Unlike automatic chicken feeders, which have no problem with freezing as long as they stay dry, waterers have to be heated during winter. In freezing temperatures, the water cools rapidly and freezes very fast.
If you don’t want to spend whole day changing the water, make your life easier by buying a heated chicken waterer, or a heated base for metal poultry founts.
There are 3 basic types of heated poultry waterers:
- Heated base under waterer (Most versatile, can be used with BIG waterers)
- All-in-one heated chicken fountain (Great all-in-one solution)
- Ordinary heated water bowl (We don’t recommend these for poultry)
Best Heated Chicken Waterers:
1. Farm Innovators HP-125 Heated Base
Heated Poultry Fount Base
To be used with metal poultry fountains.
This is our top pick – while it’s not a waterer just a heated base, that makes it the most versatile and doesn’t compromise the waterer ergonomy. With a power of 125 watts and a thermostat, the water won’t freeze even in toughest conditions.
What are the main features?
Easy to use
There’s nothing more to it than just plugging it in to an ordinary electrical socket. Suitable for outdoor use in a dry and covered area.
Thermostatically controlled
Don’t be afraid of water overheating. The thermostat will keep it at the right temperature at all times. If the outdoor temperature is warm, the heater won’t turn on.
Construction
The heated base is made of durable metal for two reasons. One is durability of the product, and the second reasons is the heat transfer. The metal works as a very good heat transferer – use an metal water fountain for optimal heat transfer between the base and the fount.
It also features an 5 feet long grounded power cable.
2. Little Giant 125 Watt Water Heater Base
Heated Poultry Fount Base
To be used with metal poultry fountains.
Another high quality heated base for poultry waterers. In fact, very similar to our top pick, but less popular.
What are the main features?
Easy to use
Just as with any heated base, just plug it into an electrical socket and you are good to go.
Can be used outside in a sheltered area.
Use it with any metal fount or metal container.
Thermostatically controlled
The powerful heating element doesn’t heat the water all the time. It turns on and off to keep the right temperature. So it has enough power to work in temperatures as low as 10° Fahrenheit.
It will not draw any electricity until temperatures reach freezing.
Construction
High quality rust-resistant galvanized steel.
3. Harris Farms Heated Poultry Drinker Base
Heated Poultry Fount Base
To be used with metal poultry fountains.
125 watts of power will prevent freezing of water down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit
What are the main features?
Thermostatically controlled
Thermostat makes sure the heater only works when needed and also prevents overheating.
Easy to use
Can be used with all aluminium or galvanized drinkers. Just plug it into the socket – that’s all.
4. K&H Pet Products Thermo-Poultry Waterer
All-in-one heated poultry waterer
If you want an all-in-one heated poultry fountain, this one is for you!
What are the main features?
Construction
Made of high quality plastic. BPA free. Plastic is much much better heat insulator than metal. That means it only needs 60 watts of power to prevent the water from freezing.
The whole product is shaped in a way to prevent roosting on top. Bottom is completely sealed.
It has a spill-proof cap to prevent any spillage when refilling and putting back onto base.
Built-in filter
It has an easy to remove filter in the water tray. No need to drain the water when cleaning.
Practical handle
It is easy to carry thanks to an anatomic handle. One hand is all you need.
5. Farm Innovators Model D-19
Heated Water Bowl
While it is super easy to use and works well, it’s small capacity and need to refill it often makes it a not so good choice.
What are the main features?
Easy to use
This is definitely the easiest way to have a non freezing water source for your poultry. Just plug it in, fill it with water, and it’s working.
Versatile
Can be used for a plenty kinds of animals. In the end, it’s just an ordinary water bowl with a built in heater.
Safe
Kudos to the manufacturer for protecting the cable with a heavy duty metal cord protector. Animals shouldn’t be able to chew through it.
Thermostatic control
Thermostatic control makes sure it won’t boil the water but only heat it when necessary to avoid freezing.
6. Farm Innovators Model HPF-100
Heated Water Bowl
Affordable all-in-one solution with big capacity of 3 gallons. Keeps the water from freezing down to 0 fahrenheit.
What are the main features?
Big capacity
With a capacity of 3 gallons which won’t freeze. You will spend much less time refilling the water reservoir.
Construction
Made of plastic. BPA free. Some people are complaining that it’s falling apart rather easily, mainly when carrying and bumping into something.
It can be filled from bottom when upside down without the need of removing the reservoir.
Thermostatically controlled
100 Watts of power and insulation properties of plastic will protect the water from freezing using a thermostat.
Heated Chicken Waterer Buying Guide
It’s the winter season and you need to ensure that your chickens have access to fresh, clean water. It’s one of the most important aspects to keep them alive and healthy. For this reason, heated chicken waterers are of great use especially if you expect to experience snow and you don’t want to climb out of your warm bed early in the morning to deal with a frozen watering system.
You need your waterers to be heated during the cold months because when the temperatures reach freezing points, the water cools rapidly and could also freeze. Without a heated chicken waterer, you might find yourself spending the whole day changing the water. You could also use a heated base for your poultry founts.
How do you choose the right heated chicken waterer for your coop? Let us first take a closer look at the different types of heated waterers.
Types of Heated Chicken Waterers
First let’s take a look at the main types of heated chicken waterers that you can use to ensure that there’s always fresh, clean water for your chickens all throughout the winter season.
Heated Base
You can simply install a heated base under your existing waterer. It’s quite versatile and you can use it with big waterer models.
Heated Chicken Fountain
There is also an all-in-one heated chicken fountain which does everything you need to keep the water from freezing. It’s a great all-in-one solution if you keep chickens in a cold climate. Another great advantage of this type of waterer is that you don’t have to remove anything or replace the unit when the cold months are over. It will work just like a regular chicken waterer during the summer, except you don’t plug it in.
Heated Water Bowl
Alternatively, you may also use an ordinary water bowl that has the capacity to be heated. However, this is not a very practical solution and is not recommended for poultry.
How to Choose the Best Heated Chicken Waterer?
Here are some of the most important considerations when choosing the right heated chicken waterer for your coop.
Capacity
How much water do you need for all your chickens? You have to choose the right size especially if you are buying an all-in-one heated fountain. It’s important that the waterer is large enough so that you don’t have to keep refilling the water reservoir.
Generally, you should not limit or restrict their access to clean water in any way so the more capacity, the better. Especially if you have laying hens, they won’t lay as well or grow as fast if they don’t have consistent access to clean water. A full-grown hen needs to drink a pint of water every day on average but it can vary depending on the weather. Meat birds also require more water because of their fast metabolism.
Location
First, you need to consider where you are setting up your heated chicken waterer or heated base. Most models are intended for dry covered areas but if you have an outdoor coop, you have to check that it’s suitable for outdoor use.
Thermostat
You want the water to be warm enough but not to overheat. A thermostatically controlled heated chicken waterer or base will help ensure that the water is kept at the right temperature consistently. For models that offer this feature, usually the heater would not even activate if the temperature outside is warm, keeping your chickens safe.
Construction
Purchasing a heated base or waterer is an investment so you have to make sure that it is well-constructed and is built to last.
Metal is very durable and conducts heat well. If you choose steel for a heated base, check if the material is resistant to rust.
But it doesn’t mean that there isn’t a high-quality plastic heated chicken waterer. Plastic also works great as long as it’s high grade and is BPA free so that it’s safe for your poultry. Plastic models also consume less power which is another advantage.
Filter
As with a regular chicken waterer, you would have to clean the water in the tray time and again. With a built-in filter in your heated chicken waterer, you can simply remove the filter and clean it instead of draining the entire container. It provides a lot of convenience and would save you a lot of time.
You also have to check how you are supposed to fill the tank. It should be easy to remove, fill, and reinstall.
Power
How do you operate the heated waterer? For practicality, you should be able to simply plug the device into an outlet for it to work. Again, the cord must also be suitable for outdoor use if you are placing the heated chicken waterer outside.
It would also be great if the cable is protected with a heavy-duty metal cord protector to prevent your chickens and other animals you may have from chewing it.
Stability
The heated chicken waterer should also not be easily tipped over. Some models come with an anti-tip base to prevent your chickens from knocking the unit over.
Maintenance
Finally, you should also consider the maintenance required for your heated chicken waterer. A poorly maintained waterer of any kind because stagnant water can produce slimy residue and eventually, you could have algae growing in them. Your chickens will stop drinking the water so check how often you need to clean the waterer and how easy it is to clean.
Summary
Heated chicken waterers offer a lot of convenience for you and keep your chickens healthy during the cold season. Chickens need consistent access to fresh, clean water so it’s important that the water doesn’t freeze during these cold months. A good quality heated chicken waterer is an investment and you should make sure that it’s durable enough to get the most value for your money. Choose the right size to ensure there’s plenty of palatable water for your poultry and the features that will make cleaning and refilling more convenient for you.