Just Want to Mention: No Ice

So often we talk about negative things or extra work, and fail to mention the pleasant and efficient things or the bonuses and perks along the way. While I'm keeping count of the times I do have to crack ice this year, I also want to make mention how few days that really is, once the "ice over" season has begun. Once I've actually cracked ice a couple days in a row, it's particularly nice to get up and see the water rippling and shimmering in the water tubs . . . which happened this morning. Ice doesn't ripple or shimmer. I do want to share a bit of advice for the new homesteaders regarding chickens and their water. Those chicken waterers are nice, but in winter, they can crack easily if full and frozen, so leave room for expansion and when frozen, handle with care. I found it's best to have at least two, then I can put the frozen one indoors to thaw and just rotate in a fresh one. Except for the little chicks in the spring, I actually prefer shallow water pans for my flock. I keep them in the chicken yard, so at night before the chickens go in, they all get a drink and that's the first thing they want when they come out in the morning. So, here is a literal heads up. Chickens are not the brightest creatures G-d created and if their water pan is frozen they will peck and peck and peck and stand on it and peck some more, plainly oblivious to anyone trying to crack the ice for them. Not to mention anything heavy enough and sharp enough to crack ice can severely injure a chicken that isn't paying attention. Before opening the chicken house at the crack of dawn, be sure to crack all ice on all pans they can get to. Guaranteed, they won't all go to the closest one. There is no opportunity to get them started in one pan and work on another. One morning, many winters ago, I learned this and it was not a lesson I wanted to repeat, just thought I'd share. I will share my resolution in the situation, though. I simply placed a small shovel directly on the ice, and held the wooden part of the handle while using a rock to pound the top. It's not my proudest moment of homesteading, but there were no chicken concussions!