When winter approaches and the days get colder, it’s time to bring out the gloves, scarves, and those heated chicken waterers!
Low temperature can leave you frustrated with frozen water troughs and drinkers.
It also means braving the frost to get fresh and clean water to your chickens.
Fortunately, with a thermostatically controlled waterer, you can prevent drinkers from icing over.
These can make it so much easier to ensure every chicken has access to water.
If you’re looking for the best way to prevent water from freezing, here we review the best top 7 heated chicken waterers to help you make the most valuable decision.
The Top 3 Best Heated Chicken Waterer
Let’s first take a look at the top 3 best heated chicken waterers from the lineup…
Top Pick
Farm Innovators Model HPF-100
An energy efficient waterer that offers 100 watts of power and prevents water from reaching 0 Degrees Fahrenheit using thermostatic control technology.
Farm Innovators Model HPF-100
Our best heated range is by far the HPF-100 by Farm Innovators automatic chicken waterer.
It can be used throughout the year and is a worthy mention as a freeze-proof chicken waterer.
This automatic chicken waterer gives you the option to hang it or place it on a level surface.
I prefer hanging my feeders and heated chicken waterers to prevent dirt and fecal matter from polluting the water.
Power Output
A unique feature of this chicken water heater is its 100-watt power output.
It can keep the water from icing over at temperatures as low as 15F.
The Farm Innovators waterer kit earns our top pick because it can be used with small and larger fowl and is an easy-clean plastic waterer.
Best Value
Farm Innovators Round Heated Pet Bowl
An easy to clean product that provides chickens with fresh water. Also easy to fill and only heats water when necessary.
Farm Innovators Round Heated Pet Bowl
Farm Innovators round heated pet bowl makes it into our best heated chicken waterer list because it is well-priced, durable, easy to clean, and made from high quality plastic.
I like this 1.5-gallon bowl’s simple design and the ease with which poultry, including ducks and geese, can access the water.
The automatic thermostat also doesn’t waste electricity and only heats the water as needed.
TIP
It is best to use this bowl outdoors or outside of the coop in a dry, covered area.
Editor’s Choice
Harris Farms Heated Poultry Drinker Base
Maintenance-free heated drinker base that will keep water from freezing in temperatures as low as 10F.
Harris Farms Heated Poultry Drinker Base
This heated drinker base earns the title of the editor’s choice because it is well-priced and works to keep the water from icing over.
Using thermostatic control in the base, all you have to do is add your fount on top of the heater and allow it to warm the water.
Energy Efficient
What is also great about Harris Farms Heated Drinker Base is that it only turns on when temperatures dip. It saves energy while keeping your water warm.
You can use your existing plastic or a metal waterer with a heated drinker base, saving time and cost.
The Best Heated Chicken Waterer
I hope that the top heated chicken waterer picks help you choose the best product for your needs.
Now let’s head to the full review of the whole lineup…
Top Pick
Farm Innovators Model HPF-100
An energy efficient waterer that offers 100 watts of power and prevents water from reaching 0 Degrees Fahrenheit using thermostatic control technology.
Farm Innovators Model HPF-100
The patented freeze proof chicken waterer is the “all seasons” solution for the chicken coop. Farm Innovators decided on a simple water fountain design, making it easier for small chicks and hatchlings to drink from the base.
The heated poultry waterer works with thermostatically controlled technology to heat the water as needed.
This prevents rapid power consumption, making the product more energy efficient.
Capacity
What makes the Model HPF-100 a fair mention is its size.
It can hold up to 3 gallons of water, so your birds will have plenty to drink throughout the day.
It offers 100 watts in power and prevents water from reaching 0 Degrees Fahrenheit, but you will have to check it should temperatures reach 15 below.
Placement
This product can be hung or placed on a flat surface.
By hanging, it can take up less space in the coop but make sure it is at an appropriate height for smaller chicks or birds to reach.
It consists of rigid plastic to prevent the relentless peckers in your flock from damaging the surface. It is also considered relatively easy to clean.
Reservoir System
Because the waterer works with a reservoir system, you simply need to fill the bottom without removing the top.
This can be tricky when the heated poultry waterer is placed in a coop and connected to electrical wires.
TIP
Take care to allow enough slack on the cable so you can easily keep the water level consistent.
Specs
- Automatic Heating: Yes
- Outdoor Use: No
- BPA Free: No
Pros
- Small chicks can use it
- Simple setup
- Thermostatically controlled
Cons
- Tendency to overflow
- Can be tricky to refill
- Short power cord
Best Value
Farm Innovators Round Heated Pet Bowl
An easy to clean product that provides chickens with fresh water. Also easy to fill and only heats water when necessary.
Farm Innovators Round Heated Pet Bowl
For an easy to clean product that provides chickens with fresh water, the Farm Innovators Heated Bowl certainly doesn’t disappoint.
Thermostatic Control
This 1½ gallon heated bowl for chickens has a built-in 60-watt heater that is thermostatically controlled.
This means that it only heats the water when necessary to save on power consumption.
During the winter months, the last thing I want to do is truck through the snow to fill and clean waterers!
I like the heated pet bowl because it provides enough water for my hens and beats the freezing temperatures.
Usage
It is also easy to fill and the right size for larger chickens.
To prevent poultry from pecking at the cord or pests chewing through cables, the waterer comes with an “anti-chew” metal cord protector. The cord is 5 feet in length.
Specs
- Automatic Heating: Yes
- Outdoor Use: Yes
- BPA Free: No
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Easy to fill
- Suitable for large poultry and wild birds
- Thermostatically controlled
- Only heats when temperatures drop
Cons
- Flimsy plastic that is prone to damage
API Bucket or De-icer Pail 200 Watts
An easy to use heated mechanism that can be used on waterers to provide ice-free water all throughout the winter.
API Bucket or De-icer Pail 200 Watts
While not an auto chicken waterer, the API De-icer is a heated mechanism placed into birdbaths, dishes, and nipple drinkers made of metal or heat resistant plastic.
Function
This heating mechanism is simple to use and will provide all poultry ice-free water throughout the winter.
To prevent ice water, simply place the de-icer into the dish or bath in a flat or side mount position.
It comes with clamps so you can quickly secure the de-icer to a bucket or a water container. API incorporates a thermostat, so the water temperature is regulated continuously.
Power
Whether snow or icy winds, the 200-watt de-icer keeps containers of less than 15 gallons from freezing.
Regarding its heating system, the heating element is also enclosed, making it safe for animals, so make sure you check the water level in shallow bowls and baths.
The mechanism should always be covered with water to prevent damage to the element and thermostat.
Cord
What is unique about this product is the addition of a 6 ft cord with anti-rub properties.
You can safely and securely place the de-icer in the chicken coop or the water bath without fussing over short cable lengths.
Specs
- Automatic Heating: Yes
- Outdoor Use: Yes
- BPA Free: No
Pros
- Simple design with clips to side mount on bucket or container
- Thermostat for energy conservation
Cons
- Outdoor baths and coops may require longer length cables
Editor’s Choice
Harris Farms Heated Poultry Drinker Base
Maintenance-free heated base that will keep water from freezing in temperatures as low as 10F.
Harris Farms Heated Poultry Drinker Base
One of the most convenient ways to keep water for animals from icing over is with a heated pad or base.
Harris Farms delivers such convenience with its heated poultry waterer base.
The freeze proof chicken waterer is compatible with plastic and metal drinkers.
Function
Placing chicken waterers on top of the base will keep the water from freezing in temperatures as low as 10F.
This heated chicken waterer is maintenance-free.
Simply wipe it down once every few weeks to remove dust and dirt.
Packed with 125 watts of power, it will prevent all types of fountain chicken waterers from freezing.
Thermostatic Control
The thermostatic control only turns the heater on when temperatures drop, so you never have to worry about switching it on yourself or using too much electricity.
The heated poultry waterer base is made from a heavy duty metal and can be placed inside the coop or outdoors in a dry and covered area.
Specs
- Automatic Heating: Yes
- Outdoor Use: Yes
- BPA Free: No (metal)
Pros
- Easy to use and to maintain
- Auto thermostat for energy-efficient heating
- Compatible with metal or plastic chicken waterers
Cons
- Must be raised to prevent waste from falling into the drinker
- Can only be used with round bases or water founts
Farm Innovators Model HP-125 Heated Base
A thermal base that produces 125 watts of power to prevent water from freezing down to 10F. It will only turn on when the temperature reaches 35F and below.
Farm Innovators Model HP-125 Heated Base
The thermal base for chicken waterers consists of a basic design for double-wall metal founts.
It can be placed inside a coop or a run where chickens will have regular clean water access. Keep the area dry and level, so the chicken waterer remains operating safely.
Function
This drinker base produces 125 watts of power to prevent water from freezing down to 10F. Only when the temperature reaches 35F and below will the automatic chicken heater turn on.
The purpose is to avoid unnecessary electrical consumption.
The heating base for a heated poultry fountain is slightly elevated with a bottom cover to keep debris away from its heating element.
This extra cover also keeps pests out, such as mice looking to nest in winter.
Cable
You can use the 5ft cable to connect to an electrical outlet, so make sure to keep all power points protected against moisture and frost.
While I prefer the heated bases for keeping water from freezing, this product can only be used with metal and not plastic founts. It is a good idea to raise the base or to position it on non-conducting material.
Specs
- Automatic Heating: Yes
- Outdoor Use: Yes
- BPA Free: No (metal)
Pros
- Keeps water from freezing in snow, rain, or wind
- Easy to clean
- Base cover to protect against moisture, dirt, and pests
Cons
- Must be elevated
- Best placed outside the coop in a dry area
- Gets warm to the touch quickly
K&H Pet Products Perfect Bucket Heater
A safe and straightforward de-icer, an excellent option for an energy-efficient chicken waterer.
K&H Pet Products Perfect Bucket Heater
If you’re interested in a safe and straightforward de-icer, this bucket heater keeps up to 16 gallons of water from freezing in winter.
Function
K and H pet products thermo pail heater uses only 80 watts during the colder temperatures. It comes with a safety clip so you can secure the cable and avoid finding your chickens in a bit of a tangle!
To avoid lugging clean water to the chicken coop, you can insert the heater into a metal or plastic bucket.
Thermostatic Control
The heated poultry waterer includes thermostatic control.
This means that it only turns on when temperatures drop.
It is an excellent option for an energy-efficient chicken waterer.
Easy To Clean
The heating mechanism is easy to keep clean. It consists of a high quality enamel shell providing durability against wear and tear.
The best feature is the stainless steel manufacture, so you won’t have to worry about rust.
Specs
- Automatic Heating: Yes
- Outdoor Use: Yes
- BPA Free: No (enamel & stainless steel)
Pros
- It is easy to use with a clip for secure mounting
- The thick cord protects against frost
- Can be placed in a plastic bucket or metal pail
Cons
- Less affordable
Harris Farms Poultry Drinker
A semi-automatic poultry waterer that can be placed on a heated plate or base. It can hold up to 6.25 gallons of water, a suitable choice for a small flock of backyard chickens
Harris Farms Poultry Drinker
The poultry waterer by Harris Farms is not a heated or automatic chicken waterer.
It is a semi-automatic bpa free poultry waterer that can be placed on a heated plate or base.
BPA Free
This Harris Farms waterer kit is made from BPA free plastic.
Plastics without BPA are deemed safe for regular use because it prevents the release of chemicals into the water and food.
Along with its simple design, this bpa free water container can hold 6.25 gallons.
It is a suitable choice for a small group of chickens.
Capacity
The heavy duty fount and reservoir are also ideal for larger chickens.
It should be mounted or raised to allow chickens access to the base without scratch dirt and debris into the drinker.
Design
I prefer its clear plastic design allowing you to see the water level on the plastic container. This way, you can ensure your chooks always have enough to drink.
Another useful feature is its ability to use a compatible heating product.
You can easily keep this plastic poultry waterer from freezing in winter.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Suitable for larger chickens
- Fairly priced
- Easy fill
Cons
- Automatic Heater: No
- Outdoor Use: Yes
- BPA Free Plastic: Yes
How to Keep Water from Freezing in Chicken Coop
The best way to keep water from freezing in the chicken coop is to use a heated waterer.
Chickens need access to fresh warm water whether inside or outside the coop but with temperatures dipping during cold the weather, drinkers freeze, and buckets turn to ice.
Fortunately, our feathered friends can benefit from automatic heating or thermostatic technology!
Forget about hard winters and carrying water to your coop! The heated waterer makes it easier to keep chickens healthy and happy.
The Benefits of a Heated Chicken Waterer
Many wouldn’t give a heated waterer a second thought, but for those of us who live in cold climates or experience cold weather, these thermo poultry products offer immense value and convenience.
Rather than fight frigid temperatures, an automatic water heater for chickens will prevent the water from icing over.
Less Hassle
A heated waterer kit means no more trips outdoors and in the cold no matter the time of day. You can find heating products for 2 gallon up to 25 gallons of water depending on the type of waterer you use and the size of your flock.
Most of these heating accessories are easy to use.
You can choose between a base for heating water founts or de-icers that are side mounted in a bucket.
With so many features and positive attributes, we’ll now explore the things that differentiate these products from one another.
What is the Best Type of Heated Chicken Waterer?
The best chicken waterer provides automatic heating of drinkers, buckets, and troughs for the winter months.
It prevents the dreaded freeze and having to battle the wind, snow, and rain to get clean water to your chickens!
I’ve had a few dreadful experiences while hauling water to my chicken coop during cold days.
I’ve been drenched after spilling a bucket of water and have had to brave the heaviest snowfall just to keep my flock hydrated!
After much trial and error, I’ve discovered that the best features for a heated and automatic chicken waterer are:
- Weatherproof and rodent-proof cords.
- Longer length cords to reach outdoor coops.
- Thermostatic control for automatic heating.
- Easy to fill.
- Simple maintenance.
Your next automatic chicken waterer should hold enough water for your flock size in addition to these basic features.
You should also consider metal waterers vs. plastic waterers. Metal waterers can last against the elements and pesky rodents, while plastic waterers are the easiest to clean.
TIP
To reduce waste, consider adding side mounted nipples to a plastic bucket or drinker. It is also a simple step to provide chicken water to hatchlings.
Common Types of Heated Chicken Waterer Products
Heated Water Bowl for Chickens
The heated water bowl for chickens consists of a simple plastic bowl with an attached thermostat.
Unlike a traditional chicken waterer, you can use these products with all poultry types, including farm animals that spend time outdoors in the winter.
An example of such a bowl is the Farm Innovators 60-watt range.
Features
This waterer includes a weatherproof cord and a built-in thermostat keeping the water from icing over when temperatures drop below 10F.
Bowls are the easiest to clean and fill.
NOTE
If you want to use a bowl, secure it to ensure your birds don’t tip it over. This way, you can also prevent them from fouling the water when they scratch around, and well, do what chickens love to do!
Freeze Proof Chicken Waterer
A freeze proof or freeze free chicken waterer will prevent water from turning to ice. It does not keep the water temperature but will turn on when the thermostat drops to 10F or 15F.
Automatic Heated Chicken Waterer
When you’re looking for the best chicken waterer for the winter, it must include an automatic heating system.
A thermostatically controlled drinker, de-icer, or base will work without manual operation. It heats the water when the outside temperature starts to reach the freezing point.
K&H Pet Products thermo poultry bucket and de-icer is an example of an automatic heated chicken waterer.
As with every product, there are do’s and don’ts. Let’s look at the dos and don’ts of the heated chicken waterer.
Precautions for Using Heated Drinkers for Chickens
Anything electrical should always follow strict precautionary measures when used.
You certainly don’t want to risk injury to your chickens because of a malfunctioned heater!
The best step to keeping every chicken safe is to follow the instructions for connecting the product.
Placement
I placed the heated drinker outside the coop in a covered and dry area for my older hens.
You can hang an automatic drinker for chicks and add side mounted poultry water nipples they can reach with ease.
The heated nipple waterer prevents hatchlings from coming into contact with the element.
It also helps in keeping the water from fouling.
Cord
Ensure the cord is weatherproof.
A tough coating should cover it to withstand frost and moisture.
You can also find pest-resistant coverings, so rodents don’t chew through the wires!
Conclusion
Keep Water Ice Free with a Heated Chicken Waterer
Chickens need access to fresh water, no matter how cold it is outside.
The best way to meet their basic needs is with a heated chicken waterer!
The chicken waterer designed to brave the freezing winter temperatures is a simple, cost-effective means of making water accessible 24/7.
My Personal Flock Heater
I know that my heated plastic poultry watering system has made life so much easier!
I use a 2 gallon bucket with a de-icer and heated bowls to give all my birds ice-free water. There’s also the added benefit of staying warm indoors rather than transporting pails to the coop in the middle of a snowstorm.
You are truly spoilt for choice when you choose the best chicken waterer.
Top 3 Best Heated Chicken Waterer
If you find it tough to decide which is right for your flock, consider our top picks!
The Harris Farms Heated Poultry Waterer Base and the Farm Innovators Model HPF-100 are ideal products that offer easy cleaning and reliable heating, which is why they have the top spots.
If you’re looking for something affordable and high quality, the Farm Innovators Model P-60 round heated bowl is always a winner. I hope that this winter, you get a wonderful heated chicken waterer to keep your feathered friends happy and healthy!
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