The low-drinking-height OmniFount 2, for flocks of sheep and goats. It waters up to 100 head across a fence line.
Amazon $899.99The Ritchie OmniFount 2 Special rates 2.9 among automatic waterers heated waterers; the API 9HB 9 Quart Heated Bucket rates 2.3 among heated buckets ones. The API 9HB 9 Quart Heated Bucket costs $844.68 less ($55.31 vs $899.99).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

A small heated bucket for a dog, goats or a few hens kept outdoors. It costs the most per gallon of the heated buckets here.
Amazon $55.31Scores side by side
These two sit in different type classes (automatic waterers and heated buckets), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Ritchie OmniFount 2 Special | API 9HB 9 Quart Heated Bucket |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.9/5 | 2.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 11 $409.09 per gallon ($899.99, 2.2 gal) | 12 $24.58 per gallon ($55.31, 2.2 gal) |
| Capacity 15% | 4 2.2 gal | 2 2.2 gal |
| Cold rating 20% | 0 cold rating not published, scored as none | 0 cold rating not published, scored as none |
| Features 20% | 100 thermostat, insulated, hardwired, no cord | 80 thermostat, protected cord, cord of 6 ft or more |
| Warranty 15% | 100 10 years warranty | 20 1 year warranty |
Specifications
| Ritchie OmniFount 2 Special | API 9HB 9 Quart Heated Bucket | |
|---|---|---|
| Water | ||
| Type | Automatic waterer | Heated bucket |
| Capacity | 2.2 gal | 2.2 gal |
| Price per gallon | $409.09 | $24.58 |
| Drinker | Trough | Open top |
| Animals served | 100 sheep or goats | - |
| Heating | ||
| Heater power | 298 W | 50 W |
| Thermostat | Yes | Yes |
| Insulated | Yes | No |
| Power cord | ||
| Cord | Hardwired | 6 ft |
| Chew protection | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Material | Polyethylene body, 304 stainless steel trough | Plastic |
| Warranty | 10 years | 1 year |