Tips on Winter prep?

[BeeRex]

This is my first year ever having ducks, and right now I use the hose for cleaning all their stuff. But come winter time the hose needs to be shut off so it doesn’t freeze and no pipes burst. What do I use to clean everything if I can’t use the hose? Any tips would be highly appreciated!

 

[Jenbirdee]

I use one of those hoses that shrinks when you shut it off , and I bring it inside my house, i carry it in a bucket when not in use, I cover my outside spigot with styrofoam and then in morning I bring out the hose and hook it up and fill all the waters. I use black rubbery tubs that are easy to dump and get the ice out at the end of the day , I always dump them at end of day . If it is an especially frigid day I check midday to see if waters are frozen and sometimes I bring out a tea kettle of boiling water to pour over top and melt ice then I stir it up. This has been working for me for 7 winters in northern maryland. also put waters in sunny places.

 

[Adolfus Nile]

In the winter I put the hose up and use a bucket to bring water to the kiddy pool for the ducks.

 

[DukesDucks]

My Muscovy ducks don't get to use their kiddie pools during the winter and are fine. Long cold winters here in Eastern Ontario. I provide water in a large size gravity fed waterer which have a big enough bowl that they can completely dunk their heads. I have 4 so I an put 2 out in the morning, and switch them out around noon when they are frozen. I do have to store them inside each night to thaw out.
Even with a special freeze protection outdoor spout, I turn off water. Hoses would be impossible.

 

[DukesDucks]

As for cleaning, a flat shovel does a good job lifting frozen poop spots. I do use the deep litter method.