Say Goodbye to Frozen Chicken Water this Winter
Everyone who has chickens has had to deal with frozen water. If you're tired of hauling buckets in the snow, swapping out frozen bowls multiple times a day, or relying on heated dog bowls and sketchy DIY tricks (like salt water bottles), there's a better way.
The Problem with Quick Fixes
Frozen water is one of the biggest winter challenges for chicken owners. Many backyard chicken keepers turn to creative hacks—heated dog bowls, makeshift insulation, or DIY solutions—but these are often unreliable. When temperatures plummet, you can't afford to have your water system fail. Your flock needs consistent access to fresh water, even when it's below freezing.
Set it and forget it - Once installed, the system runs automatically all winter long without daily intervention
A Reliable Winter Watering Solution
The key to winter watering is simple: ensure water moves, stays clean, and doesn't freeze. A heated, circulating water system solves all three problems at once.
The Carolina Coops Poultry Water System Winterizing Bundle is designed specifically for this challenge. Here's how it works:
Water circulation prevents freezing - The system keeps water moving through the lines, which naturally resists ice formation
Smart thermostatic control - The Heat-It thermostatic switch controls when your pump runs, kicking it on before temperatures freeze and shutting it off when temps rise above freezing. This means your pump doesn't run constantly, extending its life significantly
Separate de-icer protection - The de-icer has its own built-in thermostatic switch and plugs into a separate outlet (not the Heat-It) to provide additional freeze protection. It goes right into the rain barrel
Set it and forget it - Once installed, the system runs automatically all winter long without daily intervention
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Stop fighting winter and start preparing for it. Your chickens—and your back—will thank you.
Winter Prep Essentials
Before winter hits, take these steps:
Verify your power source - Make sure you have electricity running to your coop. Test it with a voltage meter, cell phone charger, lamp, or hair dryer to confirm it's working reliably. You'll need at least two separate outlets—one for the Heat-It (which controls the pump) and one for the de-icer.
Flush your rain barrel - If you use a rain barrel, remove debris and fill it up at the start of winter to ensure clean water
Reset your components - If you're bringing out your system from last season, place both the Heat-It switch and the de-icer in the freezer for about 30 minutes. When you take them out, the Heat-It should have a light that turns on, and the de-icer will start to feel warm in your hands. This confirms both are ready for the season.
Set up properly - Plug your pump into the Heat-It thermostatic switch, and plug the de-icer directly into a separate outlet (not into the Heat-It).
The Bottom Line on Poultry Water in Winter
You don't have to spend your winter mornings hauling buckets or worrying about frozen water. With a properly winterized heated water system, your flock gets consistent access to fresh water, and you get peace of mind—no matter how cold it gets.
Stop fighting winter and start preparing for it. Your chickens—and your back—will thank you.
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The author : Ingrid Fromm
Since 2017, Ingrid has been living the backyard chicken dream—complete with what she lovingly calls her "bougie birds." Her journey began with the purchase of an American Coop, which eventually led to her role in marketing for Carolina Coops, where she gets to share her passion professionally. When she's not tending to her pampered poultry, you'll find Ingrid cultivating her permaculture food forest right in the heart of Raleigh, proving that sustainable, organic living thrives even within city limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the poultry water system if I don't have electricity nearby?
No, the poultry water system circulates and needs electricity for the pump to run. The winterizing bundle also requires electricity.
Can I use an extension cord to run electricity to the poultry water system?
Yes. But make sure it's a heavy-duty extension cord rated for outdoor use. Also, make sure it's not too long, because the longer it is, the greater the chance that something won't work correctly.
Do I need to clean my de-icer each season?
Yes! But just use a solution of water with some vinegar and a coarse wire brush to remove any build-up. This will ensure your de-icer will work effectively and extend its life.
Why can't the de-icer plug into the Heat-It?
The de-icer has its own thermostatic switch. The pump does not, so it has to be plugged into the Heat-It so it kicks on before the temps get below freezing and turns off again once the temperatures rise.
