Frozen buckets???

[joeanne]

I think i have cracked it!

I have lots of these things laying around
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Magic-Gel-Reusable-Hand-Warmer/dp/B000MU4IJ2
I also have a lot of these (which cost PENCE to make instead of buy!)

http://www.livefoods.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=92&products_id=598

If you stuff a couple of warmers into a "cage" then drop them in the bucket last thing at night, your horses water should stay warm for quite a while. I have jumbo sized ones, so I only use one per bucket. You would probably need two at that size in the link
Mine had a very thin layer of ice this morning despite -12 temps overnight
They are also drinking more as the water is not ice cold.

 

[Cuffey]

Thanks for tips Joeanne, cheap and cheerful aids

 

[Slightly Foxed]

Brilliant idea, thank you! Where do you get your jumbo sized ones??

 

[noblesteed]

Having just put on my thinking cap regarding this problem, and lacking those little cages, would this work?

Put hand warmer in bottom of empty bucket. Put another bucket inside it and fill with water for ned to drink.

Would water-filled bucket squish handwarmer and burst it tho?

 

[JessandCharlie]

Jo you genius!

 

[Kokopelli]

A cheaper way is to pack the wee covered shavings around the water buckets then pack clean shavings around the dirty ones. My buckets haven't frozen yet and we've been reaching -14 at night