Providing drinking water for ducks at a several day show without them making a mess?

[lceh]

My sons are 4-Hers and showed their Indian Runner and Welsh Harlequin ducks at the county fair this week. We had deep waterers for them since they were at the fair for 2 1/2 days and we knew they would need water to clean their nares. The Runners emptied that dish as quickly as we could fill it, which led to people walking by and saying "Aww, those poor ducks have no water!" In fact we were watering them every 30 minutes, and the water was gone in 10. When we cleaned the crates after the fair the shavings were utterly sodden. The ducks, however, had a marvelous time. How do people who show waterfowl provide drinking water 24/7 without them splashing it all out? I'd love some advice from experienced exhibitors so we can handle this better next year.

 

[DUCKOBSESSED]

I don't show but I love to go see the ducks. Around here they use containers with a hole cut in the lid tied to the cage. Their bills fit in But they cant spill them. Just make sure the edges are smooth.

 

[lceh]

Ah, that's a great idea! We were using large sour cream tubs for the depth, so next year we'll leave the lids on and just cut a hole. Such a simple solution, why didn't I think of that?

Thanks!

 

[DUCKOBSESSED]

You are welcome.

 

[jvivanco]

A hole cut in the lead???? I am a little slow, I don't get it. I understand pictures & videos. I place a container I bought at a seed & feed store. It has a cover...I fill it up, slide the cover down which creates a vacum...the water comes out when the sleeve touches a spring, the bottom of the bucket has a lip that is part of the bucket and holds the water which is replenished as the ducks drink. I have the bucket standing on top of a concrete block about 8" from the ground. Still, the ducks get the water and the bucket really filthy. Any way I can prevent that? Thanks.

 

[Miss Lydia]

A hole cut in the lead???? I am a little slow, I don't get it. I understand pictures & videos. I place a container I bought at a seed & feed store. It has a cover...I fill it up, slide the cover down which creates a vacum...the water comes out when the sleeve touches a spring, the bottom of the bucket has a lip that is part of the bucket and holds the water which is replenished as the ducks drink. I have the bucket standing on top of a concrete block about 8" from the ground. Still, the ducks get the water and the bucket really filthy. Any way I can prevent that? Thanks.

here is what the other posters where talking about, just use the size appropriate for your ducklings/ducks and place a large rock in the bottom to keep them from tipping it over. As for keeping anything clean around ducks really a losing battle they love to play in the mud/dirt then run to the buckets/pools and wash their heads. Just the way ducks are.

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Welcome to BYC

 

[scgreenacres]

Love the butter tub idea...just wondering...how many ducks to one bowl? I have 5 baby ducks approx 2 weeks old (growing like a weed!) how many of those tubs should I have? Thanks!

 

[DUCKOBSESSED]

I would say one or two are good for them as long as you are around to keep it filled up. Just make sure the edges are smooth so they cannot cut themselves. Also make sure only their heads can fit in the hole.

 

[scgreenacres]

Thank you!