Do ducks need water at night???

[birdlover]

Hi,
I have two Indian runner ducks and I always herd them into the chicken coop at night. I fix up a special area, just for them, every evening. I put lots of newspaper on the floor (just one corner), then straw, and surround it with a portable dog fence. I've always given them a dish of food and water but I'm wondering if this is necessary? I sure would love it if I didn't have to deal with that watery mess every morning. They go to bed at dusk and I let them out at 8 a.m. Sooo, do they need to have water in there with them??? Thanks!!!

Ellen

 

[SandraChick]

YESSSSSSSSSSSS!

Ducks eat and drink at night, so it is necessary. I have a separate duck coop...but still didn't like the mess--so I hung a small rubber pot on the wall just large enough to stick their whole head into. Now there's just a little mess between the feed and the water.

I've heard of others cutting an opening in a milk jug and hanging it from the handle.

By raising it, they can't try and walk/swim in it.

GOOD LUCK
Sandra