I didn't use freeze proof waterers, but another method worked well for me. I just had 2 sets of nipple waterers for each cage and would switch them out morning and night. Also, leave a bowl of water in there so they can lick the ice when the nipple waterer freezes up. Always use cold water, hot water freezes faster.We didn't make it to Maquoketa either. A couple of our kids had things going on. Our oldest girl wants 4H project rabbits, so we'll be on the hunt soon. Any suggestions on freeze-proof waterers for rabbits? As transplants from coastal California we've never had to think about such things lol!