Nighttime water?

[Madelennon]

Do ducks need water in their duck house during the night if no food is being offered? My ducks are 7 1/2 weeks old & have been in there house since week 4. Do they need food and water through the night or will they be fine without it?

 

[Mrs.H]

I don't give my ducks food and water in their house. However that is me. Mine get let out at 7am n locked up at 8pm. I have 2 about that age, and they haven't had food or water over night since they been put outside (few weeks ago)

 

[Madelennon]

I just wasn't sure if it's bad for them. I'm sure they will be fine. Just wanted some other opinions.

 

[Mrs.H]

They should be fine. I've never had an issue. I just wouldn't leave feed in there without water. I keep all my feed and water outside.

 

[Amiga]

I took water and food out of the brooder overnight - never longer than 8 hours - from about the time they were ten weeks old. I did not have the water management handled very well at that point.

Since then I have learned a few things.

One reason I mention this is that if it gets really hot at night where you are, having water they can cool down with is helpful.

So with that in mind, here is a picture of the watering station in the night pen.

 

[Orca5094]

I am one of the ones that says ducks should never be without water. They don't really need the food overnight once they are full adults, but water is essential and I don't think it's right keeping it from them. Everyone has their own opinion though, and I'm just expressing mine. But like Amiga said, it's especially important during the summer when it's hot.

 

[Madelennon]

I

I took water and food out of the brooder overnight - never longer than 8 hours - from about the time they were ten weeks old. I did not have the water management handled very well at that point. Since then I have learned a few things. One reason I mention this is that if it gets really hot at night where you are, having water they can cool down with is helpful. So with that in mind, here is a picture of the watering station in the night pen.

I have a similar setup. They still get water everywhere!!! I feel kinda cruel taking their water away. What if they get thirsty? Haha! On the other hand, I feel worse about the water mess ruining the floor of my duck house. What is in the bottom of your Tupperware container?

 

[DUCKOBSESSED]

I leave food and water in my coop at all times. I know they don't need it but imho it helps make sure that everyone has a fair time to eat and drink. Like stated before there is not a right and wrong just different preference.

 

[Amiga]

That is the bottom half of a plastic dog crate for large dogs - nearly three feet by two feet. So, yes, I guess it is a really big Tupperware. The stewpot holds a couple of gallons of water, and I put compressed sawdust pellets in the bottom. That drinks up large quantities of water. I just scrape the top inch off once a day most days (in winter they are inside more and splash more). When needed, I add more.