winter time

[FrannyLW]

Hi, trying to prepare myself for the winter. 2nd winter with Ducks but it was mild last year. (NJ). And I have 1 more duck this year total 4. Anyway, I have no electric bacl by the ducks (and chickens) so every morning and night (I come home its dark) I am lugging buckets for them to have clean water. I also change this "mini" rubbermaid container every day (approx. 10-20 gallons). The big 50 gallon container will get cleaned and changed every weekend. Oh, guess you see the hose is put away for the week. So anyway like I said I can change the smaller one every morning because its not too icy but once it gets dead of winter, can I just break the ice and change water completely like every couple of days? I believe I did that last year. As long as they have clean buckets twice a day they should be fine right? I was also thinking of March, where I will be going away for 4-5 days and have my 23 year old daughter taking care of them for me. Trying to make it as simple as possible for her. And I'm the duck mama, she just looks at them with love.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

Yes! What you are doing is great! My ducks swim in a pond all summer..is that clean? Right now we have a 300 gallon tank in our barn full of pond water for the ducks with heat tape so the water doesn’t freeze...but..the valve did..and I ended up carrying manny buckets too. I have 43 ducks! And 32 rabbits who require clean water so ILl be carrying water for them daily too. Yes, breaking up the water and changing it as you can is great! Watch for their eyes..if any of them gets “ foam” then they do need clean water with ACV daily..it’s just bacteria. But, winter is hard..and I’d say..your plan sounds good..and I think your daughter is old enough for the responsibility for four duck..... just enjoy them! If others say different then maybe you want to listen to them...but, ducks are hardy.