Hi Keith,

Thank you for contacting the UNH Extension Yard and Garden Infoline with your question about how to keep water for chickens from freezing.  I have included links to a few fact sheets that have some suggestions.

https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2024/02/how-should-i-take-care-backyard-chickens-winter

https://extension.unh.edu/sites/default/files/migrated_unmanaged_files/Resource000472_Rep494.pdf This fact sheet notes, "Make clean potable water available at all times. Once a week, disinfect waterers with a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to a gallon of water. Animals including birds drink more water in winter if it is 50° F., and birds will consume 25 percent more water when temperatures soar over 80° F. In cold weather use a water heater, or empty at night and refill in the morning. One day
without water for any reason will result in less egg production the next few days. Eggs are 75% water."

https://extension.umn.edu/small-scale-poultry/caring-chickens-cold-weather  This fact sheet suggests:

• Plastic, heated founts that plug into an outlet.
• Heated bases that you can place a metal fount on.
• Heated dog dishes. These dishes should be partially covered to prevent birds from stepping into the dish or drowning.

Place your water source on a stand to keep birds from scratching manure and bedding into it while keeping the heating element away from the bedding.

Routinely check and refresh your chicken’s water. If it is frozen, you may need to bring it into a heated area such as a garage or porch to allow it to thaw. It's a good idea to have a second waterer on hand in case one freezes or stops working.

Keep all wires away from poultry, water, and flammable litter to prevent damage, shocks or fires.

The University of Maryland Extension suggests:

• Check the water several times a day and make sure that it is not frozen and is available to the birds.
• Another alternative is to keep the water warm. This can be done by using a heater that goes under the waterer. This will then heat the water and keep it from freezing. This will require an electrical source. Another way to keep water warm is to use a heat lamp so that it keeps the water warm. Be careful not to splash cold water on a hot heat lamp as the bulb may shatter.

The University of Wisconsin Extension suggests:

Chickens need to have fresh water at least daily. Heated bases for waterers are available. Other methods have been used to keep water thawed, as well. Heat lamps are often hung over the waterer. Highly insulated water containers are available that will keep warm water unfrozen for several hours. If none of these is available, fresh water should be provided twice daily for the chickens. Rubber pans can be helpful, so ice can be removed easily without damaging the pan. Another option often used is to have two waterers, so they can be alternated and the other one brought inside to thaw.