6 Best Water Troughs With Heater For Sheep That Prevent Common Issues

There’s no winter chore quite like heading out to the pasture in the freezing dark, axe in hand, to smash a hole in the sheep’s water trough. It’s a daily battle against nature that gets old fast. A reliable heated water trough isn’t a luxury; it’s a critical tool that ensures your flock stays hydrated, healthy, and saves you from that miserable, repetitive task.

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API 16-Gallon Heated Tub for Small Flocks

This is the quintessential starter tub for a small flock of 5 to 15 sheep. Its all-in-one design is the biggest draw—you just fill it up, plug it in, and you’re done. There’s no separate heater to install or cord to wrangle inside the tub.

The built-in thermostat is a key feature, only turning the heating element on when the water temperature drops near freezing. This saves a surprising amount of electricity over the course of a long winter. It keeps water liquid, not hot, which is exactly what you want.

The main tradeoff is durability. While perfectly adequate for most ewes, the molded plastic can become brittle in deep-freeze temperatures. A feisty ram or an accidental knock from a tractor tire could crack it, so placement is important. Think of it as a solid, budget-friendly solution for a calm, smaller group in a protected area.

Farm Innovators 20-Gallon Heated Water Tub

When your flock outgrows the smaller tubs, the 20-gallon size from Farm Innovators is a logical next step. It operates on the same simple, thermostatically controlled principle as the smaller models but provides that extra capacity for flocks of 15 to 25 sheep. This means less frequent filling, which is a significant time-saver on busy mornings.

One of the most practical features is the cord management. The power cord typically exits from the bottom of the tub, making it much harder for curious sheep to chew or pull on. This is a small detail that prevents a major headache and a serious safety hazard.

Like other plastic models, it’s not indestructible. However, its larger size and sturdy construction make it a reliable workhorse for mid-sized hobby flocks. It hits a sweet spot between capacity, convenience, and cost.

Behlen Country Trough with a Submersible Heater

Sometimes, the best solution is a combination of two proven tools. A classic galvanized steel Behlen trough is tough, long-lasting, and won’t get brittle in the cold. Pairing it with a quality submersible de-icer or heater gives you flexibility and ruggedness.

This approach has two major advantages. First, if the heating element fails, you only have to replace the heater, not the entire trough. Second, you can choose the wattage of your heater to match your climate—a higher wattage for brutal northern winters and a lower one for more moderate zones.

The challenge, however, is cord protection. A loose cord in a sheep trough is an invitation for trouble. You must run the cord through a piece of PVC pipe or other sturdy conduit to prevent chewing. This setup requires a little more planning but results in a highly durable and customizable system.

Brower MK32E Heated Drinker for Durability

For those looking for a permanent, "set it and forget it" solution, an automatic heated drinker like the Brower is in a different league. This isn’t a tub you fill; it’s a plumbed-in appliance that provides a constant supply of fresh, ice-free water. It’s built like a tank, often with heavy-duty polyethylene and stainless steel components designed to withstand abuse.

The primary benefit is automation. You never have to worry about filling or breaking ice again, as the insulated body and internal heater maintain a small drinking area at the perfect temperature. This is ideal for farms with a reliable water line running to the pasture or barn.

The considerations are significant: cost and installation. These units are a serious investment and require trenching a water line below the frost line. It’s not a portable solution, but for a permanent sheep pasture, its reliability and labor-saving benefits are unmatched.

Little Giant 16-Gallon Heated Rubber Design

Rubber is an exceptional material for winter farm chores, and this heated tub proves it. Unlike plastic that can crack, a rubber tub remains flexible even in sub-zero temperatures. You can drop it, kick it, and sheep can lean on it without fear of it shattering.

This model functions much like the plastic all-in-one tubs, with a thermostatically controlled heater built right in. The power cord is typically well-protected, and the unit is heavy enough that it’s less likely to be pushed around by the animals. The "give" of the rubber also makes it a bit safer for the animals themselves.

The only real downside is a slightly higher price point compared to its plastic counterparts. But for that extra cost, you’re buying peace of mind and longevity. If you’ve ever had a plastic tank split open on the coldest day of the year, you’ll understand the value of investing in rubber.

Tuff Stuff Stock Tank with a Drain Plug De-Icer

Many of us already have a few Tuff Stuff tanks lying around—they’re the black, all-purpose workhorses of the hobby farm. Instead of buying a whole new heated unit, you can upgrade your existing tank with a drain plug de-icer. This clever device replaces the tank’s standard drain plug with a small, efficient heating element.

The genius of this system is cord safety. The cord exits from the very bottom of the tank through the drain hole, keeping it completely out of reach of nibbling sheep. There are no wires dangling over the side for them to mess with. It’s a clean, safe, and effective way to winterize a tank you already own and trust.

This is arguably one of the most practical and cost-effective solutions for anyone with a standard stock tank. You get the near-indestructible quality of the Tuff Stuff tank combined with a safe, targeted heating source. Just ensure you buy a de-icer designed specifically for plastic or structural foam tanks to prevent any risk of melting the tank wall.

Choosing Power: Corded vs. Cordless Options

Let’s be direct: for heating water, "cordless" isn’t a practical reality for most hobby farms. The energy required to keep a large volume of water from freezing is substantial, and battery or solar-powered units simply can’t keep up in consistently cold weather without a massive, expensive setup.

The real conversation is about managing your corded power source safely and effectively. This is non-negotiable.

• Use a GFCI Outlet: Always plug your heater into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlet. This is a critical safety feature that can prevent electric shock in wet environments.
• Outdoor-Rated Cords: Never use an indoor extension cord. Invest in a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cord that is appropriate for the wattage of your heater and the length you need.
• Protect The Cord: This is the most overlooked step. Sheep will chew on anything. Run the cord through a PVC pipe or a metal conduit to create a physical barrier between the cord and curious mouths.

Ultimately, a reliable corded power source is the backbone of any effective heated water system. Planning a safe route for your extension cord is just as important as choosing the right trough. Don’t treat it as an afterthought.

Choosing the right heated waterer isn’t just about preventing ice; it’s about matching the tool to your specific situation. Consider your flock size, your climate’s severity, your infrastructure, and your budget. The best system is the one that delivers clean, unfrozen water reliably, giving you one less thing to worry about when the winter wind blows.