Do ducks need constant access to swimming water?

[Pekins Rock]

I use the duck pond water on my garden, also on the wild edibles I give to my duck ladies. It makes a complete circle. I give them bath time everyother to every two days in the summer months. Not quite sure what I will do in the winter. This will be their first winter. I live in town so not as much room as a farm.

 

[skeeeter]

I'd like to say, in my opinion "wet feather syndrome" in muscovies is nothing more than the ducks not oiling their feathers thoroughly from not getting wet constantly. They don't seem to want to sit out on the water in rafts like mallards do.. when they are chased out into the lake, they just stay there long enough for the threat to go away.. even then trying to swim back to shore towards the weeds. They much prefer to rest up upon the picnic tables than out on the water.