Keeping Water from Freezing for KuneKune Pigs: Tips and Tricks
As temperatures drop, ensuring that your KuneKune pigs have access to fresh, unfrozen water is essential for their health and well-being. KuneKunes are hardy pigs, but they still require proper care during the colder months, and water access must be one of your top priorities. Below are some practical methods to keep your pigs’ water from freezing, allowing you to maintain their hydration and overall health throughout the winter.
Pumpkin - AAKPS 35239 - FM Creekside Critters Rona 3
1. Use Heated Water Bowls
One of the most efficient ways to prevent water from freezing is by using heated water bowls. These devices have built-in heating elements that keep the water at a constant temperature above freezing. When choosing a heated bowl, ensure that it is:
Durable and safe for use with pigs.
Equipped with a chew-resistant cord that is preferably inaccessible to pigs.
Large enough to meet the daily water needs of your pigs.
2. Insulated Water Containers
Insulating your water containers can greatly slow down the freezing process. Positioning containers between hay bales or inside old, used tires filled with hay or foam insulation can be an effective way of maintaining water temperatures for longer periods of time. Situating water containers in a sheltered location, such as inside a pig shelter or barn, offers additional protection against wind and extreme cold, slowing down the freezing process.
3. Add Warm Water Regularly
Rubber pans can be flipped and stomped on to break up ice without damaging the pan!
Pouring warm water into your pigs' water supply multiple times a day can help delay freezing. While this method requires more frequent attention, it can be a practical solution in the absence of heated water devices. Using a larger container can also help retain heat for longer periods. It is also recommended to use black rubber tubs over plastic ones. If water freezes, black rubber pans can be turned upside down and stomped on to dislodge the ice. Plastic tubs become brittle in colder temperatures.
4. Floating Objects in the Water
Placing a floating object, such as a small plastic ball, in the water can help reduce ice formation. The movement of the object, propelled by wind or the pigs’ interactions, helps to keep the surface from freezing over. This method is more effective in milder winter climates.
5. Install a Frost-Free Hydration System
Frost-free waterers, such as those designed for livestock, use underground pipes and valves to prevent water from freezing. These systems provide a reliable, low-maintenance solution for ensuring a consistent water supply. While the initial installation cost may be higher, it’s a worthwhile investment for farms in extremely cold regions.
6. Water heaters
Electric water heaters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including submersible and floating models. They are a flexible and effective option for keeping water from freezing. Check your local farm supply store to explore available types suited for livestock. Additionally, RV owners often use similar devices to prevent septic tanks from freezing, so those products can also be worth investigating.
7. Consider Diet Adjustments
Feeding your pigs warm or soaked feed during colder months can help supplement their hydration. Warm water added to their feed can provide additional moisture while encouraging them to consume more water indirectly.
Our Solution
Living in Wisconsin, we often face extremely cold temperatures—sometimes reaching as low as 40 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. Over the years, we have experimented with various methods to prevent water from freezing. The most effective solution we've found is using a black polytank with a built-in hog waterer, complemented by a stock tank heater for the main water supply and a bird bath heater for the drinking area. To further enhance efficiency, we add a piece of foam insulation board on top, cut to size, to minimize evaporation. Finally, pairing this system with an inline thermometer that regulates when the unit turns on and off ensures we only use electricity when needed.
Final Thoughts
Keeping water from freezing for KuneKune pigs during winter requires careful planning and consistent monitoring. Regardless of what method you choose, it’s essential to check the water supply multiple times a day to ensure it remains unfrozen and clean while removing any ice that forms to help keep the water accessible. Whether you opt for heated waterers or simpler methods such as adding warm water or insulating containers, the ultimate goal is to provide your pigs with a continuous supply of fresh water. Proper hydration is crucial for their health, comfort, and productivity throughout the colder months.