2wk ducklings, can I take water/food out at night?

[2txmedics]

I was wondering tonight because my babies are now about 2wks old and they make a huge wet mess in there kennel....I have a rabbit hutch, wire top, plastic bottom, I put a food bowl and a 1 gal. waterer in there, and they wet the shavings so bad it looks like a swamp. I know ducklings need alot of water, at first I thought ok there ducks...so shaving wet are ok, but they started to get a chilll even with a heat lamp.

So Now Im trying to becareful....can I take the water out at night??? during the day I put them outside with the bottom off, wire over them, if I go out....I let them follow me in the yard and there are so cute running after me...then I put them in a baby bath tub with me watching them for a few mins and let them sun, but also supply shade for them....So again, can I take the food and waterer out of the kennel at night???


I mean is it going to hurt them if they dont drink at night? When they are outside in a run with a coop, the waterers stay out right? and you lock up your babies?? HELP....still learning

 

[duckyfromoz]

Ducks are messy...its something we all need to deal with. Personally I feel 2 weeks is too young- but all of mine- what ever age have food and water day and night provided- sure it means I do a lot of cleaning too- but I dont want my ducks being thirsty during the night. If they are still having heat provided - it could even be more reason to leave the water in. If they get too hot- they could dehydrate without water to drink for extended periods. Maybe you can experiment with different waterers- or putting a tray underneath it to catch some of the mess.

 

[2txmedics]

I dont mind the mess so much, its that its in the bathroom...and we work around them....and the shavings! I thought they had to be treated like chickens where u dont put waterers and food in at night in the coop....that would mean making sure I had a bigger coop than just for wing spead and comfort....have to add I'd says 3sq for each....for comfort....

thanks!!!!

 

[aussieheelr]

All our birds, chickens ducks and turkeys, have access to food and water 24 hours a day. With ducks specificly I've read that they have to have access to water at all times because they dehydrate much faster and will try to make up for it when the water is given back and over drink, getting themselfs sick. They also use the water to clean their eyes and nostrils so it has to be available.

 

[2txmedics]

ahhhh, I didnt know anything about cleaning there eyes and nostrils....interesting, Im still learning....what I did last night is I put the water at the far end like always, and then I put a towel under the other side so the water stays to one side of the cage and it helped alittle. Kept one side of the shavings dry for them to sleep, and yes I have a puddle at one end but we are all happy....they are getting to big for the rabbit cage, this is what there homed in right now and there are 4 of them

30"x18"16"