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Discussion on Insulating water buckets to delay freezing
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Member:
Mwebster
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Posted on Saturday, Jan 22, 2005 - 6:26 pm:
We're enjoying a spate of single digit temps, and so once again are lining manure buckets with hay and putting water buckets into this "bed" to keep them from freezing. This system maintains the water at a drinkable temperature about twice as long as a non-insulated bucket does. We start with warm water, and it lasts a good 6 hours. We "top off" icing buckets with hot water to replenish in between refills. Low tech, but it works. One caution: don't use tasty hay, use unappealing old stuff!
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Sunday, Jan 23, 2005 - 12:29 am:
Now that's one I haven't thought of; what a good idea.
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Sunday, Jan 23, 2005 - 12:48 am:
Sounds good, Melissa. I always filled several kitty litter jugs (I think they were about 3 gallons worth) with hot water from my kitchen sink. I would pile them on a plastic toboggan and take them to the barns. With a hammer, I would hit the top and sides of the buckets and lift out all the big ice pieces, then pour in the hot water which would melt most of the ice in the bottom of the buckets, and make the water lukewarm. I never tried the muck bucket insulation idea . . . somehow, I'm sure I would have found one or two of the buckets upturned every morning . . . but it's innovative, and better than having electric cords running thither and yon around the barn . . . I never was able to figure out how I could set up heated water buckets or tubs safely in my barns.
One thing about horse care during winters in the north . . . it sure does take immense dedication and energy . . . and I don't regret one iota of the time and effort it took . . . each one of those horses was worth it.
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Member:
Wolfydoc
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Posted on Monday, Jan 24, 2005 - 12:00 am:
We use Coleman Extreme ice chests with the lids removed as our water "buckets" in our loafing shed. We've had water stay unfrozen down to the mid to low twenties all night, with just one tea kettle of near-boiling water added before bedtime. They also have wheels on one end so they are easy to pull out of the stalls to clean out when necessary.
The lids are easy to put back on so you can use them in the summer for your own goodies when you go horse camping!
Cindy
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