Winterizing Duck Pool

[Lindsey-]

I have three Khaki Campbell ducks that have a 350 Gallon Stock Tank that they swim in. With the winter approaching how would I make sure the water doesn't freeze other than a de-icer? Is it even safe to put a de-icer in where the ducks are swimming?

 

[Ratchnick]

How often do you change the water? That is a huge body of water to keep warm, and it will make a big sheet of ice when you charge it. I would get something much smaller that you can carry out to let them bathe.

 

[quackiemama]

I use a de-icer in my stock tank pool for them. I plug into a thermal outlet so it only comes on when it reaches a certain temperature preventing the water from freezing. Mine is not 350 gallon though. I have a hose attached so I can drain when I need to change out the water. The hose drains into my garden to fertilize my soil.

 

[Lindsey-]

I change the water about once a week. I had something smaller before but they all like to swim together and didn’t have enough room.

 

[BullChick]

They don’t “need” to swim. As long as they can dunk their heads (coffee can), they are okay.
That being said, there are several stock tank heaters, as well as koi pond heaters available.

 

[BullChick]

I’m sorry, yes. It’s okay to have the de-icer. Livestock and koi are safe, so ducks will be too.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

Is de-I cEr the same as heat tape? We have a 300 gal tank in barn that were pumping pond water into to supply their drnking water...is that the same kind of tank you mean to swim in? Anyways..if de- iced is same as heat tape it should be safe...my ducks dunk heads in their heated water tubs just fine. It is true they don’t need to swim..but it’s a nice bonus if you can do it...part of our pond isn’t frozen since we are pumping from it and the ducks are having a blast! So if you can do it..go for it..nothing better than a happy duck!

 

[Gkundern]

Is there a temp that is too cold to allow swimming? It gets well below zero here at times.

 

[BullChick]

If you are nervous, take away the pool. I don’t know that there is a temperature to worry about as long as there’s a dry coop and bed to settle into.

 

[Ratchnick]

Is there a temp that is too cold to allow swimming? It gets well below zero here at times.

I cut them off at 0 F