first timer with ducks!

[Chickenlover0810]

so my flock has been diagnosed with mareks disease so we do not want to risk other birds by getting more chickens. I read somewhere that ducks cannot get mareks and I was ecstatic. this is true right?some other questions....
do ducks need a nesting box?
do they need water to swim in during the cold winter?
what do yalls duck ponds look like, and how can I get mine to stay as clean as possible?

 

[RJKnott]

Ducks will never be clean. They see cleanliness as an abomination.

They don’t need a nesting box. But one can’t hurt. In my expeorience they may or may not use it

They need clean water every day. Something as simple as a kiddie pool and change the water out.

 

[bhaugh]

Ducks can get mereks but I've found they seem to be hardier than chickens. Be prepared for the mess they make. Most people are not really prepared for it. What breed are you thinking of getting

 

[bhawk-23]

Ducks can get mereks but I've found they seem to be hardier than chickens. Be prepared for the mess they make. Most people are not really prepared for it. What breed are you thinking of getting

I have the same thought. Watching our MD flock slowly die off is so hard on us. We had to euthanize our favorite one today. But ducks don’t seem to be symptomatic or die like chickens do from this nasty disease. Has this been your experience? Thanks!