Alternate method to prevent water freezing.

You are mistaken. I have used this method for over 30 years with success. There is no need to add a solar powered pump or use any electricity. whether solar powered or otherwise. I do not have any problem with anything being kicked into the bucket. There is the occasional feather that gets dropped in d is easily removed.

This method is not meant for chicks, chicks need heat. Adult chickens do not need heat. There is a drawing posted of a proposed cover that would prevent chicks from falling in, in the imsges section.

You have obviously never tried the method or you would know that your claims are not true. Except when I am cleaning the bucket, I refill it daily with fresh water either from a hose or by filling a smaller bucket and pouring the water in. In my case I have water handy because I have a frost free hydrant inside the coop where the bucket is.

One of the requirements for the composting to take place is that the manure has to be damp. Once it is thoroughly damp I can pull the bucket back up out of the hole and the hole does not collapse. If the manure was dry, the hole would collapse but there also would not be any composting taking place3 to provide the heat.

Your proposed solution is not necessary for me.

Rating this article poorly shows exactly why you have done the rating anonymously.

Any compostable material will work although fresh cow or horse manure works best.

Works better with horse manure but he's long gone.

Keeping the top of the bucket at least 4" above the ground level helps keep dirt, etc. from being kicked into the bucket.