Night time food and water?

[Firegal1056]

Ok so I have read both options for ducks at night. They free range all day and have water, food, snacks, and a small pond even in the NW winters. My question is- some say leaving the water and thus food out of the coop/run at night is fine. Keeps things clean and dry. They are in the coop maybe 8-10 hrs during the short winter nights, but won't go in until 9pm come the summer months. so even a shorter time- warmer and probably better. What are you all doing and what are your thoughts. They seem fine. Ive been doing it for about 2 weeks. They don't rush out looking for food nor water??? So I am looking for the experts out there that have raised the ducks for some time. Thank you all!

 

[Pyxis]

I've raised ducks for nearly 11 years now. I don't leave food and water in my coop overnight - they don't need it, and they can make a huge mess with it. At night they aren't really thinking about eating and drinking anyway - instinctually, ducks are hunkered down at that time; think about wild ducks, they certainly aren't moving around looking for food and water at night, because that could easily get them eaten.

They have no trouble going 8 or so hours without food and water, so if it's working for you, keep doing what you're doing

 

[sourland]

I have never provided night time feed and water for adult birds.

 

[Bridger Davis]

I've raised ducks for nearly 11 years now. I don't leave food and water in my coop overnight - they don't need it, and they can make a huge mess with it. At night they aren't really thinking about eating and drinking anyway - instinctually, ducks are hunkered down at that time; think about wild ducks, they certainly aren't moving around looking for food and water at night, because that could easily get them eaten.

They have no trouble going 8 or so hours without food and water, so if it's working for you, keep doing what you're doing

I agree. Ducks need their rest, so just put the food containers in a weather/rodent prove container and they will be good.

 

[chickens really]

Mine that get locked in at night do not get feed or water till morning.They do fine...

 

[Krazyquilts]

I tried having water in their coop and took it out after only a couple weeks because of the mucky wet mess the ducks made. Bedding shouldn't be so wet that it squishes lol. Now they just have to wait until morning.