The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Coffee Lounge => Topic started by: MiriMaran on November 06, 2009, 09:23:00 pm

Title: Frozen drinkers
Post by: MiriMaran on November 06, 2009, 09:23:00 pm
Now that winter is around the corner i was wondering what people do to stop their hens drinkers from freezing up.  A friend of mine puts Glycerine in her guinea pig's water bottle, but I have no idea how much. ???
Title: Re: Frozen drinkers
Post by: doganjo on November 06, 2009, 10:58:57 pm
I used to be able to use a demi-john heater but I don't have electrics in my chicken shed down here.
Title: Re: Frozen drinkers
Post by: sheila on November 07, 2009, 11:41:02 am
I find that mine doesn't freeze over due to the vinegar in the water.
Title: Re: Frozen drinkers
Post by: plumseverywhere on November 07, 2009, 12:49:31 pm
do you know if I can use the same ac vinegar that i use for the chucks, in the rabbit/g pig bottle?
Title: Re: Frozen drinkers
Post by: Rosemary on November 07, 2009, 02:00:57 pm
We empty the drinkers at night and haven't had a problem with them freezing during the day, fortunately
Title: Re: Frozen drinkers
Post by: little blue on November 07, 2009, 03:28:20 pm
Hmm...must confess, last winter we just de-frosted the rabbit, g-pig & chooks water twice a day, used tepid water at night.
But need a better plan this year with the extra livestock, so will be watching this thread with interest!!
Title: Re: Frozen drinkers
Post by: MiriMaran on November 07, 2009, 07:17:33 pm
I don't think you can use ACV in rabbit and guinea pig bottles because they have a metal spout that will corrode.

I can't remember what we did last year - I think I just broke the ice and re-filled them, but there must be an easier way!
Title: Re: Frozen drinkers
Post by: Lavinia on November 08, 2009, 10:31:12 am
do you know if I can use the same ac vinegar that i use for the chucks, in the rabbit/g pig bottle?

I'm probably being totally stupid here but what does the ac stand for? When i went out to the chucks this morning we had a little ice over them nothing they didn't break on first drink (really was thin). But i had the same problem last year and in the end i used to take them in doors at night and have them ready for them first thing in the morning.... i also give them hot wheatabix etc in the really cold weather, has anyone else done this..........  :-\ :-\

 
Title: Re: Frozen drinkers
Post by: bamford6 on November 08, 2009, 01:14:07 pm
at glenmore it was   min 7 Saturday we use heat  pads that are 12 volts 4 liter drinker charge the battery  every month
Title: Re: Frozen drinkers
Post by: plumseverywhere on November 08, 2009, 01:33:49 pm
Lavinia - the ac was for apple cider (vinegar)  not tried weetabix yet, mine do love some warm mashed potato though