Last year I had 6 Rouen ducklings. YECH! STINKY! But cute......
I used a chick waterer with rocks in the tray so they couldn't sit in it (they tried!) and let them play in the bath tub every day until they were old enough to go outside in the kiddie pool (another clean up nightmare!)
After having them in with my chicks for a few days, they got their own brooder,(they were teaching my chicks to play in the water!)I also switched them from shavings to the pelleted horse bedding that turns into a sawdust type substance when it gets wet. It absorbs a LOT more water and really keeps the smell down. It also "clumps" to an extent, allowing you to scoop out the worst of the wet spots. To keep them from eating it, I put down plastic mesh squares used for cross stitch (sewing) projects (I used them over the shavings for the chicks too) It gives them a less slippery footing, doesn't allow the shavings to get piled up in the corners and you can take them out and rinse them off in a few seconds.
I would suggest waiting to use the pellets until the ducks have learned to tell the difference between food and bedding. Mine were about 2 weeks old when I switched.
You can also get pine shavings that have baking soda in most pet shops or pet department of the grocery store. They only come in small bags though and are more expensive.
Another option, as long as it's draft free, is to use a mesh bottom cage/pen and use a tray of clumping cat litter underneath. Just be careful that they can't reach it through the mesh!
