It is almost that time of the year when everything freezes over, and we wonder how we will water our brood of chickens. While winter brings with it several problems, lack of water is an issue you can do without.
If you can get your hands on the best chicken waterer for winter, then you can bypass the issue of frozen water. Your chickens don’t enjoy an ice cream or frozen water, which makes it even more essential that you have a way to water them when all the water freezes.
However, few people know where or how to get the best chicken waterer. That’s why we have compiled a list of the best of them to make that easier for you.
The Best 4 Chicken Waterers for Winter
- Farm Innovators Model D-19 Heated Water Bowl for Chickens
- Premier Heated 3-Gallon Poultry Waterer
- Rite Farm Products 3.7Gallon Poultry Waterer
- Farm Innovators Model HPF 100 Poultry Waterer
How to Choose the Best Chicken Waterer for Winter
Like with buying any other product, you need to consider when shopping for a chicken waterer to use in winter. That’s not like shopping for the other waterers that only work when it doesn’t winter.
Although there is a range of things you’d need to consider, the below are the most pressing.
The Size: How large is the Reservoir?
The reservoir should matter a lot because you don’t want to spend money on many waterers or refilling the water each time. The larger, the better, although you’re most likely to get most waterers to be between 3 gallons and 4 gallons.
Always go for the largest reservoir size. It will save you some money and some time.
The Ease of Use: Is it Easy to Use
Some waterers are hard to use. By hard to use, we mean the normal processes like refilling or cleaning them are harder than they should be. This might be difficult to judge when you are looking for a waterer for winter.
However, there are some telltale signs you can never miss. First, the container should have a handle that makes it easy to carry and hang. That would call for a heavy-duty handle that can withstand all the rigors of a chicken coop.
Second, it should have leg stands that make it easier for you to refill. If you can get one that enables you to refill it from the top, the better.
How many Watts Will You Need to Run It?
Winter chicken waterers usually rely on electricity to work. That means you need to know their explicit power needs to understand better how much it will cost to use them. It, therefore, helps that most of them will list the wattage.
All you need to do is note it before buying the waterer. If you are a conservative user, then you should go for a lower wattage water heater.
Construction
The construction matters a lot because you need something that will last you some time. That means the material should be resistant to causal damage. Although most of these waters are plastic, you will want one that won’t suddenly break.
That’s something else to consider before choosing a chicken waterer for winter.
The Cost
This is up there with the most obvious things to look out for. You will need to consider it because some might be expensive but still lacking in quality. However, chicken waterers aren’t that expensive, and they shouldn’t, therefore, worry you that much.
You also need to pay attention to the overly cheap heaters. You don’t want to buy something cheap only for you to rue your decision later on.
Popular Chicken Waterer Brands
There are several brands in the market, that have been bringing a revolution in chicken waterers over the years. Some of these brands are:
4 Best Chicken Waterers for Winter
The ideal chicken waterer to use in the winter is the one that is budget-friendly and also can withstand the harsh climate of winter. Failing waterers can result in chickens surviving without any water. Let’s take a look at our top pick list:
1. Farm Innovators Model D-19 Heated Water Bowl for Chickens
With the winter upon us, one of the best ways you can use to ensure you water your chicken with ease is getting this winter chicken waterer. This heated water bowl ensures the water doesn’t freeze by heating it regularly and whenever needed to keep it warm enough.
Although there are many ways you can use it, the primary use is in the chicken coops and pet feeders. What makes this water bowl so efficient is the thermostatic control that ensures it only kicks in when you need it to. The inbuilt 60-watt heater ensures the water is hot enough to prevent freezing. That makes it easier for your flock to water themselves.
Another thing you will love about it is the square design made with a heavy-duty style that discourages chickens from chewing it. Besides that, it comes with an anti-chewing cord to further deter any chewing. That means it will last you a while before you have to get a replacement.
Although this water bowl will come in handy in the winter, that doesn’t mean you can use it at any other time of the year. It is an all-season water bowl you can typically use when you don’t have to worry about freezing water.
Finally, an automatic working water bowl is not only ideal for chicken. You can also use it to provide water to your dogs or any other tiny farm animals. The one and a quarter gallon of water won’t need you to be refilling it every time.
If you are looking for a way to water your brood in the winter, then this should figure out your plans.
Pros
Cons
2. Premier Heated 3-Gallon Poultry Waterer
Another option you can consider for watering your flock during winter is this three-gallon water heater. This one will impress you with its large size, which means you won’t struggle to refill it at small intervals. The three gallons will hold the water for a long time before needing a refill.
What enables this waterer to keep the water inside warm is the secure interlocking lid. The lid is airtight and prevents chickens from dirtying the water while drinking. The conical shape prevents the birds from perching on the waterer.
One other thing you will love is that it is an insulated chicken waterer. That’s not only because of the lid but also because of the container’s construction.
This waterer also has a heavy-duty handle that you can easily carry and use to hang the waterer. With the drip catch nipples, it can release water slowly and prevent wastage. It also has a detachable electrical cord that makes it ideal for use in seasons other than winter.
Another thing that makes this among the best winter chicken waterers is that you don’t have to turn off the heating yourself. That’s thanks to the inbuilt thermostat that raises and lowers temperatures as required.
Pros
Cons
3. Rite Farm Products 3.7Gallon Poultry Waterer
This is the largest waterer on our list so far if the 3.7 gallons are anything to go by. That means there are long intervals between you refilling the container. That’s not the only thing that matters with this waterer, though.
It boasts LED light indicators that make it easy for the chicken to identify the watering place. Besides that, it works with a fountain system that keeps the water warm even in the coldest of temperatures.
Since this waterer works with electric power, you will need to connect it to the power supply. For that, it has a 6-foot long cord, which means you will have an easy time doing that. You won’t have to use extensions or get the supply closer.
The waterer is also quite easy to use. That’s because it has carry handles that make it possible to carry water from the source to the chickens. Besides that, it also has stand legs that make it easier to refill.
It has thermostatic control that turns on each time the water temperatures drop below a certain level. That ensures the water doesn’t freeze even with the coldest winter temperatures. Your brood will therefore enjoy the water throughout winter.
Pros
Cons
4. Farm Innovators Model HPF 100 Poultry Waterer
Closing our list is this all-seasons poultry waterer. You don’t need to restrict it to watering your chickens in the winter alone since you can use it throughout the year. That’s why it is dubbed the all-season poultry waterer.
It is a versatile waterer that you can use all over the farm to water small animals. You, therefore, don’t have to use chicken alone. Its best use, however, is for chicken. What enables it to keep water from freezing is the thermostatic control.
The thermostat ensures the heater only works when it needs to. And that’s when the water temperature reduces. It has a handle that will facilitate transfer from the water source to the chicken coop. The handle will also come in handy when you need to hang it.
It also has a rather commendable water capacity of 3 gallons. That means the time between refilling won’t be that tedious. Of course, that will depend on the number of chickens you have. The more the chicken, the more the refills.
Although it is plastic in construction, it will last you the better part of years. It, however, will depend on how you use it. The only issue with this waterer is that it’s hard to refill. You have to open it up before you can refill it.
Some other options would have allowed you to refill from the top without opening the container.
Pros
Cons
Chicken Waterer for Winter Buying Guide
When the temperature outside starts to drop, you need to make sure that your chickens have access to a reliable source of water. A chicken waterer is an essential piece of equipment for any chicken coop, and there are a few things you should keep in mind when purchasing one. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about chicken waterers for winter, including the different types available and the key features to look for.
Types of Chicken Waterers
There are a few different types of chicken waterers that you can choose from, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The type of waterer you ultimately select will depend on the size of your flock and your specific needs
Bucket Waterers
A bucket waterer is one of the most popular types of waterers on the market. They’re typically made from plastic or metal and can hold a large amount of water, making them ideal for larger flocks. Bucket waterers are also relatively easy to clean and refill, which is a major plus.
The main downside to bucket waterers is that they’re not very efficient when it comes to preventing water from freezing. If you live in an area with extremely cold winters, you’ll likely need to invest in a heated waterer or take extra steps to insulate your chicken coop.
Trough Waterers
Trough waterers are similar to bucket waterers in that they’re designed to hold a large amount of water. They’re often made from plastic or metal and can be either free-standing or hung from the side of the chicken coop. Trough waterers are a good option for larger flocks, but they can be more difficult to clean than other types of waterers.
Bell-Shaped Waterers
Bell-shaped waterers are typically made from ceramic or plastic and have a large basin that’s designed to hold water. They’re a good option for smaller flocks, as they don’t hold as much water as other types of waterers. Bell-shaped waterers can be more difficult to clean than other types, however, so you’ll need to make sure that you clean them on a regular basis.
Nipple Waterers
Nipple waterers are a type of automatic waterer that’s designed to provide a steady stream of water for your chickens. They’re typically made from plastic or metal and can be either free-standing or hung from the side of the chicken coop. Nipple waterers are a good option for larger flocks, as they’re very efficient and can help to prevent water from freezing.
Key Features to Look for in a Winter Chicken Waterer
When you’re shopping for a chicken waterer, there are a few key features that you’ll want to look for. These features will help to ensure that your chickens have access to clean water throughout the winter months.
Capacity
One of the most important things to look for in a chicken waterer is capacity. You’ll want to choose a waterer that can hold enough water for your entire flock, as you don’t want to have to refill it too frequently. If you have a large flock, you may want to consider investing in a waterer with a higher capacity.
If you live in an area with extremely cold winters, you’ll also want to make sure that your waterer has a large enough capacity to hold extra water. This way, if the water does freeze, you’ll have enough on hand to last until it thaws out.
Ease of Cleaning
Another important thing to look for in a chicken waterer is the ease of cleaning. You’ll want to make sure that the waterer you choose is easy to clean and maintain, as this will help to ensure that your chickens always have access to clean water. If you have a large flock, you may want to consider investing in a waterer with an automatic cleaning system.
Heating System
If you live in an area with cold winters, you’ll want to make sure that your chicken waterer has a heating system. This way, you can ensure that the water doesn’t freeze, even when the temperatures dip below freezing. There are a few different types of heating systems available, so you’ll want to choose one that’s best suited for your needs.
Thermostat
A thermostat is a device that helps to regulate the temperature of the water in your chicken waterer. This way, you can ensure that the water stays at a consistent temperature, even when the outside temperature fluctuates. If you live in an area with cold winters, you’ll want to make sure that your chicken waterer has a thermostat.
Float Valve
A float valve is a device that helps to regulate the water level in your chicken waterer. This way, you can ensure that the water doesn’t get too low, even when the chickens are drinking a lot. If you live in an area with cold winters, you’ll want to make sure that your chicken waterer has a float valve.
Automatic Refill
If you have a large flock, you may want to consider investing in a chicken waterer with an automatic refill feature. This way, you won’t have to worry about refilling the waterer yourself, as it will be done automatically.
Portability
If you plan on moving your chicken coop frequently, you’ll want to make sure that your chicken waterer is portable. This way, you can easily move it from one location to another.
Our Top Pick
The Farm Innovators Heated Plastic Poultry Fountain is a three-gallon watering container that will guarantee your chicken’s water even when the winter temperatures drop below freezing. The large reservoir means it will be up to the task, and you will have to be refilling it less.
That’s why we recommend it. Farm Innovators products have quite the reputation, which is why we have two of them on our list of the best winter chicken waterer. It is also an insulated chicken waterer that ensures all the heat stays within the container and doesn’t escape.
It’s ideal to keep the chicken waterer beside the chicken feeder so that your chickens can get quick access to water when needed. You wouldn’t miss a beat trying it.
Final Thoughts
The best chicken waterer for winter will ensure your flock still gets water even if everything else has frozen. That’s why getting any of these will make it easier for you. Remember the guidelines we have outlined here to choose among the best.