Water Freezing

[Chickfinity]

Looking for advice on water system in the winter. We have a rain barrel system and use water nipples for chickens to access. Last night the water froze in the small pvc pipe and bursted one of the red nipples. It’s not even officially winter!! How do we winterize this rain barrel water system and the piping that extends the water?

 

[Ecarroll]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/topic-of-the-week-keeping-water-from-freezing.1645664/

This thread is basically just a whole bunch of people telling the ways they do it, so you can look around and see what’s best for you ! I personally use rubber tubs and break or pour out the ice in the winter. In the summer I use a similar barrel with water cups system.

 

[Chickfinity]

Thank you!

 

[aart]

How do we winterize this rain barrel water system and the piping that extends the water?

Nothing, really....or nothing simple and foolproof.
You'd need a heater in the barrel and a circulating system to keep warm water flowing thru the pipe.

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Chickfinity]

Thank you all! We used a horse water heater in our barrel and it has solved the problem.