Water needs??

[Kzp1020]

Okay I know that supposedly ducks drink about .25 gallons of water a day. We are currently going through more than 5 gallons a day between our 9 ducks (5 weeks old) and our 10 chickens. So far today I have given them 16 gallons of water. I'm hoping they don't go through it all but this is getting excessive. They all free range during the day and we have a bin for the ducks to splash in and dunk their heads and then a more traditional waterer as well.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Ducks waste a lot of water. Have you checked your waterer for leaks? That seems to be a lot of water.

 

[Jenbirdee]

Sorry for laughing, but yes, Ducks love water and they splashing it, and if the buckets are open top, they will dunk their head and splash a lot out besides drinking.
you can put a piece of wood like a short 2 x 4 across the top, which makes it harder for them to splash water out . I have 21 ducks and I give them five buckets that are 2 gallons each and three kiddy pools. I know I spoil my ducks and my water bill is a little high but when freezing temperatures come I put the swimming pools away then I have to use a few heated buckets.

 

[Kzp1020]

Sorry for laughing, but yes, Ducks love water and they splashing it, and if the buckets are open top, they will dunk their head and splash a lot out besides drinking.
you can put a piece of wood like a short 2 x 4 across the top, which makes it harder for them to splash water out . I have 21 ducks and I give them five buckets that are 2 gallons each and three kiddy pools. I know I spoil my ducks and my water bill is a little high but when freezing temperatures come I put the swimming pools away then I have to use a few heated buckets.

You're fine for laughing, it is funny.

I have one 2 gallon open bucket specifically for splashing and the other is a chicken waterer with little bowls for the water.

 

[Kzp1020]

Ducks waste a lot of water. Have you checked your waterer for leaks? That seems to be a lot of water.

I will have to double check.

 

[Kzp1020]

Ducks waste a lot of water. Have you checked your waterer for leaks? That seems to be a lot of water.

There was one that was leaking and our little 2 gallon buckets wasnt big enough. Got a bigger kiddie pool and a different waterer and we are down to like 7 gallons a day.