I need something to keep my 5 gallon chicken watering bucket from freezing in winter (coming on fast). Is this too big?
50215
I wouldn't think so. I don't know what part of the country you're from, but here in Wisconsin our winters get pretty cold (-30 degrees is not uncommon). This heater is very reliable. Just put it in the bottom of the bucket so water currents (warm water rises) will distribute the warm water.
50216
I think it would work just fine. In my opinion itsa lot of power for just a bird bath, but a five gallon bucket I think it would work well in. of course I haven't tried that but I think it's probably powerful enough.
50217
I can't answer your direct question but, this is our 2nd purchase (8 yr interval). If your 5 gal. bucket is short & wider rather than tall, would think cord could be balanced & not fall in. We use in our birdbath all winter when temps dip below freezing in Michigan. It truly is dependable & works great for us.
50218
I have been using this in a bird bath-shallow and not very long. It should be perfect for a 5 gallon bucket. It works great.
1211312
Yes. This is a high quality ice bucket, as you can typically expect from Lenox. One would have to beg the question what difference there would be between a large can and this if it weren't "double-walled" or "insulated".
85009
I used both a 3 gallon bucket and a water bottle used on a bicycle. Both worked as planned, the chickens just didn't figure it out. Others have gotten their chickens to peck at them though.
1082905
I don't have a 5-gallon bucket handy, but I would say no. The cooler isn't tapered and it is approximately 11.6" in diameter
2243876
It is never a good idea to let water freeze in any container unless there is a lot of room for it to expand. I drain all my rain barrels, turn them over or place them on their sides. This year I cleaned this one on the inside as well as it sits in the sun all summer and does get some algae. I also think the freezing of water in it can not be good for the valve. I leave mine open. If you can not move it or turn it, leave the drain open so what rain or melt you get can drain out. We can get down to -25 here in Vermont. The barrel itself does just fine with the cold. And I do not need it active again until late April. Good Luck. It is never a good idea to let water freeze in any container unless there is a lot of room for it to expand. I drain all my rain barrels, turn them over or place them on their sides. This year I cleaned this one on the inside as well as it sits in the sun all summer and does get some algae. I also think the freezing of water in it can not be good for the valve. I leave mine open. If you can not move it or turn it, leave the drain open so what rain or melt you get can drain out. We can get down to -25 here in Vermont. The barrel itself does just fine with the cold. And I do not need it... » Read More It is never a good idea to let water freeze in any container unless there is a lot of room for it to expand. I drain all my rain barrels, turn them over or place them on their sides. This year I cleaned this one on the inside as well as it sits in the sun all summer and does get some algae. I also think the freezing of water in it can not be good for the valve. I leave mine open. If you can not move it or turn it, leave the drain open so what rain or melt you get can drain out. We can get down to -25 here in Vermont. The barrel itself does just fine with the cold. And I do not need it active again until late April. Good Luck. « Show Less
347637
It sounds like you're looking for a heater you can leave on it's own for an extended amount of time. This heater has a function that could keep your pumphouse from freezing, depending on the size. However, I don't personally believe this is the type of heater you should use in that situation. Though this heater is quite powerful for its size and inexpensive to use, a small ceramic heater like this turn into a pretty tremendous fire hazard if left unattended.
764157
A gallon would probably fill up the entire thing AND it does NOT keep stuff as cold as I would like; just cold enough to keep it from spoiling.
1083568
Mine did freeze this winter. I had to use a bowl and refill it frequently on days it did not get above freezing. If you have access to power you can place a bird bath warmer in your bucket and then hang it high so cords are out of the way. I do not have an outlet near my coop so I did not heat mine.
1683086
Yes. I have a 3 gallon and I think it is a bit too warm at times. It works well though
637588
I think it would. I use it in only 5 gal. And that is inside the hoop house for the chickens. It would take longer in 55 gal but it doesn't know how much water is there. It may not be warm, but should remain liquid.
1215421
Ours is very full this morning due to rain last night, maybe 1/4 inch from overflowing. The water measures 1.5 " right now. We agree with Ed that this unit works well, and has never frozen. It is plenty deep for the backyard birds to bathe and they share it nicely. I also find it easy to keep clean with a little elbow grease.
1207808
I use mine in a cooler that feeds my chicken watering system. if I remember correctly it is in the black piece near the heating ring.
410070
it only turns on under 32degrees but as to the lowest outside air temp it will keep the water from freezing I don't know. We keep it in the chicken house, central NJ and I have never seen the water in the bowl or the tank freeze. I think the chickens would freeze first.
1083570
I use a 250W pond deicer with a built-in thermostat purchased from Jeffers Livestock for around $40. It's smaller than most of the deicers I've seen. My husband cut a little notch in the rim of the bucket for the cord, to allow the lid to fit. It sits in the middle of the nipples on the bottom of the bucket. Been using this system for 3 winters. Works great!
1709955
Wouldn't be my first choice for boiling a 5 gal. Pot. The cool is about 5-7 inch across. It could produce the heat though to get the job done
1962856
I use the heater in a cut off 5 gal bucket to water chickens I always keep 2 in or more water in the bucket never a problem.
1499657
I can't see how it would work as a waterer. It would only hold a little cause it would overflow. Now that winter is over, a plain old bucket would be better.