6 Water Tank Options For Goat And Sheep Pastures Old Farmers Swear By

There’s nothing that focuses the mind like watching your animals crowd a water trough on a blistering summer afternoon. A reliable source of clean water isn’t just a convenience; it’s the absolute bedrock of animal health. Choosing the right water tank for your goats and sheep can feel overwhelming, but the best choice always comes down to balancing your budget, your pasture layout, and the time you have for daily chores.

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Choosing Your Pasture Waterer for Goats and Sheep

The "best" water trough is the one that works for your farm. A farmer with a permanent five-acre pasture has different needs than someone rotationally grazing a small flock on a half-acre at a time. Your climate, herd size, and willingness to haul hoses will dictate your ideal setup.

Before you spend a dime, think about a few key factors. How many animals are you watering? A 100-gallon tank is great for a dozen sheep but overkill for two pet goats, leading to stagnant water. Do you need to move it easily for rotational grazing, or will it stay put for a decade? And most importantly, how easy is it to dump and scrub?

Don’t underestimate the abuse a tank will take. Goats, in particular, see a water trough as a climbing toy and a rubbing post. A flimsy tank won’t last a season. You need something that can withstand hooves, horns, and the relentless pressure of the sun and ice.

Finally, consider your water source. If you’re running a long hose from the barn, a larger capacity tank that needs filling every few days might be better than a small one you have to top off twice daily. If you have water access in the field, smaller, easier-to-clean tanks become more practical. The right tank makes your chore routine smoother, not more complicated.

Behlen Galvanized Stock Tanks: The Classic Choice

Walk onto any farm that’s been around for a while, and you’ll likely see a galvanized steel stock tank. There’s a reason for their staying power. These tanks are incredibly tough and, when treated well, can last for decades, far outliving their plastic counterparts that degrade in the sun.

The primary advantage of steel is its rigidity and weight. A goat can stand on the edge of a Behlen tank without collapsing it, and it’s heavy enough that animals won’t easily push it around the pasture, creating a muddy mess. However, that weight is also a drawback; moving a 150-gallon steel tank for pasture rotation is a two-person job, at least. They also get blazing hot in direct summer sun and freeze solid faster in the winter.

Rubbermaid Foam Tanks: Durable and Crack-Resistant

If you’re looking for the durability of metal without the weight and rust risk, the black Rubbermaid structural foam tanks are a top contender. They are made from a thick, slightly pliable polyethylene that resists cracking from animal impacts or the expansion of ice in the winter. This is their single biggest advantage over cheaper poly tanks.

These tanks are a fantastic middle-ground option. They’re lighter than steel, making them manageable for one person to flip and clean. The thick, dark plastic also absorbs sunlight, which can help melt ice around the edges on a sunny winter day. While they cost more upfront than a basic plastic tank, their longevity in the face of abuse and weather often makes them a better long-term investment.

High Country Plastics Poly Tanks for Portability

For hobby farmers practicing intensive rotational grazing, portability is king. This is where the lightweight polyethylene (poly) tanks shine. A 50-gallon poly tank is easily lifted by one person, even when it has a little water left in the bottom, making it perfect for moving to a fresh paddock every few days.

The tradeoff for this convenience is durability. Cheaper poly tanks are susceptible to UV degradation, becoming brittle over several seasons of sun exposure. A sharp hoof from a climbing goat can crack an older tank. They are, however, inexpensive and widely available, so treating them as a consumable item that you replace every few years is a valid strategy for many small operations.

Ritchie Automatic Waterers for Constant Fresh Water

An automatic waterer feels like the ultimate luxury: a constant supply of fresh, clean water without hauling a single hose. These systems use a float valve, similar to the one in your toilet, to keep a small basin full. Because the water is constantly replenished, it stays cooler, cleaner, and reduces the risk of mosquito breeding and algae growth.

However, they are far from a "set-it-and-forget-it" solution. An automatic waterer trades the chore of filling for the chore of inspecting. You must have a pressurized water line trenched out to the pasture, which is a significant upfront cost and project. Floats can get stuck, lines can leak, and the small basins still need regular scrubbing to remove feed slobber and grime.

Heated models are available for cold climates, but they add another layer of expense and complexity. They are a fantastic tool for saving time, but they demand a different kind of vigilance. A failed float on a hot day can be a disaster if you’re not checking your animals daily.

The Repurposed IBC Tote: A Frugal Farmer’s Fix

For those with a DIY mindset and a tight budget, the Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tote is a popular hack. These 275-gallon plastic tanks in a metal cage can often be found for very little money, or even free. By cutting a large access hole in the top, you create a massive-capacity water trough for a fraction of the cost of a traditional tank.

The most critical rule is to only use a tote that previously held food-grade materials. Never, ever use one that contained industrial chemicals, as the plastic can leach toxins. While the capacity is a huge plus, it can also be a downside. For a small herd, the water can sit for weeks, becoming stagnant and unpalatable. They are also bulky and difficult to scrub clean down in the corners.

Permanent Concrete Troughs for Large Pastures

Concrete troughs are the tanks you build for your grandchildren. Poured in place or delivered as a pre-cast unit, these are the most durable, permanent solution available. Their significant thermal mass means water stays noticeably cooler in the summer and resists freezing for longer in the winter than any other material.

This permanence is both their greatest strength and weakness. They are expensive and labor-intensive to install, and once they’re in, they are not moving. This makes them unsuitable for rotational grazing systems or for farmers who are still figuring out their ideal pasture layout. But for a large, established pasture, a well-made concrete trough with a proper drain is an investment that will last a lifetime.

Proper Tank Placement and Regular Cleaning Tips

Where you put your tank is just as important as what it’s made of. Always place it on the highest, driest ground you can find. This prevents the area around it from turning into a soupy, hoof-rotting mud pit where animals congregate. Keep it several feet away from fence lines to prevent an animal from getting pinned between the tank and the fence.

Cleanliness is non-negotiable, especially for sheep, who are notoriously picky about their water. Don’t just top off the tank; it needs to be completely drained and scrubbed at least once a week in the summer. Algae and slobber create a biofilm that can harbor harmful bacteria and deter drinking. A good, stiff-bristled brush is your best friend.

A simple cleaning routine saves time and protects your flock:

• Drain the tank completely. A large drain plug is a feature worth paying for.
• Scrub the bottom and sides with a brush to remove all the slick biofilm.
• Rinse thoroughly before refilling.
• Avoid using soap or bleach unless you can rinse it multiple times to remove all residue.

Ultimately, your water tank is a critical piece of farm infrastructure that directly impacts your animals’ health and your daily workload. There’s no single perfect answer, only the right answer for your specific context. By considering your herd, your land, and your labor, you can choose a system that provides fresh, clean water reliably, day in and day out.