How to Keep Ducks Out of Sheep's Water Tub

[DuckDuckSook]

Hello friends!

My ducklings are still in my house and will be for a few more weeks. However, I'm trying to prepare for when they go to live outside in our chicken coop/run. They will be in the run unless we are outside to supervise. When we are out there to keep an eye out, the ducks will be free ranging around in our sheep pen along with the chickens. My chicken coop/run is within the fenced area that we house our sheep. The sheep have a large rubber tub filled with water for them to drink. How can I keep the ducks out of the water tub? Can I put something over it so the sheep can use it but the ducks can't swim in it? I plan on getting a small kiddie pool for our ducks to swim in which might provide a distraction but I think I'm going to have to create some kind of barrier for the sheep water. Any ideas or suggestions are appreciated! Thanks!

 

[KaleIAm]

How tall is the sheep's water tub? My ducks aren't good at climbing so unless it is shallow maybe your ducks won't be able to get into it?

 

[Percheron chick]

If it's a normal 12' tank, they shouldn't be able to get in it. My geese can't get in one without bricks or a ramp to get up over the side. They are able to reach in and still make a muddy mess. You can also place it on timbers or cinder blocks to raise it up another 6" if they're persistent.

 

[DuckDuckSook]

How tall is the sheep's water tub? My ducks aren't good at climbing so unless it is shallow maybe your ducks won't be able to get into it?

I use a 25 gallon round water tub that sits about 14" high. I didn't know if they could somehow jump or fly up to get into it. It currently sits on some 2 inch pavers and I could prop it up even higher if need be. Thanks for your help.

 

[DuckDuckSook]

If it's a normal 12' tank, they shouldn't be able to get in it. My geese can't get in one without bricks or a ramp to get up over the side. They are able to reach in and still make a muddy mess. You can also place it on timbers or cinder blocks to raise it up another 6" if they're persistent.

Okay. Thanks. I wasn't sure if they could still get into it. I know they love their water!

 

[KaleIAm]

View attachment 2590102I use a 25 gallon round water tub that sits about 14" high. I didn't know if they could somehow jump or fly up to get into it. It currently sits on some 2 inch pavers and I could prop it up even higher if need be. Thanks for your help.

My ducks' water bucket is about 9 inches tall. My ducks can't get into it. But they make a hobby out of picking up dirt and mixing it into their water. That's better than poop, but your sheep may not appreciate muddy water as much as ducks do!