Got a $50 heated water bowl and it saved my flock during that cold snap

I picked up the Farm Innovators heated waterer from Tractor Supply back in November after losing a hen to freezing temps the year before. That thing kept water ice-free down to 15 degrees even when my extension cord was barely reaching. Has anyone else tried those metal rimmed bowls versus the plastic ones? I'm wondering if the metal lasts longer.

2 comments

2 Comments

clairec789d ago

Honestly go with the metal rimmed ones every time. I got a plastic heated bowl last year and the heating element burnt out after one winter. The metal ones are tougher, they don't crack when it gets real cold, and the rim actually stops the ice from forming around the edges. My Farm Innovators metal one is going on its second winter and it still works perfect down to ten degrees.

lane.joel8d ago

Hold up @clairec78, I gotta disagree hard here. I've had three metal rimmed bowls crack at the seam near the bottom after two seasons, and the replacement cost adds up quick. The plastic ones I've used actually flex a bit when the temps drop real low, and my current one from API has been running strong for three winters without any heating element issues. Plus the metal rim can get crazy hot on the outside and I've seen dogs get curious about it, which seems like a safety thing nobody talks about.