How do you keep ducklings (and their bedding) dry in brooder???

[llombardo]

“Just curious, were you severely beaten for needing a midnight snack or drink of water? Animals are not like humans. My dogs and cats even grab a bite to eat or drink at times during the night. Animals are by nature "grazers" and eat and drink when they NEED, not necessarily when MAN tells them so.”

Just so we’re very clear, I love all my critters. I would never do anything to hurt them. That is why I’m asking those with more knowledge and experience what I can or cannot do. I’m trying to reduce the frequency of cleaning because I have severe pain in my back nearly every day and I can’t afford to buy bedding pellets every three days. Also, they splash so much of their water into their bedding, they are always without water when I wake up. I will continue to try anything which pops into my head until I find a solution.

I came here for help so I can give them everything they need and do everything better. Putting me down only served to hurt me.
I don’t feel welcome here, so I’m saying goodbye. Thank you to everyone who has helped myself and others.

Oh don't go. I like having duck people around. Only they can understand the struggle.

How old are yours? ( you might have already posted that but I don't remember)

 

[happy duck]

For my ducklings I use a chick nibbler and put a cooking tray under it to catch the water that they spill. Not 100% clean but really helps.

PS: They still track food and poop on to the tray but as I said it really helps with the mess.

 

[GardenJen77]

“Just curious, were you severely beaten for needing a midnight snack or drink of water? Animals are not like humans. My dogs and cats even grab a bite to eat or drink at times during the night. Animals are by nature "grazers" and eat and drink when they NEED, not necessarily when MAN tells them so.”

Just so we’re very clear, I love all my critters. I would never do anything to hurt them. That is why I’m asking those with more knowledge and experience what I can or cannot do. I’m trying to reduce the frequency of cleaning because I have severe pain in my back nearly every day and I can’t afford to buy bedding pellets every three days. Also, they splash so much of their water into their bedding, they are always without water when I wake up. I will continue to try anything which pops into my head until I find a solution.

I came here for help so I can give them everything they need and do everything better. Putting me down only served to hurt me.
I don’t feel welcome here, so I’m saying goodbye. Thank you to everyone who has helped myself and others.

I am sorry you felt that way and I had retracted my statement. I have seen way to many people and animals suffer because people felt they needed to withhold food and water from them in strict ways. That was my point. I have rescue animals who were starved, and now they suffer effects because of it. I know also that people, who are starved suffer as well, and sometimes that moves on to how they treat others. Again, I apologize and hope you find the answers you are looking for.

 

[ATGATT]

Before I go, I thought I would share the epiphany I just had. I think my duckies are too hot and, therefore drink the way they do, to cool off. It looks like they are just wasting water. They’re not. As they drink, most of the water exits their bill at the back corner and passes over the water catching dish. The temp is 76 according to a digital thermometer.
I’m not sure if my replies will still be here when I delete my account, so I’ll delete tomorrow.

 

[Kelllynnl]

I saw this on a YouTube channel ( I forget which one for credit) it works good and I take it out every other day and rinse it off in the laundry tub. I have 3 duckies that are almost 2 weeks now. Their water dish has been upgraded to a bigger dish now

 

[ATGATT]

Another thought while watching the ducks; maybe the water dish isn’t deep enough. Imagine trying to drink through a straw with a slit cut down the center on both sides, almost to the top (like a ducks bill). Very little suction and, thus, a lot of water would just leak out the sides before reaching the top. The pan I have now, is deep and serves two purposes. It, somewhat, catches water running down their neck and allows them to get their whole bill into the water. No more sips for them; they now get big gulps as they like. I’m not sure if any of my ideas are correct, but they are options for others to consider when faced with similar issues.

 

[llombardo]

I used an old water fountain for cats. It worked for quite a while

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Another thought while watching the ducks; maybe the water dish isn’t deep enough. Imagine trying to drink through a straw with a slit cut down the center on both sides, almost to the top (like a ducks bill). Very little suction and, thus, a lot of water would just leak out the sides before reaching the top. The pan I have now, is deep and serves two purposes. It, somewhat, catches water running down their neck and allows them to get their whole bill into the water. No more sips for them; they now get big gulps as they like. I’m not sure if any of my ideas are correct, but they are options for others to consider when faced with similar issues.

I know you said you were leaving, but you can gain valuable info here, so stick around!
Your ducks need to be able to stick their bill and nares in the water as well they should have a "bath" once in awile. They will love it!
Water should be available whenever food is and both should be available 24/7 until they are 4 months.
Sorry that your post didn't get received like it should have.
You can always start a new thread with your questions. Plus, we love to see pics of ducks!

 

[chickens really]

I was just about to post a similar question. Though, I have tried nearly every suggestion I could find. Am I able to remove food and water and give it to them a few times a day?I have considered giving them food and their watering can before and after bath tub time, Which was twice a day, but I think needs to be three times a day. Temperatures have been in the 30s this week, so they aren’t getting any outside time yet. Most of my ducks are three weeks old, plus however long it took for them to get to the feed store. Three of them are two weeks old, plus time again.

Hello, don't leave and don't take things too personal on here either..Sometimes people don't reply the way we like them too..
I will answer your questions..Until 5 to 6 weeks, Ducklings need feed 24/7 or the possibility of over eating is high. I understand how messy they are so if you can make a drier water source for them it cuts down on mess..
Feel free to ask questions..No questions are stupid. We all learn as we go...Best wishes..

 

[chickens really]

I am sorry you felt that way and I had retracted my statement. I have seen way to many people and animals suffer because people felt they needed to withhold food and water from them in strict ways. That was my point. I have rescue animals who were starved, and now they suffer effects because of it. I know also that people, who are starved suffer as well, and sometimes that moves on to how they treat others. Again, I apologize and hope you find the answers you are looking for.

Hello, I rescue Ducks here and have taken in some pretty sad cases myself..I don't change my care of the Birds that come in. I provide excellent care and rehab to all I care for. Removing feed and water at night doesn't impact the rehabilitation one bit. Ducks don't think like humans and think to themselves that they may never eat again..
Best wishes...