API 9 Quart Heated Bucket 9HB

I have sheep, goats and miniature goats, as well as large dogs and have used the five gallon (20 quart) buckets in winter for many years. For me, it is easier for me to carry the 8 quarts than 20, and easier to dump out when cleaning.Most of my animals think this bucket is fine. A couple of "Prima donna" sheep with larger heads are fussy about this bucket, because they just don't like having something close to their faces, but other sheep and all goats like it just fine -- seems to be a matter of personal taste. It is a perfect size for lambs to drink out of as they start to wean. I have one in the pen where lambs are born and it is a handy size for a ewe who has just lambed to drink her molasses water, or for a mom to share with her babies. It is so important that pregnant and lactating animals keep hydrated!The water in the barn comes out of the pipes at about 50 degrees -- the temperature of soil below the frost-line (and under the barn). The water in the bucket is a bit warmer and the animals appreciate the gently warmed water.I was thinking of regulating all my heat lamps and water buckets through a heat-cube at the outlet, and then changed my mind: The bucket already has a thermostat which can tell if the heating element needs to be on or off. There are times when the barn in the area of the outlet may be draft-free, while an individual bucket may be in a draft, and if the electricity is turned off, the bucket will freeze. If it freezes, it will crack. I've lost a couple of five-gallon heated buckets by unplugging them too early. Make sure your electricity is on!BTW, I have used grounded Outdoor Christmas Light extension cords hung from the ceiling by big blunt utility hooks and plug the buckets in at the top of pen-panels, or high on support posts or walls -- out of reach of curious lambs or kids. I have even used buckets outside in freezing weather. I appreciate that this product comes with a grounded plug, and a wire coil around most of the cord so that curious little teeth can't get a hold on it . Also, I have yet to hear of any animal getting an electric shock (however mild) from a grounded heated water supply. I think this is a superior product as heated buckets go.

Great product.Perfect for keeping water from freezing for a large outdoor dog.Easy to clean! cord does not tangle.

Kept water from freezing during below freezing temps.

We are using this bucket for our ducks, and it's made it through one winter, so far. They were hesitant at first, maybe because of it having a cord? But now are used to it. The plastic seems very durable. Being plugged in, we empty it every day into another bucket, as it's easier to leave the plugged-in one in place. Then we fill it in place, as well. It did become frozen in place, because the ducks splash the water, and it froze to the wood chips in their run, becoming more and more solid around and underneath it. It shorted out twice, but we were able to break that ice up, and put it up on gravel and a rock to allow it to drain better underneath.Having power and an electrified bucket for water in the cold of winter was a game-changer for us, saving our backs from hauling buckets of warm water to the duck house twice a day! Hoping the plastic lasts for quite a few seasons.

Absolute life saver in the winter months! No more busting up frozen water buckets. Simply plug in!