keeping water unfrozen

A subject near and dear to my hart right now...I am weighing both long and short term soulitions.  Long term will be pond and water featurs, short term?  carry bucket, considering heated bucket.  Would like something I could drop in to thaw/heat a barrel at a time.

I'm not sure, but I think the professional waterers that use no electricity have something set up so that the water is well insulated in an enclosed container.  Then the animal steps on something that pushes some water out for a moment.

Now that's an interesting idea, have any links or a name for that kind of watering system?

I'm wondering if one could set this type of thing up, but place the smaller dispensing trough at head height to help prevent the animals from mucking the water (like Leah's pigs).  And maybe even insulate the water storage placing it inside the animals housing, while tubing takes the water to a drinking trough on the wall outside the housing..... And the last feature I'd like to have would be replaceable troughs so I can remove and clean, having a backup for quick replacement.  I can dream can't I 

My long term answer for the chickens is to incorporate them into my aquaponics (think fish-tank in hen-house, in barn) progect.

and for the horses  is something like this
http://www.smithmidland.com/waterer.html
after I get the ponds built. 

Short term is carrying a bucket for the chickens and dragging and draining a hose for the horses. 

The swirling water things sounds smart for any time of year.

My darling, who is home for the wedding, doesn't believe it works as I have no other information to give him other than that same website... but I have Amish neighbors who use them and I told him we will know much more after talking with the neighbors and can get it locally.

Well be sure and post back here  on what you find out!

Thanks so much Jennifer ♥

Has anyone tried an underground solution like a root cellar? I assume it would have to be well ventilated in addition to being frequently cleaned... my only concern would be the humidity. Thoughts or suggestions?