6 Best Stock Tank Watering Troughs For Goats That Goats Can’t Tip Over
Prevent spills and ensure constant water access. This guide reviews the top 6 goat-proof stock tank troughs designed for maximum stability and durability.
There’s nothing quite like the sound of a full water trough being flipped over by a bored goat. You hear the slosh, the thud, and you know you’re heading out to deal with a giant mud puddle and a thirsty herd. Goats are masters of testing their environment, and a water bucket is often their favorite piece of playground equipment. Finding a water trough that can withstand their antics isn’t just about convenience; it’s about ensuring they have constant access to clean water and keeping your paddock from turning into a swamp.
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Key Features of a Goat-Proof Water Trough
The single most important feature of a tip-proof trough is a low center of gravity. Look for troughs that are wider at the base than they are at the top. A low, squat profile makes it nearly impossible for a goat to get enough leverage to flip it, especially when it’s full of water.
Material and weight are also critical. Heavy-duty rubber or galvanized steel are excellent choices because their sheer weight is a deterrent. A 50-gallon steel tank full of water weighs over 400 pounds; no goat is moving that. While lighter plastics can work, they must have an exceptionally wide and stable design to compensate.
Finally, consider the shape. A round or oval tank presents a difficult surface for a goat to push against effectively. They can’t get a good corner to brace their head or shoulder on. Designs made specifically to fit into a 90-degree corner are even better, as they use the existing structure of your fence or shelter for reinforcement.
Rubbermaid Stock Tank: The Classic Low-Profile Pick
The Rubbermaid stock tank is a staple on hobby farms for a reason. Made from a durable, structural foam plastic, it’s designed to resist weathering, cracking, and denting. Its classic low-profile, oval shape provides the stability you need to thwart most tipping attempts. The smooth, rounded edges are also a huge plus for safety, preventing cuts or scrapes.
One of the biggest advantages of this material is its inertness. It won’t rust like a metal tank, and it doesn’t leach chemicals into the water. It’s also a great insulator compared to steel, meaning the water won’t get scorching hot in the summer sun or freeze quite as fast in a light frost. With a built-in, oversized drain plug, cleaning is straightforward.
The main tradeoff is its weight. While sturdy, it’s still plastic. An empty or low-on-water tank can still be shoved around by a determined buck or a group of playful yearlings. For maximum security, placing it against a fenceline or boxing it in with a couple of cinder blocks is a smart move.
Behlen Galvanized Tank: Heavy-Duty Steel Option
When you absolutely, positively cannot have a trough moved, you get a galvanized steel tank. These are the heavyweights of the water trough world. The sheer mass of a steel tank, especially once filled, makes it an immovable object for even the largest goat.
The durability of galvanized steel is legendary. It’s built to withstand the harshest farm conditions, from physical abuse by animals to extreme weather. You won’t have to worry about a goat chewing on the edge or a horn puncturing the side. This is a buy-it-for-a-decade (or longer) kind of purchase.
However, steel isn’t without its drawbacks. Over many years, the galvanized coating can wear down or get scratched, leading to rust. They also conduct temperature very well. In the blazing summer sun, the water can become unpleasantly hot, and in the winter, it will freeze solid much faster than in a plastic or rubber tub.
Little Giant Corner Waterer: The Tip-Proof Design
The Little Giant Corner Waterer takes a different approach to stability. Instead of relying on weight or a low profile, it uses smart design and your existing infrastructure. This wedge-shaped waterer is made to fit snugly into the 90-degree corner of a stall, shelter, or well-built fence.
By bracing against two solid walls, it eliminates any angle for a goat to push from. Most models come with mounting holes or hardware, allowing you to bolt them directly to the wall posts. Once installed, it’s not going anywhere. This design is brilliant for indoor pens or small, secure paddocks where you have a solid corner to work with.
The primary limitation is its placement-dependent nature. This is not a freestanding trough for the middle of a pasture. It requires a sturdy corner for installation. They also tend to be smaller in capacity, typically holding 5 to 10 gallons, making them better suited for smaller herds or as a supplemental water source in a kidding pen.
Tarter Fence Line Feeder: Secure Fence Mounting
A fence-mounted trough solves the tipping problem by taking the trough off the ground entirely. Tarter and other brands make excellent feeders and waterers designed to hang securely over a wooden fence rail or be bolted directly to the fence posts. If a goat can’t get under it or push it from the side, it can’t be tipped.
This approach also helps keep the water cleaner. Elevating the trough prevents goats from kicking dirt, bedding, or manure into their drinking water. You can set the height perfectly—low enough for the smallest kid to reach, but high enough to discourage a goat from trying to stand in it.
The success of this system depends entirely on the strength of your fence. It requires a solid wood plank or metal tube fence; it will not work on high-tensile or woven wire fencing. You must ensure the fence itself is strong enough to support the weight of a full trough without sagging or breaking over time.
High Country Plastics Tub: Compact and Sturdy
For those who don’t need a massive 100-gallon tank, the smaller, heavy-duty tubs from companies like High Country Plastics are a fantastic option. These aren’t flimsy buckets. They are made from thick, impact-resistant poly plastic with a very low and wide profile.
Their design often features a thick, reinforced lip that adds rigidity and makes it harder for a goat to get a good grip with its mouth. The combination of a wide base and low height makes them surprisingly stable for their size. They are perfect for kidding pens, separating a sick animal, or for small herds of mini goats.
While much more stable than a standard 5-gallon bucket, their smaller size and lighter weight mean a large, motivated goat could still potentially flip one if it’s less than half full. Strategic placement, such as tucking it into a corner or alongside a heavy feeder, is still a good idea.
Farm Innovators Heated Tub for Winter Stability
Winter watering presents its own set of challenges, and a heated tub is often the best solution. An interesting side effect of many heated tub designs is their enhanced stability. Brands like Farm Innovators make tubs with a thermostat and internal heating element, and the base is often designed to be very solid to protect the electrical components.
The need to run a cord means you’re more thoughtful about placement. You’ll naturally place it near a wall or post to secure the cord, which also helps secure the tub itself. Furthermore, the cord must be protected from curious goats, often by running it through a PVC pipe, which can add another layer of rigidity to the setup.
Of course, the primary function is to keep water from freezing, not to prevent tipping. But the design considerations for a safe electrical appliance on a farm often result in a heavier, more stable product. It’s a seasonal solution, but during the cold months, it solves two problems at once.
Securing Your Trough: Cinder Blocks and Fencing
Sometimes the best solution isn’t a new trough, but a smarter setup for the one you already have. Even a moderately stable trough can be made completely goat-proof with a little reinforcement. The simplest and most effective method is to create a frame around it with cinder blocks. Just place three or four heavy blocks snugly around the base of the tub, and it’s not going anywhere.
Another great pasture trick involves a single t-post. Drive a sturdy t-post into the ground right next to your trough. Then, use a ratchet strap or a sturdy rope to lash the trough directly to the post. The post acts as an anchor, preventing the trough from being pushed or flipped, no matter how empty it gets.
These methods are cheap, effective, and can be adapted to almost any type of trough or terrain. They turn a "pretty good" trough into a "bomb-proof" one. Don’t underestimate the power of simply creating a physical barrier that prevents a goat from applying the force needed to cause trouble.
Ultimately, outsmarting your goats comes down to a combination of the right equipment and smart management. Whether you choose a heavy steel tank, a low-profile rubber tub, or a cleverly mounted corner waterer, the goal is the same: make it harder to move than it’s worth. By understanding the principles of weight, leverage, and anchoring, you can finally win the war against the perpetually empty, upside-down water trough.
