I hate my new waterer

[wantedman66]

I use a 5 gallon plastic bucket with horizontal nipples and I stand it on a very low wattage electric base that I got on Amazon (rated to be OK with a plastic bucket).
Has worked great for me. Several days of single digit (F) did mean that I got some ice in the bucket - but only at the top and most of the bucket and the nipples remained unfrozen.

As long as it works for you that's all that matters , my set up works perfectly and I just leave the base there year round. I just unplug it during spring - fall....

 

[ChookaPete]

Yeah that wouldn't work for me in the winter obviously , what I use works perfect and I never had any problems plus with the heated base the water never freezes....

Oh okay.

 

[Morndew247]

HN all the way. Here is a picture of my bucket. Note the nipples are installed a couple inches from the bottom. There is a submersible heater that keeps the water unfrozen. I had a different brand heater that worked great for 5+years. I replaced it with this one as the other one looked ready for replacement. I have a smaller 2 gallon bucket that I bring out each day to top off the 5 gallon waterer. Saves on my back.

Can I ask what nipples you use? I keep getting sprung springs and all the water just dribbles out.

 

[jreardon1918]

Can I ask what nipples you use? I keep getting sprung springs and all the water just dribbles out.

I do not have the original package. I can see the letters "ware" on them. I see something like them on Amazon. But those include what looks like a nut for the inside of the bucket. The ones I used self seal. I did use tephlon tape to install. The instructions told me to not over tighten. I have not any any springs fail.Hope this helps.

 

[vmccolm]

I’m so excited to get finally electricity to my coop. It was quite a process (lots of trench digging!). I went out to purchase a heated waterer because we went out of town for 2 days. Oh my gosh. It’s the worst!
You take off the top, fill the container then put on the bottom and quickly flip it over, hoping it’s attached correctly. But often it’s not and it opens up and spills 3 gallons on your feet. Also, if it’s not perfectly flat, it continues to pour out. I’m going to work on hanging it today but I’ll have to buy some chain for that.
There is also a plug in the bottom but then you’d have to unplug and carry the whole thing and then still tip it right side up.

Before, I have 5 gallon buckets that I used nipples for. I love it but the nipples freeze after the chickens get their water. I’m not sure how to keep it melted even with electricity.

Please help me find the perfect solution for our northern vermont climate. Lows can be -20 but are typically 0-20° F
I do travel for work and I’m happy to change out water often but sometimes that just isn’t an option.

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I have two of these waterers for winter. The key is filling using the bottom plug. Make sure the plug is securely in place when done filling. When you turn it right side up, do not touch the red pan. Keep your free hand on the side of the drinker, up near the top half of the drinker. If you have your hand on the red pan, you will most likely spin the tray off and yes, you will have 3 gallons of water at your feet. Since I learned to turn the drinker right side up without touching the red pan, I haven't spilled any water. It's a great drinker for winter, just takes a little getting used to.