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

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

1. Create 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 waterers. If the waterer is too large, opt instead for a specific anti-freeze bell, which is often less expensive than a homemade one.

Here are the steps to follow:

• Collect an empty plastic bottle with its cap.
• Fill it with water and add a cup of salt to prevent the water from freezing inside.
• Float the bottle in your pet's water bowl.
• The movement of the salt water in the bottle, which is less likely to freeze, will help keep the water in the waterer frost-free.

Another effective option is to use a frost-proof bell, which you can make yourself or buy ready-made.

For a DIY frost bell you will need:

• A polystyrene box with its lid
• A cutter and a pen
• A strong, thick straw
• A hot glue gun
• A bowl

Here are the manufacturing steps:

1. Remove the lid from the Styrofoam box and turn it over.
2. Place the bowl upside down in the center of the lid and draw a circle using the pen.
3. Cut out the circle neatly with the cutter to obtain the base of your anti-frost bell.
4. Turn the body of the polystyrene box over and make a small hole in the center using the pen, until it goes through to the other side.
5. Insert the thick straw into the hole, extending 5 cm beyond the other side of the lid.
6. Glue the lid and the box together using the hot glue gun.
7. Place your frost protection cover, hole down, in the water trough or basin to keep the water frost-free.

3. Choose a large water trough and expose it to the sun

Opt for a large waterer rather than a small bucket. The larger the volume of water, the less quickly it will freeze. Also, place the waterer in the sun during the day so it gets the most heat, reducing the risk of nighttime freezing.

Additional Tips for Chicken Keepers

Most chickens do not drink at night. Empty the water from the waterer at bedtime and provide fresh water in the morning to prevent freezing.

Invest in frost-proof trays that sit on top of the waterer and diffuse heat without warming the water.

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

FAQ

At what temperature should I protect my waterers from frost?

It is recommended to put in place antifreeze solutions as soon as temperatures drop below 0°C for a prolonged period, generally at night.

Are these techniques suitable for all types of animals?

Yes, these methods are suitable for most livestock, such as chickens, ducks, horses, cattle, etc. Just be sure to adjust the size of the waterer and anti-freeze devices according to the species concerned.

Can I use salt in my pets water to prevent freezing?

It is not recommended to add salt directly to your pets' drinking water as it may harm their health. Salt should only be used in the plastic bottle float to lower the freezing point of the water inside.

By applying these techniques and following our advice, you can effectively protect your waterers from winter frost and ensure your animals have constant access to water. To discover other tips for maintaining and managing your livestock, don't hesitate to browse our blog!