Part 1 Keeping Salmon Faverolle chickens dry by using heated Farm Innovators 2 gallon nipple drinker

We have noticed that our bearded hens get wet heads from a trough style waterer. As the Wisconsin winter sets in, we wanted to take steps to keep them dry and prevent frostbite. A Farm Innovators heated nipple style waterer worked well for us.
We purchased: Farm Innovators HB-60P Heated 2 Gallon Poultry Drinker

[@DerafsheKavian]

Thanks for the reply and update. So, heated bucket and cup seem to work best. I am hoping the water release on cups can stay unfrozen down to mid-20s. By the way, how are your Faverolles faring? Are you happy with the rooster as well?

[@growntogether9913]

Mid 20’s typically won’t freeze, especially with the open waterer. Our hens get through -15 below stretches with no worries. A little warm water poured over and in the waterer was all it took to get the ice melted. We gave the roosters to other families as we don’t keep them. One was lost defending the hens from a predator. I haven’t heard anything about the other for a while.They’re good looking birds for sure. We have had good luck with the hens. Winter hardy and regular laying.

[@queenme02]

What is the other breed of chickens you have with the Faverolles? I keep hearing how other breeds pick on them so much, I even saw once video where she said her oprphington roosters broke the neck of her Faverolle. I want to get two more breeds to go with my Fav. since they arent the best egg layers, otherwise I would just have a single breed, I have no idea what other breed to chose

[@growntogether9913]

We have buff Orphington and ISA brown hens with the Faverolles. They do get picked on, but worth the trouble. They have so much personality. I have wondered if black Australorp would be a good companion. Easy going/good layer. The ISA brown is a great layer, but they are a little aggressive at times. We did a video on keeping Faverolles if you haven’t seen it czcams.com/video/9nKiIdjgqnA/video.html