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farmerjan
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@Senile_Texas_Aggie , thanks but there is only one outside water source and it is a hydrant that comes up out of the ground. I am thinking that it might not be a good frost proof one, or it might not extend as far down as it should. I wasn't cutting off the hydrant because I was filling all the waterers at night and then in the morning was just flipping the 2 over and the other 2 are top fill, with a small hole in the bottom for the water to "glug glug" out until the surrounding water tray is full. Then as they drink, the water level goes below the hole and more water comes out. Since the top is tight, it is sorta like a vacuum..... air goes in and the water comes out.....I't hasn't been cold enough for more than the hose to freeze a bit.... but there was a bite to the air last night and with the nearly constant breeze here..... the "wind chill " on the hydrant was probably colder than I realized. I left the hose unattached and hopefully the hydrant will thaw out. Tomorrow is supposed to be up in the upper 40's they said just a little bit ago and sunny. But the hydrant is in a shaded spot so won't thaw as quick as if it was in the sun. Still, if the air warms up some, it ought to get thawed.
Since I have PT early, then going to run the couple of errands, I ought to get back by 10 or so.... I have to leave by 1:00 to go test so if I can get it thawed, I will shut it off after filling all the waterers and a couple of buckets for the next morning.... and see if that solves the problems. Then the meat birds should be processed before we get into real cold weather. I will not get any more for the winter. Much easier to only take care of a half dozen purebreds for the winter. By late Feb or March, if the knees are not done, then I will want to get some so that I can sell in May at the poultry swap. Just don't want them through the Jan-Feb cold.
Since I have PT early, then going to run the couple of errands, I ought to get back by 10 or so.... I have to leave by 1:00 to go test so if I can get it thawed, I will shut it off after filling all the waterers and a couple of buckets for the next morning.... and see if that solves the problems. Then the meat birds should be processed before we get into real cold weather. I will not get any more for the winter. Much easier to only take care of a half dozen purebreds for the winter. By late Feb or March, if the knees are not done, then I will want to get some so that I can sell in May at the poultry swap. Just don't want them through the Jan-Feb cold.