They plug in and the heater only turns on when freezing temperatures are reached, so that saves us money on the electric bill! I've already swapped out the warmer weather buckets and gotten them plugged in since we are reaching freezing temperatures at night. I don't think it's anything that will freeze the water yet, but I'd rather be prepared.
These buckets are way cool. The last time I dealt with water heaters was when I was a kid and the heating element was an exposed metal coil that sat at the bottom of the bucket that would burn your barn down if the water buckets got empty.
Additionally, I've been contemplating ways to achieve slow feeding for Gwyn and the donkeys. Gwyn inhales her hay when it's free flake on the ground. I'd prefer her to have more measured eating now that we're moving into more hay and less nutritive grazing. Plus, the donkeys need to be restricted to the hay that they're allowed since they'd be more prone to founder.
To that end, I've just ordered a hay pillow. I ordered two, one standard and one mini for the donkeys at night. I'm planning to leave it loose on the ground (no one is shod) to increase the difficulty in getting hay out. They'll figure it out, I'm sure and I can always hang it up if they're going to be restrained in the runs due to weather. I'm excited to have it arrive and test it out.
My barn helper loves measuring out the grain. She's gotten very good and remembers what goes where!
My trailer bumper stickers!
New heated water buckets.
Had someone out to see if she'd like riding Gwyn. Arwen was curious and friendly.
Even Saffron came closer!
Saffron sniffing my hand.
Gwyn supervises the poop scooping.
And then added more.
