These have a lot of taper on the sides and are made of thick, flexible plastic, and consequently are not prone to freeze and bust. For ice removal, the taper is great! Turn the cup over and the ice usually falls right out, saving time during the cold winter months. To reduce the likelihood of these cups freezing and breaking only fill them 1/3 to 1/2 full during the winter. This is an excellent product. I have used hanging water cups for many years on my farm. The advantages I see to the hanging water cups are they stay cleaner because my chickens aren't as prone to kick dirt in them and earthworms don't crawl into them and die. I have a lot of movable pens that I try to keep on fresh grass, and it is a lot easier if the cup is hanging on the pen. Of course, the black cups help keep the ice melted in the winter and the white cups help keep the water cooler in the summer. Returns may be subject to a 20% restocking fee.