I also use a heated dog water bowl and it has worked well here in Missouri too. Our temp got down to 2 last week and our chicks had warm water throughout the cold spell. I did wrap the cord in black electrical tape because it runs through a bright, shining silver coil and I was afraid the chicks would peck at it. They don't seem to notice it at all.
hello in Rolla you are the first person that I have found who lives as close to me yes I all so use the heated dog bowl this year was the first it worked out greet I live in Holts Summit Mo.