Something to ponder

[destinduck]

Just wondering if any of you have ever had this experience. You go to fill your ducklings waterer with cold water (for me its city water from a hose outside) and you come back coupla hours later and either one or some is dead or rolling around about dead. I let my water that Im going to use set out for a little while now of course. Now I have had this happen before and so has my other friends down here. All we can figure is its too cold when it first comes out that it must shock the babies system. Maybe its a southern thing, Not sure. But my friends down here have all experienced this at one time or another. We do know that we would never be careless anymore with a rarer bird and "let fly right out of source" Also we are sure it isnt a chlorine problem. All thoughts or experiences welcome! Also edited to say this has happened with well water also.

 

[TLWR]

My ducks are often in the pool playing with the hose as the pool is filled. I usually use the first bit of water to wash down the duck yard since it is often hot water if I do it during the day and then fill the pool when the water has turned cool/cold.
Never had an issue. I'm south of I-10 in Alabama.

 

[destinduck]

Not your ducks, Your Babies, maybe 3 week olds. But maybe that is what you are talking about. We've only had this problem with the newborn's. Never happens to any over 4weeks old.

 

[The Duck ABC's]

I live in the mountains and our water is ice cold, so I don't think it is the water temps. Unless you mean they a sitting in it until chilled. I assume you are talking about drinking water. It sounds more like the is something in the water that is toxic to the little ones. You said you let the water sit now before using it. That will destroy the chlorine and fluoride in the water with the air and UV exposure. I'm not a chemist, so perhaps someone has more insight. I have my own well so I do not have to worry about these additives.

 

[destinduck]

Yes abc's, Im talking about drinking water( see original post "ducklings Waterer")Sorry for any confusion. Also I guess you missed the last line of my post. Thats okay too. Yea I knew that about the chlorine (didnt know fluoride would leave through evaporation though). Are you positive on that. Ive never checked and Im not a chemist either.

Thats exactly why I used the well water. Oh well Maybe somebody has had this happen to them or its just another its another great mystery ???????? Im still thinking water temp shock. But please keep the ideas or experiences coming.

 

[The Duck ABC's]

I was thinking of the most common additives in water. Chlorine and fluoride. I know fluoride can cause problems in babies, like upset stomachs, digestive track problems etc. This all depends on how much is present. It is a salt, so I don't think it will evaporate. Perhaps the air and UV makes it flock out or converts it into something harmless. I hope there is a chemist is on this list and can give us some insight.

Well water can also be problematic, because you don't know what is in it until tested. We had ours tested, and were delighted to find out that is was of very good quality.

I did not see the other post.