Heated water containers???

[Nicos]

Has anyone got one or seen them in their supplies shop?
I was reading a blogg a while back of someone living Alaska and they had a heated water 'feeder' for their hens.
It's certainly something I'd consider buying if they're not too expensive????

[RichmondHens]

No, not seen anything like that. Certainly would be a good idea though.

[Nicos]

Here is the blogg!- can't believe I found it so quickly!!!!!

Wild Roots Homestead

17th Nov

[chris]

I've used a heated propagator turned upside down before Cheaper than those drink matts, anyway.

[Kleftiwallah]

I have made my own for the wild birds.

The paraffin element from an old "Road Works Lantern". A large green plastic plant pot from a supermarket foyer. a large terracotta dish 'what you stand a plant pot in'.

Cut the base out of the plant pot invert over the paraffin lamp fill the terracotta dish with water. The lamp will stay lit all night on a very low light on a small quantity of fuel and the birds have ice free water in tyhe morning while you roll over get some shut eye. Snaps provided if this description is not enough. Cheers, Tony.

[frias]

I've used a heated propagator turned upside down before Cheaper than those drink matts, anyway.

I was wondering if this would work as I have electricity in the run. I used to have a heated wine mat and sold it at a car boot. Been kicking myself ever since as I'm sure that would have worked too. Trouble is I need to get sowing so will be needing the heated propagator. OH is going to try a light bulb in a biscuit tin. Just need to buy fittings tomorrow.

[Aberdeenplotter]

you could think about using a trace heating cable. Plumbers are using them to keep the condensate discharge pipe from condensing boilers frost free. Colin will know about the practical aspect of them I suspect

[chris]

My only issue, is I have outside power (exposed) but the socket doens't close with a plug in it (grr!). Thinking of changing it over to one that will.

I'm planning on putting electricity in my run too, save me trailing a weatherproof extension lead outside.

[frias]

Well OH bought a plastic light fitting from Wilkos this morning for £1 and fitted it in a large sweet tin. Put a 15w pigmy bulb inside and attached an electric lead. Tin feels quite warm and water container placed on top has remained unfrozen all day. OH is a bit worried it might all overheat and it's raining here now instead of freezing but hopefully it will continue to work if it freezes again.