How to prevent the water in your waterers from freezing in winter?

​​In winter, when the temperature drops below 0°C, the water in drinkers, rainwater tanks, and other containers tends to freeze. Breaking the ice daily can be tedious and energy-intensive. Discover some effective techniques in this article to prevent the water in your drinkers from freezing, whether you are a chicken keeper, horse owner, or have other animals.

Why does water in a drinker freeze so quickly?

A drinker contains a small amount of water, exposed to cold air over its entire surface. As soon as the temperature drops below 0°C, especially at night, a layer of ice can form and deprive animals of liquid water.

The larger the volume of water, the longer it takes to cool down: this is why a large drinker freezes more slowly than a bucket. Water that is slightly moving also freezes more slowly than perfectly still water, and a drinker exposed to the wind cools down faster than a sheltered drinker.

The real risk for the animal is not the ice itself, but the lack of access to water. During periods of frost, check the drinker in the morning and at the end of the day, regardless of the solution chosen.

1. Creating a float from a plastic bottle

A simple and economical solution is to make a float from a plastic bottle. This method is particularly suitable for small drinkers. If the drinker is too large, opt instead for a specific anti-freeze dome, which is often less expensive than a homemade one.

Here are the steps to follow:

• Get an empty plastic bottle with its cap.
• Fill it with water and add a cup of salt to prevent the water inside from freezing.
• Let the bottle float in your animal's drinker.
• The movement of the saltwater in the bottle, which is less likely to freeze, will help keep the water in the drinker from freezing.

2. Making or buying an anti-freeze dome

Another effective option is to use an anti-freeze dome, which you can make yourself or buy ready-made.

For a DIY anti-freeze dome, you will need:

• A polystyrene box with its lid
• A utility knife and a pen
• A sturdy, thick straw
• A hot glue gun
• A bowl

Here are the steps to make it:

1. Remove the lid from the polystyrene box and turn it upside down.
2. Place the bowl upside down in the center of the lid and draw a circle using the pen.
3. Neatly cut out the circle with the utility knife to create the base of your anti-freeze dome.
4. Turn the polystyrene box body upside down and make a small hole in the center using the pen, all the way through to the other side.
5. Insert the thick straw into the hole, leaving it protruding 5 cm from the other side of the lid.
6. Glue the lid and the box together using the hot glue gun.
7. Place your anti-freeze dome, hole facing down, in the drinker or pond to keep the water from freezing.

3. Choose a large drinker and expose it to the sun

Opt for a large drinker rather than a small bucket. The larger the volume of water, the slower it will freeze. In addition, place the drinker in the sun during the day so that it benefits from maximum warmth, thus reducing the risk of freezing at night.

Additional tips for chicken keepers

Most chickens do not drink at night. Empty the drinker at dusk and provide them with fresh water in the morning to prevent freezing.

Invest in anti-freeze trays that sit on the drinker and radiate heat without warming the water.

A heating disc, placed under the drinker, can provide enough heat to prevent the water from freezing.

Which solution to choose for your setup?

There is no single answer: it all depends on the size of the drinker, the animal, and the availability of a nearby electrical outlet. The diagram below helps you decide, and the table summarizes the strengths and limitations of each solution presented in this article.

Mistakes to avoid and safety

A few simple habits prevent unpleasant surprises, for you and your animals.

• Adding salt or a product to the drinking water: salt is only used in the float bottle, never in the water the animals drink.
• Adding car antifreeze or a de-icing product: these products are toxic and have no place in a drinker.
• Leaving a cable or extension cord within reach of animals: they can bite them. Use equipment designed for outdoor use and protect the cables.
• Placing the drinker in the shade and facing the wind: place it in the sun instead, sheltered from the wind.
• Settling for breaking the ice: this is an action to repeat every day, while a suitable solution delays freezing.
• Forgetting to check the water at the end of the day: it is better to check the drinker before nightfall.

When the weather forecast calls for frost, prepare the drinker the day before: dome in place, drinker in the sun, fresh water to be renewed in the morning. If you also have a pond, our tips for good practices in winter complement these tips.

FAQ

From what temperature should I protect my drinkers from frost?

It is recommended to put anti-freeze solutions in place as soon as temperatures drop below 0°C for an extended period, generally at night.

Are these techniques suitable for all types of animals?

Yes, these methods are suitable for most farm animals, such as chickens, ducks, horses, cattle, etc. Simply make sure to adapt the size of the drinker and the anti-freeze devices according to the species concerned.

Can I use salt in my animals' water to prevent freezing?

It is not recommended to add salt directly to your animals' drinking water, as this could impair their health. Salt should only be used in the plastic bottle float to lower the freezing point of the water inside.

Which solution to choose for chickens?

Chickens generally do not drink at night: empty the drinker at dusk and provide fresh water in the morning. In addition, a heating tray or disc limits freezing during the day when an outlet is available.

Can a pond anti-freeze dome be used in a drinker?

Yes, the principle is the same: the dome limits contact between the water and the cold air while allowing a small passage of air. Check that its diameter is suitable for your drinker and follow the manufacturer's instructions, especially the minimum operating temperature.

What to do if the water has frozen despite everything?

Remove the ice without hitting the drinker so as not to damage it, then replace the water with fresh water. Then check that the animals are drinking normally and plan a lasting solution for the following night.

By applying these techniques and following our advice, you will be able to effectively protect your drinkers from winter frost and ensure your animals constant access to water. To discover other maintenance and management tips for your farm, feel free to browse our blog!