[GoatieGranny]

Do any of you use heated buckets in the winter? Last year we hauled hot water down and put some in each bucket, but that's a lot of hauling and I'm getting old. lol.

Also, what size balling gun do you all use?

 

[ksalvagno]

Yes, I use heated buckets. Wouldn't be without them. Too much trouble to deal with ice.

 

[GoatieGranny]

Thank you.

Do you buy them online or can you recommend a certain type or brand?

 

[sassykat6181]

I bought the ones at tractor supply (blue). I've used them for about 3 seasons now and they are still holding up well.

 

[ksalvagno]

I have the ones from TSC as well.

 

[Trickyroo]

Those are on my list for this winter too .

 

[J.O.Y. Farm]

I have some too! Love them! I still bring warm water out to them though lol!

I got mine at our feed store

 

[goathiker]

I use a metal 50 gallon barrel cut in half with a small floating heater. It keeps their water lukewarm all the time.

 

[WalshKidsGoats]

I use them! Makes winter a little easier. I just bought them at the local feed store.

 

[GoatieGranny]

Thanks much to all of you!

 

[mjs500doo]

Love the heated buckets. We have several 15 gallon ones on the fence line.

ETA:
We have both a calf balling gun and a sheep/goat one. They're essentially the same size, same price, different label.

 

[Goats Rock]

Heated buckets are the best invention ever! Tractor Supply or any Livestock Store.
Sometimes there are good deals at the end of the season! Walmart used to sell
smaller buckets- I use those in the chicken coop! (3 gal).

 

[milk and honey]

I got mine from Jeffers last year, but my LGD chewed thru the cord when it wasn't plugged in

 

[Kathy81]

I found a balling gun in the dog and cat section of wilco our local farm store , I found it much easier to shove doe there throat being smaller and round on the end and it fits copper boluse

 

[sassykat6181]

I found a balling gun in the dog and cat section of wilco our local farm store , I found it much easier to shove doe there throat being smaller and round on the end and it fits copper boluse

Agreed....I use one for dogs also

 

[kenzie]

We got ours from TSC also, we have had no problems with ours!

 

[GoatieGranny]

Oh this has helped so much. Thank you all!

 

[lottsagoats]

I am totally afraid of anything electric in my barn in the animal area. I don't even keep the electric line hot unless i am in the barn. Too afraid of fire.

I just haul the water in the winter. I have several 5 gallon pails in my kitchen all winter. Some are water, some frozen solid and some are partially defrosted. I rotate the buckets. I have them next to my wood stove.

I'm almost 60 (ugggghhhh, hate to admit that!) but I still haul water 4 times a day to the goats, horses, chickens and dog kennel. Thats close to 10 five gallon buckets each time. Keeps me young. (hehehe)

 

[CAjerseychick]

Hmmm as winter is looming, thought to revive this thread...
We wont have electricity down at the back goat pen so not sure what to do about water given that I am gone 3 days a week (family may try but are not consistent with watering, even the chickens make do with the dogs' water til I get home but they, literally fly the coop and come back in in the evenings to roost)...
So not sure what to do,
except has anyone found a workable solar solution? Just wondering... and where to get it?
I dont think running an extension cord is a good idea (for a plug in bucket) as LGD pup is a notorious chewer and loves chomping cords of all sorts.....

 

[CAjerseychick]

wow just found this... not sure if we can afford it....

http://www.statelinetack.com/item/25-gal-solar-powered-water-trough/BSA40/

reviewers either hated it and thought it was overpriced, or.... loved it and want more (I wonder if the folks who love it kept it in direct sunlight and the others didnt, we certainly have sunlight in our pasture)....