Duck questions

[Otis-Gussy]

new duck owner. He has a doghouse in his run, but doesn’t use it and stands outside in the rain. Is this normal for a duck? I know my turkeys will just chose to hang out in bad weather instead of going in, unsure about ducks.
Also I gave him a food dish but I don’t really see him eating from it, he seems to just eat the crumbs of food that fell on the ground.. should I give him a dish or just dump his food in the dirt for him?
Ducks are strange

 

[junebuggena]

Ducks love water in all its forms. They aren't called waterfowl for nothing.

 

[DuckMom2017]

My ducks won't go in their house (that we spent 3 days and about $200 on) unless I make them. They know when it's bedtime so they go right in when I tell them to, but they don't use it otherwise.
I built them a manger of sorts. It's literally 4 4x4s in the ground with a piece of plywood over it. They'll lay under that when it rains a cold rain or snows. If it's a warmer rain (around 50-60degrees) they'll stand in it

 

[Miss Lydia]

Ducks and poultry need to be locked up secure at night so they don't become predator food. Sounds like you need to do some training where to go to get out of bad weather[cold bitter rain or snow] and It's okay to eat out of a bowl They are fast learners. Walking slowly behind them with arms stretched out you can usually get them to go inside. long poles will work too.

 

[chickens really]

You will need to lock him in if you want him to stay inside at night..Bowls work for feed and water deep enough to wash out nares and eyes...

 

[GeoGreyWolf]

my ducks didnt use their house at first, but after a week or two of chasing them in at night time, they learned when it gets dark they go in. Now all i need to do is close the door behind them and latch. Only time its an issue is im leaving and need them to go in earlier (sun still out).