Utah winters are definitely Justin and I’s least favorite and they often have us saying ” Oh this is Bull Butter”. Here are some of our favorite things to help make those bull butter moments happen less often.

Dealing with frozen water is a real winter hassle! Imagine trying to wrangle chickens or tend to cows when everything’s turned into an icy obstacle course. That’s where heated waterers come in as the heroes of a Utah winters. Picture this: no more battling frozen water buckets or chiseling away at ice patches. With heated waterers, you’re basically giving your animals their own little heated oasis.
Chickens sipping comfortably, cows getting a toasty drink – it’s a winter game-changer. And hey, it’s not just for the big guys like cows and pigs. Even your four-legged friends, the dogs, appreciate a non-frozen water bowl. It’s like a tiny act of kindness in the daily winter routine – no more worrying if your pup’s water has turned into an icy popsicle.
If there’s one investment to make your Utah winters on the homestead easier, it’s definitely heated waters. Your animals will thank you, and you’ll save yourself from the frosty frustration.

Heated Chicken Waters
Now, let’s dive into the world of heated chicken waterers – a game-changer for our feathered friends during the winter months. Take, for example, the Farm Innovators Heated Poultry Drinker, a 2-gallon marvel. Imagine a world where frozen water hassles for your chickens are a thing of the past.
This heated poultry drinker is a winter homestead dream. It’s got side-mounted, drip-free, and freeze-free nipples that can handle up to 15 chickens – talk about a cozy hangout spot for the coldest time of year! And the convenience doesn’t stop there. Refilling is a breeze thanks to the removable top, and it packs a punch with a built-in 60-watt heater. Plus, it’s versatile – you can hang it or let it chill (literally) on the ground.
Sure, there’s a bit of a learning curve for the chickens with a nipple system, but give them a day or two, and they become waterer experts. There is no need to stress – it’s like a little winter hydration adventure for them. With a Farm Innovators Heated Poultry Drinker, your chicken crew is all set to sip through winter without a frozen drop in sight.

Heated Waters for Livestock Watering Tanks
Shifting our focus from feathered friends to our moo cows and their winter hydration hero – the Farm Innovators 1,500W Floating Tank De-Icer designed for metal stock tanks ranging from 70 to 250 gallons. This gadget is like a cozy winter blanket for your cows’ water source. It’s thermostatically controlled, kicking into action automatically when the water temperature hits a chilly 35 degrees or less. No frozen water, no problem! And the versatility? Impressive. Whether your stock tank is rubber or plastic, this floating de-icer can handle it with the optional guard. With a powerful 1,500 watts, it means serious business, ensuring a toasty water supply for your cows during those frosty winter months.
Oh, and did I mention it’s proudly made in the USA? That’s some extra warmth for your heart right there. Plus, it comes with a handy 5-foot cord for easy setup. Here’s the kicker – it’s not just a winter savior; it’s a durable one too. Guaranteed for a year against defects, you can trust this Farm Innovators Floating Tank De-Icer to keep things flowing smoothly.
If your heart’s set on using it in a plastic or rubber tank, snag the element guard Model Cage1, and you’re all set for a winter without frozen watering woes. Cheers to happy, hydrated moo cows!

Heated Watering Buckets
Ah, the playful antics of pigs and sheep – always keeping things interesting! To outsmart their mischievous nature, our go-to solution on the homestead involves the trusty heated bucket. The trick to keep it from becoming their latest plaything, we secure it to a T-post with some sturdy tie wire. It’s like giving our bucket a winter anchor, ensuring it stays put despite the best efforts of our playful pals.
While the pigs and sheep might attempt a game of “bucket bowling,” our tied-down, heated bucket stands strong, providing warmth and water stability through the chilly Utah winters. It’s a win-win – they get their water, and we get to enjoy their playful antics without worrying about the water source going for a joyride.
Let’s talk about the ultimate winter waterer – a heated bucket that’s not just warm and cozy but comes with some serious protective features. First off, we’ve got overheating protection on the checklist. This water heater is thermostatically controlled with a built-in over-temperature shield. Zero accidental boiling water situations here! Made from highly durable polyethylene resin, it’s practically indestructible. Impact-resistant, warpage-proof, and stress-crack-resistant – this bucket laughs in the face of winter challenges.
The capacity is a whopping 10 quarts. It’s not just about warmth; it’s about having enough for everyone on the homestead. Not one is left thirsty in the cold! The best part – the anti-chew power cord. We know our friends, especially those with sharp teeth, love a good nibble. Fear not, this bucket’s got a chew-proof sheathed power cord, measuring a sturdy 6 ft. It’s like a force field against nibbling tendencies. With this powerhouse on the homestead, you’ve got a heated bucket that’s not just warm and fuzzy but also built to withstand whatever winter throws its way. Cheers to a cozy, chew-free hydration haven!

Heated Dog Water Bowls
Ah, our loyal canine companions deserve their own slice of winter comfort! Enter the heated watering bowls. Imagine this: your pup, happily lapping up warm water on a chilly day. That’s the magic of a heated watering bowl. It’s not just about hydration; it’s about adding a touch of warmth to their winter routine.
These bowls are equipped with heating elements that kick in when temperatures drop, ensuring a steady supply of liquid goodness for your furry pals. It’s not just functionality; we’ve got durability in the mix too. Made to withstand the rough and tumble of doggy excitement, these bowls are built tough. No leaks, no cracks – just a reliable source of warmth for your trusty dogs.
Whether your pup is a snow-loving adventurer or more of a cozy indoor snuggler, a heated watering bowl is like a winter hug for them. It’s the little touch that makes winter a bit cozier for our canine companions.
Thermocubes
Now that we’ve decked out our homestead with these fantastic heated waterers, The next step in convenience – is the thermocube! In the colder climates of Utah, it’s the little things that make surviving winter on the homestead a breeze. No more running around in the freezing cold, playing musical plugs with heated waterers.
The thermocube steps in like a winter-savvy assistant, turning on at a chilly 32°F and gracefully bowing out at a cozy 50°F. It’s not only a time saver; it’s a electric-saving too. In the dance of winter survival, it’s these small yet mighty tools that turn the icy ordeal into a manageable routine.
Not all heated waterers need a thermocube some of us might have some older equipment laying around. If you’re buying brand new, be sure to check the product details to be sure you only get as many thermocubes as necessary.

Here’s to the thermocube and heated waterers, making our daily life of doing chores in Utah winters a tad easier. We’re hoping that you have a happier winter season that is hydrated and hassle-free on the homestead.
Here are some quick links to the items mentioned above.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We love Farm Innovators products as they are now mostly all thermostatically controlled, so it only operates when necessary. The power turns on at 35°F and turns off at 60°F on most of their products. Please verify before purchasing.
Heated Chicken Waterers – 10% off as of 1/22/24 – No thermocube needed.
Heated Dog Water Bowl – No thermocube needed.
For those of us who have older non thermostatically controlled items you’ll need the thermocubes.
Thermocubes – Click the coupon for 5% off as of 1/22/24
Just starting your Utah Homestead journey?
Read our last post – Can you Homestead in Utah?

Leave a Reply