Safe travels and may your ducks be protected from all harm and want.