My Ducks

[fowl farm]

Should I leave water in the duck house? I put them away every night in their ducks house and during the day they are let out into their pen. The problem is they make a big mess in the duck house with their water. Any ideas on how to fix that?

 

[Billy-jean]

I have the same set up as you for our ducks..I don't keep water in their night-pen,,,too messy,,and if they don't have their food in there,they don't need their water in there...I let them out early in the am,and they have access to feed and water and pond all day. SO much cleaner for the pen,you only need to worry about cleaning out their poop and not a slimy mess of feed mashed with water!!

 

[Tahai]

How old are they? Until they are adults, they need water. Once they hit adulthood, as long as they have no feed, they do not need water for up to 9 or so hours. You might also want to consider building a water porch if you intend to keep them inside for longer periods of time (winter, or monsoon season - not sure where you live)

Also,

 

[Billy-jean]

yes,,forgot to mention that important note! They need water a s ducklings till about 2 months old.,,with feed always available to them,,,mine right now are living with their mom in a seperate pen with water and feed at all times,,till a couple months,,then they will be penned with the rest of the gang,with no water...

 

[fowl farm]

Okay. They're about 6 weeks (I think), so I'll leave them water for now. Can't wait to get it of there, though!

 

[CorinneP]

They are pretty messy arent they !! I keep a couple brooder boxes with baby chicks .. I recently added too baby Mallards. I have to clean it so much more often !!! But I know it will be worth it . Have my son working on another brooder just for the messy ducks lol..

 

[Going Quackers]

Another your mileage will vary answer

I leave water with my birds 24/7 of coarse it does make for a touch of a mess but i have it managed fairly well, i use low rubber pan style livestock bowls and a small bucket.

I know some have made special containers or changed flooring or added grating underneath water containers as well. I know when birds get older the water/feed is not a must but i like it being there in case i get delayed getting to the birds in the AM.