I don't know how many folks this might help but when I come across something I think might help ...onward it goes. Mare
How to keep animal's water from freezing in winter For those who are looking for a way to keep your livestock water >From freezing in the winter, here is a simple solutionÂ… Ever wonder how the early pioneers cared for their animals and Provided them with plenty of fresh water in the winter time? Well, This is how some did itÂ… You will need two tubs; one larger than the other, the smaller one Will hold the water. Depending on size of water dish, you could use A tire instead of an outside tub. A tire will also help hold heat in. A black plastic bag - or - more than one, depending on the size of The bag and the big tub. The heavier the mill, the better. The freshest, richest horse manure you can get. A garden shovel or some sort of scooping device. A pair of disposable or rubber gloves. Instructions: 1. Put on the gloves. 2. Place a plastic bag inside the water tub (Dish), completely Covering the inside but not covering the outside. This will allow For easy removal when finished and protect the inside from being Soiled. 3. Inside the big tub, place and pack about two inches or Deeper of fresh horse manure. Disperse it evenly and keep it level. If using a tire, you can just fill bags with manure and stuff them Inside the tire. 4. Place the plastic covered water dish in the center of the Big tub and check it to ensure it is level and as evenly centered as Possible. 5. Place and pack the remaining fresh horse manure tightly Around the water tub. The more manure and the tighter the better. This will provide you with all the heat you need to keep water from Freezing. 6. Cover all the horse manure with the plastic bags. Be sure to Cover well. This will trap the heat inside and also prevent the Water from getting soiled and contaminated. 7. Remove plastic covering from inside the water dish. Now it Is ready to fill with fresh water. 8. Clean up area and dispose of contaminated items. 9. When winter is ended, you can continue to use this system in The summer months by replacing the water dish with a potted tomatoes 10. When the horse manure stops heating, use it to fertilize Your garden and just repeat the process all over again, using fresh Manure.
