DIY BACKYARD GARDEN SINK: PERFECT FOR BATHING YOUR SMALL ANIMALS

I've had the idea for an outdoor garden sink in my head for a while now, and I've been watching Facebook Market FREE or cheap double sink.

You know how it goes when you’re looking for something, and it just never seems to show up.

Well, that’s been my deal with this garden sink idea, but then I mentioned the plan to my brother, and he pulled through by finding me not one but TWO FREE SINKS!

One of the sinks was even attached to a vanity-type structure, which was perfect for this project.

HERE’S WHAT HE FOUND ME FOR FREE!

FARM DUST AND PAINT is reader-supported. When you click and purchase through links or images on this page, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More.

LET’S DIY A BACKYARD SINK

Well, my brother was right.

After measuring, the double sink was not going to fit the base of the single sink, so I had to do some dismantling and build a new upper frame around the outside of the legs to hold the double sink.

I also added a board in the center of the frame, so the center of the double sink had something to rest on for extra security.

Once I had the sink in place and resting on the frame, I secured the top using more cut lumber to make a frame around it.

I did my best to make it resemble a small countertop.

All of the wood pieces I used were scrap pieces of wood, and not all are treated for exterior use, but I figured the sink should last a few seasons as long as I painted and primed with some exterior paints.

READY FOR PAINT

I started with black and did a little hide-the-flaws camouflage by adding roses.

I also ended up adding an old handle to the center to hide some screws.

TIME TO HOOK UP THE WATER

Originally, I was going to hook the faucet back up to this sink, but then I decided I wanted to have a sprayer set up.

I purchased a black 25-foot black hose.

I also purchased a 2-way hose splitter so that I could always have this hose hooked up to the sink.

Next, I need to get two matching buckets to place under the sink to collect water when I drain the sinks, but for now, the blue bucket will give you an example.

I’m loving this little outdoor garden sink!

It’s great for washing outdoor items on the hobby farm.

I have it set up next to the outdoor catio, so I can wash food dishes, and it’s even great for bathing my chickens.

HOW IT WORKS FOR BATHING SMALL ANIMALS

Ok, one negative about the garden sink is that it does not have hot water, but it’s outdoors, and we do have the sun.

So, what I do is fill the sink tub with water in advance and let the sun heat the water for a few hours.

I’ll add soap and give my chicken a little scrubby-dub bath.

When it’s time to rinse, I move them to the other side of the sink, and the hose sprayer will have some warm water because the sun also heats the hose, but make sure you check the hose water temperature before rinsing the water can EXTREMELY HOT.

Now, do chickens need baths?

Well, not necessarily.

They should have an area to dust bathe, and the dust bath should help them stay fresh, but sometimes a bath can be helpful if they get particles attached to their bottom feathers or they have an injury.

White silkies like the girl I bathed can also get pretty dirty because of their fluff.

I enjoy giving my chickens a fresh bath when I see needed, and this little sink is so helpful because I don’t have to bend down, fill buckets, or bring them into the house.

If you don’t already know, wet chickens can be pretty stinky.

Anyway, GO find yourself a cheap or sink freebie and build yourself an outdoor wash station.