Keeping ducks out of waterer

[Blackshadows]

I am new to ducks, well 8 weeks ago as that is how old my little flock of 14 are. First few weeks they spent in a very large horse trough in my living room, since then they have moved out to a wonderful pole barn that can secure them at night or day time and have a fenced area during the day to play in the pool. My question is how can I keep them out of the waterer at night? It is a 3 gallon and is raised off the ground by 5 inches but they still get it all over. I am worried about the winter, I know there is a heated waterer out there which I will get but I don't want water all over and frozen and I sure don't want the ducks frozen into the spilled water. Anyone have any ideas for winter time and water? Please help me. Thanks

 

[chfite]

If the waterer is moved outside, there won't be any spills inside. Ducks are all about water. If is inside at night, they probably will be in it.

Chris

 

[Going Quackers]

I'd go to the duck section their are some good ideas there, i have mine elevated but my birds are mainly adults in there so it isn't much of a mess anymore, as they age though, you can remove food/water overnight(always ensure they have water with food) some of my birds don't have any overnight so just have access throughout the day due to the design of the barn.