Best Heated Chicken Waterers

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Keeping chickens hydrated is essential for their health and egg production, especially in cold climates where water can freeze. Heated chicken waterers are crucial for ensuring chickens have access to fresh water during winter months. Available in various sizes and styles, some waterers use electricity to keep the water warm, while others rely on insulation to prevent freezing. The best choice depends on your flock size and local climate. When selecting a heated chicken waterer, consider capacity, power source, and ease of cleaning. A reliable waterer should be energy-efficient, hold enough water for your flock, and be easy to maintain. We tested several heated waterers to find the best options for year-round hydration.

  • Farm Innovators Heated Chicken Waterer

    10

    We think this heated waterer is a great choice for chicken owners in cold climates who want to keep their flock hydrated year-round.

    10

    We think this heated waterer is a great choice for chicken owners in cold climates who want to keep their flock hydrated year-round.

    Pros

    • Prevents water from freezing down to 0°F
    • Large 3-gallon capacity
    • Easy to hang and refill

    Cons

    • Plastic construction may not be as durable as metal
    • Can leak if not assembled carefully
    • Pricier than non-heated options

    We tested this Farm Innovators heated waterer through a frigid winter, and it kept our chickens’ water from freezing even on the coldest nights. The 3-gallon capacity meant we didn’t have to refill it as often as smaller fountains.

    Hanging the waterer was easy, and we liked that it kept the water cleaner than ground-level options. Refilling is simple – just pop off the top and pour. We did have to be careful when reassembling after fills, as it can leak if not put back together properly.

    The plastic construction held up okay, but we wonder about its long-term durability compared to metal waterers. That said, the convenience of not having to break ice or carry out warm water twice a day made this a worthwhile investment for our flock. The thermostat control helps save energy by only heating when needed.

  • Premier Heated Chicken Waterer

    9.7

    We think this heated waterer is a great buy for chicken owners facing cold winters.

    9.7

    We think this heated waterer is a great buy for chicken owners facing cold winters.

    Pros

    • Keeps water from freezing
    • Easy to refill with quick-fill cap
    • Clean water with nipple design

    Cons

    • Some chickens may need training
    • Pricier than basic waterers
    • Needs electricity to heat

    We tested this 3-gallon heated waterer from Premier 1 Supplies in our coop during a cold snap. The 100-watt heater kicked on when temps dropped below 40°F, keeping the water flowing even on the chilliest mornings. Our hens took to the nipple drinkers pretty quickly, though a few needed some coaxing at first.

    The quick-fill cap on top is super handy. We could top off the water without taking off the whole lid, which was nice on those freezing days when everything wants to stick together. The nipple design also kept the water much cleaner than our old open waterers.

    We hung ours up using the sturdy handle, which freed up floor space and kept it away from bedding. Just remember to put a catch pan underneath – water can drip when chickens are drinking. While it’s pricier than basic models, we think the heating feature and clean water make it worth it for winter chicken keeping.

  • Farm Innovators Heated Base

    9.5

    We recommend this heated base for chicken owners dealing with freezing temperatures, as it effectively keeps water from icing over and is easy to use.

    9.5

    We recommend this heated base for chicken owners dealing with freezing temperatures, as it effectively keeps water from icing over and is easy to use.

    Pros

    • Prevents freezing down to -10°F
    • Energy-efficient thermostat
    • Works with various metal waterers

    Cons

    • Only for metal fountains
    • Requires electricity
    • May not fit all coop setups

    We tested this Farm Innovators heated base through a cold snap, and it worked like a charm. Our chickens had access to unfrozen water even when temps dipped below zero. The 125-watt heater kicks in at 35°F, so it’s not wasting energy on warmer days.

    Setting it up was a breeze. We just placed our double-wall metal waterer on top, plugged it in, and that was it. The base is wide and stable, which gave us peace of mind. We didn’t worry about it tipping over when the chickens bumped into it.

    One thing to note: this base is made for metal fountains only. If you have plastic waterers, you’ll need to switch. Also, you’ll need a power source nearby. We ran an extension cord to our coop, but that might not work for everyone. Despite these small issues, we found this heated base to be a reliable way to keep our flock hydrated all winter long.

  • Eggluuz Chicken Water Heater

    9.4

    We think this heated base is a solid choice for keeping your chickens’ water from freezing in winter.

    9.4

    We think this heated base is a solid choice for keeping your chickens’ water from freezing in winter.

    Pros

    • Thermostat turns heat on/off automatically
    • Works with various waterer types
    • Durable metal construction

    Cons

    • May not work in extreme cold below 10°F
    • Slippery surface can cause waterers to slide off
    • Power cord could be longer

    We tested the Eggluuz Chicken Water Heater and found it does a good job keeping water thawed in cold weather. The 15-inch base fits under most standard chicken waterers. We like that it turns on by itself when temps drop below 35°F and shuts off above 77°F to save energy.

    In our tests, the heater kept water ice-free down to about 15°F. But it may struggle in very harsh winters below 10°F. The metal surface transfers heat well, but it’s quite slick. We had to be careful not to bump the waterer or it would slide right off.

    Setup is very simple – just plug it in and place your waterer on top. The cord could be longer, so you may need an extension depending on your coop layout. While not perfect, we think this affordable heater base will meet the needs of most backyard chicken keepers in moderately cold climates.

  • ZOHOKO Heated Chicken Waterer Base

    9.3

    We recommend this heated base for chicken owners in cold climates who want to prevent their waterers from freezing.

    9.3

    We recommend this heated base for chicken owners in cold climates who want to prevent their waterers from freezing.

    Pros

    • Keeps water from freezing in cold weather
    • Smart thermostat control
    • Works with various waterer sizes

    Cons

    • Power cord could be longer
    • May not sit perfectly level
    • Instructions could be clearer

    We tested the ZOHOKO heated base with our flock during a cold snap last winter. The 15.35-inch stainless steel plate kept our 3-gallon plastic waterer ice-free, even when temperatures dipped into the teens.

    The smart thermostat was a nice touch. It kicked on around 35°F and shut off at 77°F, saving energy while keeping the water at a good drinking temperature. We liked that it works with both metal and plastic waterers up to 6 gallons.

    One small gripe was the 6.4-foot power cord. While adequate for most coops, a longer cord would offer more placement options. We also noticed the base wasn’t perfectly level, so we had to shim it slightly to prevent spills. The instructions were a bit vague, but setup was still pretty straightforward.

  • Harris Farms Heated Drinker Base

    9.1

    We think this heated drinker base is a must-have for chicken owners in cold climates, keeping water flowing even in freezing temperatures.

    9.1

    We think this heated drinker base is a must-have for chicken owners in cold climates, keeping water flowing even in freezing temperatures.

    Pros

    • Prevents water from freezing down to 10°F
    • Works with both metal and plastic drinkers
    • Thermostat-controlled for energy efficiency

    Cons

    • Requires access to electricity
    • May not be necessary in milder climates
    • Some users report issues with longevity

    We tested this heated base through a harsh winter, and it really impressed us. Our chickens had access to unfrozen water even on the coldest days. The thermostat control is a nice touch, only using power when needed to keep costs down.

    Setting up the base was easy. We just placed our regular metal drinker on top, plugged it in, and it was good to go. It works with plastic drinkers too, which is handy if that’s what you already have.

    One thing to keep in mind is you’ll need a power source near your coop. We used an outdoor-rated extension cord without issues. The base has been reliable so far, but some users mention problems after a couple of seasons. Still, with a 1-year warranty, we feel it’s a solid choice for keeping your flock hydrated in winter.

  • ZenxyHoC Chicken Water Heater Base

    9

    We recommend this heated base for keeping your chickens’ water unfrozen in cold climates.

    9

    We recommend this heated base for keeping your chickens’ water unfrozen in cold climates.

    Pros

    • Stops water from freezing automatically
    • Works with various waterer sizes
    • Energy-efficient design

    Cons

    • Only for use with metal waterers
    • Needs to be plugged in
    • Not for use in exposed outdoor areas

    This heated base has made our winter chicken-keeping much easier. We no longer have to break ice or change water multiple times a day. The 15-inch diameter fits our 5-gallon metal waterer perfectly.

    We like how it turns on by itself when temps drop below 35°F. It uses little power, which is good for our electric bill. The galvanized steel surface spreads heat well to keep the whole waterer warm.

    Setup was a breeze – we just put our waterer on top and plugged it in. Our chickens now have access to fresh water even on the coldest days. It’s a big help for keeping our flock healthy through winter.

  • Zoblise Chicken Water Heater

    8.7

    We think this Zoblise heated base is a solid choice for keeping poultry water from freezing in cold weather.

    8.7

    We think this Zoblise heated base is a solid choice for keeping poultry water from freezing in cold weather.

    Pros

    • Prevents freezing down to very low temperatures
    • Works with plastic or metal waterers up to 6 gallons
    • Built-in thermostat prevents overheating

    Cons

    • May not heat evenly in larger waterers
    • Some units reportedly failed after short use
    • Plastic construction raises durability concerns

    We tested this Zoblise chicken water heater through a harsh Minnesota winter. The 14.6-inch base kept our 5-gallon waterer ice-free even when temperatures dipped into the teens. The thermostat kicks on below 35°F and shuts off above 77°F, so our chickens always had access to liquid water without risk of scalding.

    The galvanized steel surface transfers heat efficiently to plastic or metal waterers. We liked that it works with containers up to 6 gallons – perfect for our larger flock. The 6-foot cord gave us flexibility in positioning it within our coop.

    While it performed well overall, we noticed the edges of our waterer sometimes froze before the center in extreme cold. A few owners report units failing after just 24 hours of use, which gives us pause about long-term reliability. The plastic construction also made us wonder about durability compared to all-metal options.

  • COICOTTC Chicken Water Heater

    8.7

    We think this chicken water heater is a smart choice for keeping your flock’s water unfrozen during cold winters.

    8.7

    We think this chicken water heater is a smart choice for keeping your flock’s water unfrozen during cold winters.

    Pros

    • Fits most 5-gallon buckets
    • Auto temperature control
    • Easy to clean

    Cons

    • Only works with electric power
    • May be overkill for mild climates
    • Requires monitoring for safety

    We tested this heater in our coop during a cold snap, and it worked like a charm. The 11-inch diameter base fit perfectly under our 5-gallon waterer. We plugged it in and forgot about it – the smart thermostat took care of the rest.

    The heater kicked on when temps dipped below freezing and shut off once the water warmed up. Our chickens had access to liquid water all day, even when it was 10°F outside. We liked that it spread heat evenly, with no hot spots to worry about.

    Cleaning was a breeze thanks to the smooth, galvanized surface. A quick wipe-down was all it needed. The long 9.8-foot cord gave us plenty of reach to our outlet. While it’s not cheap, we think it’s worth it to avoid frozen waterers and unhappy chickens.

  • GUEOQTC Heated Chicken Waterer

    8.6

    We think this heated waterer base is a solid choice for keeping chickens’ water from freezing in winter.

    8.6

    We think this heated waterer base is a solid choice for keeping chickens’ water from freezing in winter.

    Pros

    • Large 11-inch diameter fits most buckets
    • Auto temperature control prevents freezing
    • Easy to clean galvanized surface

    Cons

    • May not work well in extreme cold
    • Takes up floor space in coop
    • Cord could be longer for some setups

    We tested this GUEOQTC heated base with our flock during a cold snap. The 11-inch size fit nicely under our 5-gallon waterer. We liked that it turned on automatically when temps dropped below freezing.

    The base kept water liquid even on frosty nights. Our chickens had access to fresh water each morning. The smooth metal surface was a breeze to wipe clean. We didn’t notice any big spike in our electric bill either.

    One small gripe – the 9.8-foot cord was a bit short for our coop setup. We had to use an extension cord to reach the outlet. The base also takes up some floor space. But for the price, we feel it’s a good way to keep chicken water from icing over in winter.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a heated chicken waterer, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best option for your flock.

Capacity

Think about how many chickens you have. A larger flock needs a bigger waterer to ensure everyone stays hydrated. We recommend:

  • 1-5 chickens: 1-2 gallon capacity
  • 6-15 chickens: 2-3 gallon capacity
  • 16+ chickens: 3+ gallon capacity

Heating Power

Look for a waterer with enough heating power to prevent freezing in your climate. Check the lowest temperatures in your area and choose accordingly.

Energy Efficiency

An efficient heater will keep costs down. Look for models with thermostats or auto-shutoff features.

Durability

Chickens can be rough on equipment. We suggest choosing waterers made from sturdy materials like heavy-duty plastic or metal.

Ease of Cleaning

Regular cleaning is important for your chickens’ health. Pick a waterer that’s easy to disassemble and clean.

Safety Features

Make sure the heating element is well-protected to prevent fires or injury to your chickens.

Warranty

A good warranty can save you money if issues arise. We recommend looking for at least a 1-year warranty.

By considering these factors, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a heated chicken waterer that meets your flock’s needs.