Heated waterer vs heated extension cord debate

I spent $60 on a heated chicken waterer last winter thinking it would solve my frozen water issues. Worked great for about a week. Then the heating element just stopped. Chickens had ice for two days before I noticed. My neighbor swears by just wrapping a $15 heat tape around a regular bucket instead. Says his setup has lasted 3 years now. So which is the real savings? Pay upfront for the fancy waterer that might break. Or rig something yourself and risk a fire or short. I'm leaning towards the DIY route now but worried about safety. What do you all use when temps drop below freezing?

2 comments

2 Comments

joelp8113d ago

I get where you're coming from with the DIY route saving money, but I gotta push back a little. That $60 waterer dying after a week sounds more like bad luck than a rule. I've had the same $50 heated waterer for going on four winters now with zero issues. Heat tape can work but I've seen a buddy's setup short out on a wet day and that scared me off.

tyler49213d agoMost Upvoted

Four winters with the same waterer? That's crazy man...