I put my waterer up on 2 bricks. I saw that done at the farm store where I got mine. Makes a huge difference in the wet mess!! Also put mine outside after just 2 weeks. Put heat in the house for 2 nights and then seemed they didn't need it. They are just about 4 weeks old and are outside in 30 degree nights. They are sure sturdy! You can see my duck house set up on my website. Good luck!