Bucket for Water

[DuckDuckSook]

This may sound like a simple question, but what type of bucket do you use for water? I know that many people say that use a 5 gallon bucket. Is it just a regular plastic bucket? Would I need 2 of those if I have 10 ducks? Thanks!

 

[BReeder!]

This may sound like a simple question, but what type of bucket do you use for water? I know that many people say that use a 5 gallon bucket. Is it just a regular plastic bucket? Would I need 2 of those if I have 10 ducks? Thanks!

5 gallon seems tall and narrow to me. Ducks don't necessarily have to get their whole body into the water, but they do need to be able to submerge their heads under the water. This is their way of cleaning out their nasal passages. I would go for something a bit shorter than a 5 gallon bucket. You could actually just cut one in half. You could also get a livestock pan like this:

They are wide and shallow. you can find them at farm supply stores.
Another option if you have room and are willing to let the ducks have some fun is a kiddie pool or stock tank/trough like this:

The ducks would actually be able to float around that way which they LOVE to do.

I am on the opposite end of the spectrum from a water bucket as I dug out a pond in the backyard. If you ever want to take it this far, we can chat.

 

[DuckDuckSook]

Thanks everyone! Very helpful and great ideas, as always!

 

[chickens really]

I use rubber livestock bowls.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I go to the bakery dept at our grocery store they have 3 gal and 2 gal for 1.00 each I use these in summer and heated buckets in winter this is for drinking out of. These buckets have awesome lids and make great containers for storage too.

 

[BReeder!]

I go to the bakery dept at our grocery store they have 3 gal and 2 gal for 1.00 each I use these in summer and heated buckets in winter this is for drinking out of. These buckets have awesome lids and make great containers for storage too.

Sounds like icing/frosting pales that they wash and sell after using up the product inside. If so, they'll be food grade which is great.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes it is and I love that they are food grade.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I did thanks @Isaac 0 I use a 5 gal heated bucket and the 2gal. I place a piece of scrap wood over top of half the bucket to keep anyone from climbing in and using as their own personal hot tub. I put out 1 -5 gal and 2 -2 gal I have 34 birds. so you could get by with 1 -5 gal or 2-2 gal. I do clean and put fresh in nightly.

 

[DuckyDonna]

this is what I have for my duck's water buckets and it works great plus it's easy to clean.
https://grocery.walmart.com/ip/Sun-Mountain-Fresh-177-Loads-Laundry-Detergent-22-7-lb-Pail/13908588

 

[DuckyDonna]

@Miss Lydia has a heated bucket. I really don't live in a climate that would make it useful to get them. I'm sure she'll tell you about it tomorrow.