Like everyone says, they are messy. VERY messy. My 19 ducklings that I have right now are in a 6' x 6' brooder. They are a month old and I have already gone through 5 bags of shavings. I don't have a problem with adults being messy, but my barn does have a cement floor that slopes ever so slightly to allow any water to drain down and out of the barn. I personally think it's worth it, considering the qualities of ducks, but I probably wouldn't suggest them to newcomers of the poultry world. The mess can get VERY frustrating if you don't have an ideal setup.