Ducklings and Softened Water

[CandiKreuz]

Hi all! I hatched out two mallard eggs two weeks ago and my babies are growing oh so quickly!! They have just about outgrown their brooder and I keep increasing the size of their swimming area. I think they would enjoy a dip in the tub at this point (supervised and short of course) however I am unsure if the softened water is safe for them. I have been getting jugs of water from my outside hose this whole time, which is well water and not softened. However I’d be filling the tub from softened water for them to swim in and was wondering if that is ok and safe for them? If not I can just carry 20 jugs of water up to the tub, which isn’t ideal, but I’d do it because I love them here is an updated photo of the cuddly babies for those of you who remember us from my original hatching post

 

[DuckyDonna]

I've never heard of that being a problem. Doesn't mean I know what I'm talking about but if it were me I'd turn on the faucet to the tub and not worry about it!

 

[416bigbore]

Hello candikreuz, Welcome to BYC, what a great place for us Newbies to find answers to our questions. There is simple tests that you can do to your water or take it into a place like Health Dept., Colligan and or any hot tub spa place to test your water. In short, as long as the water isn't high in nitrates, it's save to use. Hard water VS soft water, Hard water has a higher calcium content over soft water which has a higher sodium, salt content. Soft water is better for your skin over hard water. Hope that helps. Please keep us posted and remember everyone loves posted pics of our babies!

 

[Flyinbolts]

I've never heard of softened water being a problem. My parents let the ducks swim and drink theirs all the time.

I've always figured if it's good enough for me (coming out of my well) it's good enough for my ducks - I'd imagine some of the city water people get into would be much worse than just softening.

I always did swim time in the tub after a week and dry/set under the heat lamp when they are done and chirpy.

 

[416bigbore]

Good water meaning healthy is a priceless necessity on any property where people and or animals reside. Nitrates and other toxins/parasites in ground water can go undetected and thought to be safe for consumption. In short, get your well water tested regularly to assure the good health of whomever consumes it? Best to know for sure over having to find out the hard way!

 

[CandiKreuz]

I've never heard of that being a problem. Doesn't mean I know what I'm talking about but if it were me I'd turn on the faucet to the tub and not worry about it!

Thank you! I ended up giving them a swim and they loved it!!

 

[CandiKreuz]

Hello candikreuz, Welcome to BYC, what a great place for us Newbies to find answers to our questions. There is simple tests that you can do to your water or take it into a place like Health Dept., Colligan and or any hot tub spa place to test your water. In short, as long as the water isn't high in nitrates, it's save to use. Hard water VS soft water, Hard water has a higher calcium content over soft water which has a higher sodium, salt content. Soft water is better for your skin over hard water. Hope that helps. Please keep us posted and remember everyone loves posted pics of our babies!

Thank you, that does help! I will have to take a sample in

 

[CandiKreuz]

I've never heard of softened water being a problem. My parents let the ducks swim and drink theirs all the time.

I've always figured if it's good enough for me (coming out of my well) it's good enough for my ducks - I'd imagine some of the city water people get into would be much worse than just softening.

I always did swim time in the tub after a week and dry/set under the heat lamp when they are done and chirpy.

Ok thank you!!

 

[416bigbore]

Thank you, that does help! I will have to take a sample in

It's best to know for sure over guessing. By doing your due diligence, that's to your advantage. Keeping everyone healthy who uses that water saves you an expense in the long run!

 

[CandiKreuz]

Oh for sure!