Recently in Japan, bird owners have sparked a surprising trend: a growing number of people are rushing to buy large snack buckets. The catalyst? A creative pet owner, looking for a proper bath for their beloved bird, had a sudden brainwave back in July—why not use a slanted snack container as a bird bath? To their delight, it turned out to be a fantastic solution, and they enthusiastically shared this discovery online.
How the Craze Began
After this innovative use was posted online, word quickly spread among the bird-keeping community. A new fad was born, with more and more bird owners interested in buying these snack containers—now seen as dual-purpose: buy a bath tub, get free snacks. It's no wonder many find this a great deal!
The Snack Bucket: From Storefront to Hot Topic
These slanted-edge buckets, traditionally used to display a mix of snacks in old-fashioned Japanese general stores and dagashi (snack) shops, were never a common purchase for regular households. People usually opted for more convenient or cost-effective snack packaging. The angled bucket was really meant for shop displays, making snacks easy for customers to grab.
Yet, among pet bird owners, these containers have gained popularity because, as the story goes, the slanted mouth design seems to be a perfect bath tub for small birds!
The Bird Owner's Review That Started It All
"I originally bought this product to find a bath tub for my bird. This bucket is much bigger than the old tub I was using—it makes bathing easy for my bird. The opening is also wider, so unlike before, my bird doesn't take forever to go in, and now she can soak easily. It's also easy to clean, which is a big plus. The included lid can even be used to cover the cup and keep the bird out if needed. Overall, it's a wonderful bath tub—and you get snacks as a bonus. Truly a great find!"
This review slowly gained traction, and lately, it has exploded in popularity. Many other bird owners now want to give this idea a try. There have even been some playful responses online, with people joking that the snacks are supposed to be the main product, but the owner has turned it into a "buy a bath, get snacks free" deal!
It's Bigger, Easier, and More Fun—for Birds and Owners
- The slanted container is much larger than conventional bird baths.
- Birds can hop in and enjoy splashing around easily.
- The wide opening makes it less intimidating and more accessible for the birds.
- It's easy to clean—saving owners time and effort.
- The lid can double as a safety cover or a general dish cover.
抵抗無くすぐ入ってくれたよー！広くて浅くて、水浴びしやすそう〜！ pic.twitter.com/RhAlZLF0zh
— シナモン文鳥「ぷっちょ」 (@buncyosuki) July 8, 2022
A Trend Spreads—and Some Handy Tips
When the original reviewer saw their post had become a sensation four months later, they commented:
"I wrote my review hoping other owners would see it, and now it's finally getting a response—I'm so happy! But my bird loves this container so much, she's started using it as her secret base. I recommend everyone get a second bucket, just in case!"
Pro tip: If you're not interested in the snacks, you can always look for just the empty container!
Some have even called the person who first thought to use the snack bucket as a bird bath a genius. This unlikely trend is a perfect example of creativity turning an everyday item into a must-have accessory for Japan's bird-loving community.
