Keeping your chickens hydrated during the colder months can be a challenge, especially when temperatures dip below freezing.
One of the easiest ways to ensure they always have access to fresh water is by building a heated chicken waterer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make your very own DIY heated waterer using a few basic materials. Let’s get started!
Materials You’ll Need
- A #10 can (or similar sized can)
- A piece of wood (large enough to fit the base)
- Jigsaw
- Drill
- Extension cord (heavy-duty)
- Light fixture (such as a simple light socket or fixture)
- Lightbulb (appropriate wattage for heating purposes)
- Screws (if necessary)
- Dimmer switch (optional)
- Bedding (such as straw or wood shavings)
Step 1: Create the Base
The first thing we need to do is create a solid base that will hold everything together. Start by grabbing a piece of wood and tracing around a #10 can on it. This will serve as the template for your base. Once you have the outline, use a jigsaw to carefully cut it out.
Be sure to cut inside the line by about 1/8 inch—this ensures that the can will fit snugly over the wood base. After cutting out the wood, drill a hole in the center, about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. This hole is where the extension cord and wiring will pass through, so make sure it’s large enough to fit the components you’ll be using.
Step 2: Wire the Light Fixture
Now it’s time to wire the light fixture. First, cut off the female end of your extension cord, then strip back the wire insulation at both ends. You will then connect the wire ends to the light fixture, making sure to follow proper electrical guidelines. If you’re using a light socket fixture, attach the wires according to the fixture’s instructions.
Important: Please ensure you’re following your local electrical codes when working with electricity. Improper wiring can be dangerous and cause fires. If you feel unsure about wiring the circuit yourself, it’s always a good idea to find someone experienced to assist you.
Once everything is connected, plug the extension cord into a socket and test the connection to ensure it’s working properly. The light should turn on and give off some heat, which is what we want for the heated waterer.
Step 3: Assemble the Waterer
Next, we’ll start putting everything together. Slide the extension cord through the hole you drilled in the wooden base. From there, fasten the light fixture to the base. This could be done using screws or a mounting fixture, depending on the type of light you’re using.
After securing the fixture, take the #10 can and slide it over the wooden base with the closed side facing up. If the fit isn’t snug, you can use screws to hold the can in place and ensure it doesn’t shift around. Once the can is firmly in place, you should be able to feel heat radiating from the lightbulb when plugged in.
Step 4: Install the Waterer in the Coop
Now that your heated waterer is assembled, it’s time to install it in your chicken coop. Set the base on a flat, level surface inside the coop. You may need to move some bedding around it to ensure it sits properly. After placing the base down, plug the extension cord into an electrical outlet, and you’re ready to go!
Place the chicken waterer on top of the heated base, making sure it’s stable. The warmth from the lightbulb will help keep the water from freezing, even on the coldest days.
Pro Tip: If the base doesn’t lie flat due to the extension cord, consider chiseling a small channel in the bottom of the wood to make room for the cord. Alternatively, you can prop the base up using scrap wood or shims to make it sit more evenly.
Additional Tips for Optimizing the Setup
This heated waterer works great even when temperatures drop to -10°F. However, if you find the heat output isn’t quite enough, you can always use a higher-wattage lightbulb to increase the temperature and keep the water warm.
To save on electricity and gain more control over the heat level, consider installing a dimmer switch on the extension cord. This allows you to adjust the heat output based on the needs of your chickens. A dimmer switch can help you avoid wasting electricity while maintaining the right temperature for your waterer.
Conclusion
Creating a DIY heated chicken waterer is a simple and effective way to ensure your chickens stay hydrated during the winter months. With a few basic tools and materials, you can easily put together a functional and safe waterer that will keep your flock comfortable. By following these steps and using a dimmer switch, you can even customize the setup to best suit your needs.
So, give this project a try, and rest assured knowing your chickens will always have access to fresh, unfrozen water, even in the harshest of winters!
This plan is a contribution by [TheGrovestead]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.
Joseph Hudson has been raising chickens for over 15 years. In 2018, he completed the Agriculture & Natural Resources program at Mt. San Antonio College. He currently raises over 1400 chickens on his 7.5-hectare farm. He keeps sharing his experience on raising healthy and happy chickens on Chicken Scratch The Foundry.
