Messy duck!

[LoveMyDucky]

Hello!

Long time reader, first time poster. My duckling (Quackers) is lovely but she seems to leave clutter everywhere and, as all duck lovers know, poops EVERYWHERE! So my question is, to what extent do you think ducks can be trained to be cleaner?

Thanks!

 

[Welshies]

You can't really "train" a duck to be clean. They need to poop and the need to eat. In order to do both of those, they have to poop liquid poop, and they have to use water to swallow their food or they choke. The only way you can decrease the mess is by adjusting your management styles. What kind of bedding do you use? Are they in a run and coop, and where do you keep the food and water?

 

[CarleeAnn]

Short answer: I don’t think they can be “trained” to be cleaner.

Elaboration: I don’t believe ducks have control over when they defecate so they can’t be potty train. You could train them to wear diapers which could make them cleaner, but that’s a lot of work on your end.
If water is dirty you could make adjustments (stones around the water dish to keep them from dabbling in bedding or mud) or move food further away so the don’t make such a mucky mess...

So, even though ducks can be trained to wear diapers, come when called, spin for food, etc. I don’t think they can be trained to be cleaner because 1.) they have no concept of what “clean” is to you and 2.) they can’t control those dirty behaviors enough to be curved....

But don’t let me stop you from trying!! You could try rewarding them when they happen to poo in a spot you want to be their “litter box” but you would have to be very vigilant- my concern is that they won’t realize they’re pooing when it happens because it just sorta slips out.....

 

[Welshies]

Short answer: I don’t think they can be “trained” to be cleaner.

Elaboration: I don’t believe ducks have control over when they defecate so they can’t be potty train. You could train them to wear diapers which could make them cleaner, but that’s a lot of work on your end.
If water is dirty you could make adjustments (stones around the water dish to keep them from dabbling in bedding or mud) or move food further away so the don’t make such a mucky mess...

So, even though ducks can be trained to wear diapers, come when called, spin for food, etc. I don’t think they can be trained to be cleaner because 1.) they have no concept of what “clean” is to you and 2.) they can’t control those dirty behaviors enough to be curved....

But don’t let me stop you from trying!! You could try rewarding them when they happen to poo in a spot you want to be their “litter box” but you would have to be very vigilant- my concern is that they won’t realize they’re pooing when it happens because it just sorta slips out.....

x2. Ducks actually can not control when they poop, therefore they are impossible to litter train

 

[BuckeyeBirdies]

It's true ducks are very messy! However, I think the cuteness factor makes up for sloppiness! Ducks can't really be trained. They are just adorable slobs.
Oh, by the way, Welcome!! You have found a get group of people here!!!

 

[chickens really]

...
Kidding the thought of a clean Duck had me laughing.
We all wish Ducks were cleaner. Although we love the wreaking crews anyways...

 

[GracieJ]

My ducks are so so messy poop wise. Nevertheless I absolutely adore them and can deal with the poop, however I fear if I have a boyfriend in the future, he may not be able to deal with it

 

[Miss Lydia]

Oh men they can't deal with human baby poop very well either. That is why God made us ladies so strong we can deal with anything.

 

[GracieJ]

Oh men they can't deal with human baby poop very well either. That is why God made us ladies so strong we can deal with anything.

so true! Most of the guys I talk to about my ducks are like "ew I've heard they're filthy animals" and I'm like well you need to pull yourself together - everyone poops!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yep some just don't do it out in the open for all to see and smell.