| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Farm Innovators HB-60P Heated 2 Gallon Poultry Drinker |
| Best All-Season Waterer | Farm Innovators Heated All-Season Poultry Fountain |
| Best Base for Metal Founts | Farm Innovators Heated Chicken Base |
| Best Large-Capacity Waterer | Premier Heated Poultry Waterer |
| Best Separate Base | Poultry Drinker Heater Base for Chicken Waterer Founts |
| Best Small Waterer | RentACoop 2-Liter Heated Poultry Waterer |
| Best Roost-Proof Waterer | K&H Pet Products Heated Thermo-Poultry Waterer |
Key Facts
- The #1 Best Overall heated chicken waterer is the Farm Innovators Heated Poultry Drinker.
- When you’re shopping for a heated chicken waterer, keep the following criterion in mind: ease of use, price, and capacity.
- There are two types of heated chicken waterers: stand-alone units and heated bases.
If you have chickens, a heated chicken waterer is essential for the colder months. Without it, you risk the water freezing, and chickens can’t drink frozen water. If your birds don’t have water for an extended period, they can become stressed and ill. In extreme cases, they may die without water.
Luckily, preventing frozen water is as easy as using a heated chicken waterer. These water dispensers simply keep water warm so that it will not freeze. It keeps the water drinkable and ensures that your chickens have a fresh source of water at all times.
We highly recommend that you utilize a quality waterer in this case, as your chickens will literally be relying on this product for their health. You don’t want it to fail exactly when your chickens need it.
Check Amazon- 2-gallon capacity
- Features freeze-free nipples
- Can be hanged or placed on the ground
- Features a 60-watt heater
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Heater is thermostatically controlled
- Contains three gallons of water
- Can be used for all-weather
- Easy to hang
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Heated base
- Can be used with double-wall metal founts
- Comes with a 1-year guarantee
- Made in the USA
Check Amazon- Features a secure lid that locks onto the base
- Three-gallon capacity
- Comes with three recessed nipples
- Built-in thermostat keeps water warm
Check Amazon- Adjustable to fit any waterer
- Secure brackets keep base in place
- Designed for temperatures as low as -20 degrees
- Very safe to use
Check Amazon- Holds two liters
- Works in temperatures of -10 degrees or higher
- Features a flip-top for easy filling
- Comes with a spring clip and a wire holder
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Features a 60-watt heater
- Cap is completely spill-proof
- Comes with a water filter ring to keep water clean
- Made from rust-proof material
A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Heated Chicken Waterers
#1 Best Overall: Farm Innovators HB-60P Heated 2 Gallon Poultry Drinker
Our choice for the #1 Best Overall chicken waterer is the Farm Innovators HB-60P Heated 2 Gallon Poultry Drinker. If you’re looking to provide your chickens with fresh and warm water throughout the winter months, then you may want to try this poultry drinker. It has a 2-gallon capacity, which should be enough for up to 15 chickens. Furthermore, we like that it is completely drip-free with freeze-free nipples. And it’s easy to refill the container thanks to the removable top.
This heated chicken waterer utilizes a 60-watt heater to prevent water from freezing. The drinker is side-mounted, which makes it a good option for enclosures. You can also hang it or place it on the ground, which makes it ideal for most setups.
Some reviewers reported that this heated chicken waterer worked well, but that it stopped working after one or several seasons of use.
Pros and Cons of the Farm Innovators HB-60P Heated 2 Gallon Poultry Drinker
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This heated chicken waterer has a 2-gallon capacity, which should be sufficient for up to 15 chickens. | Some reviewers said that it stopped working after one or several seasons of use. |
| It’s drip-free with freeze-free nipples. | |
| It’s easy to refill thanks to the container’s removable top. | |
| This poultry drinker uses a 60-watt heater to prevent water from freezer. | |
| You can side-mount this product, hang it, or place it on the ground, so it should work almost anywhere. |
- 2-gallon capacity
- Features freeze-free nipples
- Can be hanged or placed on the ground
- Features a 60-watt heater
2. Best All-Season Waterer: Farm Innovators Heated All-Season Poultry Fountain
We liked that the Farm Innovators Heated All-Season Poultry Fountain is 3 gallons, which is bigger than most other options. It features a 100-watt heater, which prevents the water from freezing. However, the heater is thermostatically controlled. Therefore, it only operates when necessary. It prevents the water from dropping below 0° F.
We appreciated that this fountain can be used throughout the year. You don’t have to switch it out in the summer when it becomes too warm for freezing temperatures.
If you’re looking for something you can use throughout all seasons, then this is the option for you.
The top two complaints from verified buyers were that the hanging handle on top is very flimsy and that filling it from the bottom is messy and inefficient.
Pros an Cons of the Farm Innovators Heated All-Season Poultry Fountain
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This 3-gallon poultry fountain has a larger capacity than most. | Some reviewers said that the hanging handle on top is very flimsy. |
| It features a 100-watt heater that prevents water from freezing. | Another complaint is that that filling it from the bottom is messy and inefficient. |
| The heater is thermostatically controlled, so it only operates when necessary to prevent water from dropping below 0° F. | |
| You can use the fountain year-round. |
- Heater is thermostatically controlled
- Contains three gallons of water
- Can be used for all-weather
- Easy to hang
3. Best Base for Metal Founts: Farm Innovators Model HP-125 Heated Base for Metal Poultry Founts
If you already have metal founts, then you can use the Farm Innovators Model HP-125 Heated Base for Metal Poultry Founts to heat it up and keep the water from freezing. We liked that his base allows you to use things you already have. Therefore, they are a great option for those that don’t want to purchase extra pieces of equipment.
This heated base prevents the water from getting down below 10° F. It is thermostatically controlled, so it keeps the water at the perfect temperature. You won’t have to worry about it getting too hot if the weather momentarily heats up.
We also liked that this water heater is also made in the United States.
Several reviewers reported that this product didn’t heat the water enough or that it didn’t operate at all when temperatures were below 10° F.
Pros and Cons of the Farm Innovators Model HP-125 Heated Base for Metal Poultry Founts
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This product is meant to heat metal poultry founts. | Several reviewers reported that this product didn’t heat the water enough. |
| It prevents water from dropping below 10° F. | Some said that it didn’t operate at all when temperatures were below 10° F. |
| It’s thermostatically controlled to keep water at the perfect temperature. | |
| It’s made in the U.S. |
- Heated base
- Can be used with double-wall metal founts
- Comes with a 1-year guarantee
- Made in the USA
4. Best Large-Capacity Waterer: Premier Heated Poultry Waterer
If you’re looking for something especially large, you may want to take a look at this Premium Heated Poultry Waterer. It has a 3-gallon capacity, so it works well when you have a flock of up to 35 birds. Furthermore, it is a great option for those who don’t want to purchase several water heaters.
It has a secure lid that locks onto the base. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about your chickens smacking off the lid or spilling the water. Furthermore, birds won’t be able to perch on the waterer or spoil the water. Plus, it also reduces the amount of power necessary to keep the water warm, as it traps the warm air inside.
There is a heavy-duty handle on top for carrying and hanging. There are three recessed nipples for your chickens to access the water with.
It features a detachable 16-foot cord for winter use. In the summer, you can remove this cord. It does use a built-in thermostat that keeps the water temperature between 40° F and 60° F.
Some reviewers said that their chickens wouldn’t drink from it or that they didn’t get sufficient water from the nipples. A few reviewers reported that the heater didn’t function correctly.
Pros and Cons of the Premier Heated Poultry Waterer
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This heated poultry waterer has a 3-gallon capacity and can water up to 35 chickens. | Some reviewers said that their chickens wouldn’t drink from it or that they didn’t get sufficient water from the nipples. |
| The lid locks securely onto the base so you don’t have to worry about water getting spilled or chickens fouling the water. | A few reviewers reported that the heater didn’t function correctly. |
| The lid also reduces the amount of power needed to keep the water warm by trapping warm air inside. | |
| The heavy-duty handle on top can be used to carry or hang the waterer. | |
| Chickens can access water via the three recessed nipples. | |
| It features a 16-foot cord that you can remove in the summer and a built-in thermostat that maintains water temperature between between 40° F and 60° F. |
- Features a secure lid that locks onto the base
- Three-gallon capacity
- Comes with three recessed nipples
- Built-in thermostat keeps water warm
5. Best Separate Base: Poultry Drinker Heater Base for Chicken Founts
If you already have chicken founts, you may want to utilize this separate base, the Poultry Drinker Heater Base for Chicken Founts. It will keep your current founts warm so that you can avoid frozen water. In fact, it is designed to work in temperatures as low as -20° F.
We liked that it includes yellow brackets, which keep the waterer in place. The inside is also insulated so that all the heat is directed into the top. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about it burning the ground or your chickens.
This heater does use steady, continual heat. It is not controlled by a thermostat. Therefore, you do need to remove it when it gets warm, or it can overheat the water.
A few reviewers reported that their chicken’s water froze. Some said that the design is flawed since the power cord and adaptor must be kept dry, which is difficult since the device is meant to be used in a chicken coop.
Pros and Cons of the Poultry Drinker Heater Base for Chicken Founts
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This base is designed to keep your current founts warm so your chickens’ water won’t freeze. | A few reviewers reported that their chicken’s water froze. |
| It’s designed to work in temps as low as -20° F. | A few reviewers reported that their chicken’s water froze. |
| The inside is insulated so heat is directed to the top instead of burning the ground or your chickens. | |
| It uses continual heat and is not controlled by a thermostat, so you need to remove it when the weather gets warm to avoid overheating the water. |
- Adjustable to fit any waterer
- Secure brackets keep base in place
- Designed for temperatures as low as -20 degrees
- Very safe to use
6. Best Small Waterer: RentACoop Heated Poultry Waterer
If you don’t have very many chickens, you may be able to get away with the RentACoop 2-Liter Heated Poultry Waterer. This smaller heated waterer holds 2 liters, which is only enough for a few chickens.
It works in temperatures of -10° F or higher. It also works in the warmer months, so you don’t have to worry about switching to a different waterer during the warmer months.
Plus, there are many different ways to attach this chicken waterer. it comes with a spring clip and a wire holder. Therefore, you can place it inside or outside your chickens’ home. The flip-top allows you to quickly refill it. Plus, the top prevents your chickens from perching on it and fouling the water.
This waterer comes with everything you need, including all the hardware and the plug.
Some reviewers reported that their water froze when temperatures fell. (The temperatures that they reported differed widely.) A few reviewers were surprised by how small a 2-liter container is.
Pros and Cons of the RentACoop Heated Poultry Waterer
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This poultry water heater only holds 2 liters of water, which is appropriate for very small flocks of chickens. | Some reviewers reported that their water froze when temperatures fell. (The temperatures that they reported differed widely.) |
| It works in temperatures of -10° F or higher. | A few reviewers were surprised by how small a 2-liter container is. |
| It works in warmer months, so you won’t have to switch to another waterer in warmer months. | |
| It has a spring clip and a wire holder, so you can place it inside or outside your chickens’ coop. | |
| The flip-top allows you to refill it quickly and easily and it keeps chickens from perching on it and fouling their water. | |
| This waterer includes all the necessary hardware and a plug. |
- Holds two liters
- Works in temperatures of -10 degrees or higher
- Features a flip-top for easy filling
- Comes with a spring clip and a wire holder
7. Best Roost-Proof Waterer: K&H Pet Products Thermo-Poultry Waterer
The domed top of the K&H Pet Products Heated Thermo-Poultry Waterer is roost-proof, which we think is a brilliant design. After all, chickens can spoil their water pretty quickly if they roost on top of it.
This waterer has a 60-watt heater to prevent the water from freezing in colder temperatures. The cap is completely spill-proof and a reservoir handle lets you to carry it easily when necessary.
We particularly liked the water filter ring, which allows you to clean the water tray in seconds. Simply remove the filter tray and tap lightly — no drainage necessary. Or you can spray the filter ring with water to remove debris if you prefer.
With a rust-proof construction, this waterer is pretty durable. You can use it for years before it needs replacing. The construction is also BPA-free.
We love that the easy-flow design prevents water from splashing out of the bowl during refills and creating a muddy mess like some other waterers.
Some reviewers said that it didn’t prevent their chickens’ water from freezing (in a variety of temperatures). A few reviewers said that this waterer was overpriced.
Pros and Cons of the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Poultry Waterer
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This heated chicken waterer features a roost-proof domed top. | Some reviewers said that it didn’t prevent their chickens’ water from freezing (in a variety of temperatures). |
| It has a 60-watt heater to keep water from freezing. | A few reviewers said that this waterer was overpriced. |
| The cap is spill-proof and the reservoir handle lets you to carry it around. | |
| The water filter ring lets you clean the water tray in seconds, no drainage required. | |
| It’s rust-proof and BPA-free. | |
| The easy-flow design prevents water from splashing out during refills and causing a muddy mess like other waterers. |
- Features a 60-watt heater
- Cap is completely spill-proof
- Comes with a water filter ring to keep water clean
- Made from rust-proof material
Choosing the Best: What to Look For
Not all chicken waterers are made equal, especially those that are designed for winter use. There are several factors you need to keep in mind when shopping. For instance, you need to keep an eye out for ease of use, pricing, and capacity when choosing the best waterer for your chickens.
Ease of Use
Preferably, you want the waterer to be easy to set up and use. These products do not need to be complicated, so there is no reason for their set-up time to be long at all.
You should be able to quickly install it where your chickens can access it, fill it up, and plug it in.
Price
Waterers for poultry can be surprisingly expensive. While there isn’t actually much to your average heated chicken waterer, it isn’t unusual for them to cost over $50 apiece.
If you have a budget, it may be a bit difficult for you to stick to it. However, we’ve included chicken waterers at all price ranges above, so you should be able to find something within your budget.
Capacity
The capacity you need will depend on how many chickens you have and how many waterers you have in total. Preferably, you should have enough water to keep your hens occupied for at least 24 hours.
However, purchasing enough large containers to go beyond 24 hours isn’t always helpful. You usually need to change the water out every 24 hours or so anyway to maintain cleanliness.
The Different Types of Heated Chicken Waterers: Pros and Cons
There are really two main types of heated chicken waterers: stand-alone units and heated bases. These options are completely different from each other. However, one is not necessarily better. They have their own pros and cons for you to consider.
- Stand-alone units: These waterers come with everything you need. They hold the water and have an internal heating mechanism to keep it warm.
- Heated bases: Usually, these are designed to work with a waterer that you already have. They are only the heating element and do not actually contain the water.
Stand-Alone Unit
Pros:
- Holds the water
- Everything you need
Cons:
- Cannot always be used every season
Heated Bases
Pros:
- Can be used with existing waterers
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Not compatible with all waterers
- Do not work on their own
Verified Review: User Experience
Most users absolutely loved the heated chicken waterers that we included in our reviews. For instance, in regards to our top pick, users called it a “worthwhile purchase” and stated that it “works exactly as described”.
They also like the Farm Innovators Heated Chicken Base, though that had slightly lower reviews. Users stated that it got as low as -10 and the water was still not frozen.
With that said, most negative reviews about any of these products stated that they did not prevent the water from freezing. We imagine that there are a lot of factors that determine how well any one of these products works. Most are tested down to -10° F and may not work accurately below that temperature.
However, not all of them are rated this low. Some are only rated to work down to 20° F, for instance. Always check when buying and consider the winter lows your area. Some localities may not need a heater that functions all the way down to -10° F.
Up Next
We hope that you enjoy reading the following related articles.
- How Cold is Too Cold For a Chicken to Stay Outside? How Hot is Too Hot?
- 25 Best Chicken Breeds and How to Choose the One for You
- Why Do Chickens Eat Their Own Eggs?
- Onagadori Chicken Animal Pictures
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Farm Innovators HB-60P Heated 2 Gallon Poultry Drinker |
| Best All-Season Waterer | Farm Innovators Heated All-Season Poultry Fountain |
| Best Base for Metal Founts | Farm Innovators Heated Chicken Base |
| Best Large-Capacity Waterer | Premier Heated Poultry Waterer |
| Best Separate Base | Poultry Drinker Heater Base for Chicken Waterer Founts |
| Best Small Waterer | RentACoop 2-Liter Heated Poultry Waterer |
| Best Roost-Proof Waterer | K&H Pet Products Heated Thermo-Poultry Waterer |
The Best Heated Chicken Waterers: Ranked and Reviewed FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use an aquarium heater instead of a chicken water heater?
Some chicken keepers recommend using an aquarium heater instead of a chicken water heater. After all, they’re inexpensive and meant to heat water. But we don’t believe that the risk is worth the reward. The aquarium heater may work…until it fails. And in the case of a glass aquarium heater, it will burst, briefly electrifying your flock’s water as well as any metal parts on your chicken waterer. And glass shards will end up in your chickens’ water, too.
In our opinion, investing in a chicken water heater is a far smarter — and compassionate — decision.
How can I keep my chickens' water from freezing without electricity?
While we wouldn’t recommend this as a long-term solution, some chicken keepers swear by the following. If you don’t have electricity, try placing your chickens’ water in a black tub in the sun. Since black absorbs heat, this may keep your flock’s water from freezing. Placing the black tub on a black rock or other black object may help, too.
We suggest that you keep a close eye on the tub to ensure that the water didn’t freeze.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.
