API Deluxe Heated Hen Hydrator
#5 in PoultryFull review
A 3 gallon heated nipple bucket for small backyard flocks. It keeps water cleaner than a fount and draws little power.
Amazon $72.98$72.98
The API Deluxe Heated Hen Hydrator is the better heated waterer overall, rated 3.1 to 2.7. The API Deluxe Heated Hen Hydrator leads on cold rating and features. The API Deluxe Heated Hen Hydrator costs $1.59 less ($72.98 vs $74.57).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Little Giant HB130 Heater Base
#9 in PoultryFull review
A heater base for flocks that already use a metal double-wall fount, in mild to moderate winters. Pair it with a 2 to 8 gallon Little Giant fount.
Amazon $74.57$74.57
Which should you buy?
- Choose the API Deluxe Heated Hen Hydrator for cold rating (ice-free to -10 F vs ice-free to 10 F) and features (thermostat, cord of 6 ft or more vs thermostat).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every poultry heated waterer; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | API Deluxe Heated Hen Hydrator | Little Giant HB130 Heater Base |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Value 30% | 41 $24.33 per gallon ($72.98, 3 gal) | 50 capacity not published (neutral score used) |
| Capacity 15% | 33 3 gal | 50 capacity not published (neutral score used) |
| Cold rating 20% | 75 ice-free to -10 F | 25 ice-free to 10 F |
| Features 20% | 50 thermostat, cord of 6 ft or more | 30 thermostat |
| Warranty 15% | 20 1 year warranty | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| API Deluxe Heated Hen Hydrator | Little Giant HB130 Heater Base | |
|---|---|---|
| Water | ||
| Type | Heated fount | Heater base (fount not included) |
| Capacity | 3 gal | - |
| Price per gallon | $24.33 | - |
| Drinker | Nipples | Drinking pan |
| Heating | ||
| Heater power | 65 W | 110 W |
| Ice-free to | -10 °F | 10 °F |
| Thermostat | Yes | Yes |
| Insulated | No | No |
| Power cord | ||
| Cord | 6 ft | - |
| Chew protection | - | No |
| Build | ||
| Material | Translucent plastic | Galvanized steel |
| Weight | - | 3.2 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | - |