Spent $120 on a heated water base and I'm not sure it was worth it

Last winter in Michigan, I kept having my flock's water freeze solid overnight. I saw a heated base online for about $120 that promised to keep water liquid down to 10 degrees. I bought it, and sure enough, no more ice. But now I'm looking at my electric bill and it went up a noticeable amount over the cold months. It worked perfectly, but the cost to run it feels high. On one hand, it saved me from going out to break ice three times a day in the freezing cold. On the other hand, maybe I should have just stuck with swapping out plastic waterers more often and saved the money. Has anyone else done the math on whether these things actually save you money in the long run, or is it just a convenience fee?

3 comments

3 Comments

lily_black441mo ago

Consider how much your time and comfort are worth. Breaking ice multiple times a day in a Michigan winter is miserable and takes real effort. That electric cost is buying you back hours of your week and keeping you from dealing with frozen fingers. Sometimes paying for convenience is the smartest choice, especially when it means you actually check on your flock more because you aren't dreading the chore. Would you really go back to that routine just to save a few bucks?

ramirez.blair1mo ago

Try telling that to my frozen-solid fingers last February!

veramiller1mo ago

Switched to a heated base for my chickens' water last winter. It cost a bit more upfront but my hands thanked me every single morning. How cold did it get for you last February?