Water in the Winter

NIGEL:
Okay, so we are learning on the run. Apparently water freezes around 32'F (0'C)!!! ;) Despite the insulated coop, the water still freezes, because we have to ensure decent ventilation to keep the chooks happy & healthy. With regular temps now varying between the teens to low 40's, lack of drinking water was an emerging problem. I read numerous suggestions on line...some sounding quite dangerous!! Few seemed feasible.

Anyway we settled on using a heat lamp hovering just above the water tank (see above). This work reasonably well. Eventually I purchased on-line (nothing available locally!!??) a floating water heater, but wasn't sure if it would work. Then our mate Lloyd (who cared for the chooks while we were in Statesboro for Jack's 100th) suggested plumber's heating tape. It isn't tape at all, but insulated wire with a thermostat (see below). I consulted two sparkys (electricians) & received the okay, with the suggestion of using metal ductwork tape to secure it to the water tank (see below).

It seems to be working the charm. I will see this morning as we have our first somewhat serious snow?? The chooks seem quite comfortable out in the cold btw!!