Official BYH Poll: How Are You Keeping Water From Freezing This Winter?

[BYH Project Manager]

Winter chores hit differently when you’re breaking ice before your coffee even kicks in. Keeping fresh water available in freezing temps can feel like a full-time job, especially when Mother Nature refuses to cooperate.

Every winter setup is different, and sometimes the best ideas come straight from fellow animal keepers who’ve already fought the frozen bucket battle.

What’s worked best for you so far, and would you change anything next winter?
Drop your tips below and help someone else keep their animals hydrated and happy!

 

[Baymule]

I usually bust ice in the buckets. But if it stays freezing for any length of time, I haul boiling water out to pour in the buckets. If it REALLY freezes, I cut off the water at the meter because I don't want frozen pipes in the house. It is miserable. I have a 300 gallon galvanized stock tub that i fill up. I can bust ice in it to dip water out. I can haul water in the house to boil to melt the ice in the buckets if need be. Fortunately it doesn't freeze for long periods here, so I can get by.

Why not a water heater in the buckets? Because none of them are near enough the house to run an extension cord to.