safe to drink

[tonirene]

we have a softwater system and i need to know if it is safe for our ducks to drink the water?

 

[Amiga]

That's a good question. The salinity is higher with a water softener, isn't it?

Hmmmmm.

 

[tonirene]

That's a good question. The salinity is higher with a water softener, isn't it?

Hmmmmm.

yes it is...i can't find any info on this.

 

[Amiga]

Let me look up something in Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks. I recall there was a squib on raising ducks near bodies of saltwater.

Well, not a direct answer.

Ducks raised near saltwater need to have "sweet" drinking water available at all times. That would be, not salty.

And from
http://books.google.com/books?id=mA...ved=0CFgQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=tolerance&f=false

"...domestic breeds have a low physiological tolerance for salt and must be supplied with fresh drinking water."

 

[tonirene]

Let me look up something in Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks. I recall there was a squib on raising ducks near bodies of saltwater.

Well, not a direct answer.

Ducks raised near saltwater need to have "sweet" drinking water available at all times. That would be, not salty.

thank you for your help. better to be safe then sorry. again thank you.

 

[Amiga]

So do you have a way to draw off water that hasn't gone through the softener? Sorry I forgot to ask that earlier.

 

[SJUDD]

Great question! My dh just hooked up our water softner the other day... now I need to find out if the hose water goes through that or not. .

 

[ChristineR]

My ducks and parrots have been drinking my "softened" water for years with no apparent harm. The amount of sodium in the water should be miniscule. It might depend on how old your system is, though.

Also, I fill up my freshwater aquariums and fish bowls with tap water with no problems.