Now that I have "real" ducks ... what is the best run substrate?

[Crazy Maizie]

So, I've had ducks for years. But, I've had muscovy. I never had much mess - some, but it was manageable with my muscovies. I never realized when people complained about their ducks and the mess how bad "real" ducks are comparatively.
Oh my goodness... my runners sure love their water. They love to make mud to just dig in it to make more of a mess.
I have sand, but I'm thinking that I don't have a deep enough layer. Last night when putting everyone to bed, I almost slipped in the mud they made. Of course earlier, I had changed their trough water to sparkling clean - I'm sure they had a blast out there after I left. Party in the run!
Also, for now they aren't allowed out to forage. We have a fox issue and so every feathered friend is locked up in the run until further notice. Once I feel safe and feel the runners won't run off, they will be able to forage and maybe the mess won't be so bad?
I am now questioning my decision to get "real" ducks.
JK! I love them even though they are messy mud makers.

 

[Quatie]

There are several different ways people go. Some people do sand. Others like leaves or straw or hay.

I find that if I provide a water with holes for them to put their head in but not swim they dont make a mess around it. No more giant holes. They don't need to have a bath all the time. Maybe until yours can free range a small temporary bath may make it more manageable. I keep my baths away from my coop to reduce the mud around it. The more space they have reduces the mess they make. But their water sources will always be where there is extra messes.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

There are several different ways people go. Some people do sand. Others like leaves or straw or hay.

I find that if I provide a water with holes for them to put their head in but not swim they dont make a mess around it. No more giant holes. They don't need to have a bath all the time. Maybe until yours can free range a small temporary bath may make it more manageable. I keep my baths away from my coop to reduce the mud around it. The more space they have reduces the mess they make. But their water sources will always be where there is extra messes.

They have rubber bowls to drink out of and to the side of that is where they are drilling holes to plan their escape route.
Right now they also have access to their trough as well for swimming.

I know I won't use straw or hay as it stinks really bad once it gets mucky. I have some straw in the dry areas though (if you can believe there is a dry area!) Lol

 

[Quatie]

Yeah. I swear some of my ducks have had competitions to see who could waste the most water. It is amazing how much of a mess they can make !

You could try pea gravel right under the waters. I found it helps with digging. I haven't wanted to use too much of it, cause it is not as nice on their feet. It is easy to clean like sand. Or some people have created some water catches. I have thought about trying those waterfowl floor panels that metzer uses. That is a project for someday down the line. But those would also stop digging.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Yeah. I swear some of my ducks have had competitions to see who could waste the most water. It is amazing how much of a mess they can make !

You could try pea gravel right under the waters. I found it helps with digging. I haven't wanted to use too much of it, cause it is not as nice on their feet. It is easy to clean like sand. Or some people have created some water catches. I have thought about trying those waterfowl floor panels that metzer uses. That is a project for someday down the line. But those would also stop digging.

Good ideas. I will look into those floor panels. Thanks!