Illinois...

[BReeder!]

I switched to this waterer and even today (so far) water is not frozen. It took a week for them to learn how to use the side nipples.
View attachment 2519789

That's what I have. Not cheap, but it works well.

 

[BReeder!]

This has to be started in the fall, so to prevent frozen water Next year.... I have not tried it.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/alternate-method-to-prevent-water-freezing.73180/

What concerns me is chickens like to scratch. As the scratch around the bucket they will be likely to going manure into the water they are drinking.

 

[BReeder!]

But you can order now

I need to get on that. I want to order ducks because they don't always carry them during Chick Days in the store.

 

[Molpet]

What concerns me is chickens like to scratch. As the scratch around the bucket they will be likely to going manure into the water they are drinking.

I was concerned about chicks falling in the bucket lol
You could cut a hole, in an appropriate size plywood, to cover the manure... but still might get bedding and manure in the bucket.

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

No point in gathering eggs today other than to clean the nest boxes of frozen exploded eggs.

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

I need to get on that. I want to order ducks because they don't always carry them during Chick Days in the store.

Last year Ottawa location accidentally double ordered ducks.
We can also start a chick watch in this group. I would gladly grab a couple ducks or chicks if I see them rather than anyone paying $25 S&H. I am on ammo hunt so I go to F&F at least 4 times a week.

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

I might have to work on getting them into the garage. His comb is starting to discolor.. a few black spots on other combs too

 

[Molpet]

I went out at 11 to look for eggs. Usually there aren't any at that time. 2 broken and a warm one.

 

[SnootyHen]

Last year Ottawa location accidentally double ordered ducks.
We can also start a chick watch in this group. I would gladly grab a couple ducks or chicks if I see them rather than anyone paying $25 S&H. I am on ammo hunt so I go to F&F at least 4 times a week.

Let me know if you find ammo!! I'm headed to IN for it but even they're low.

 

[Justso]

I was concerned about chicks falling in the bucket lol
You could cut a hole, in an appropriate size plywood, to cover the manure... but still might get bedding and manure in the bucket.

Yes and reading the reviews it looked like there were some bad experiences using these around chicks. With the edge of the bucket being 4 in above ground I would think that would help with scratch getting in and as he mentioned you could always skim off anything floating on top.
I'd love to try this but since I run electricity I probably won't bother.