Bathing Water or Not???

[dunnitrees]

Hiya Guys and Gals

I'm just wondering if my 4 ducks really need to have access to bathing water everyday or will they be ok to have access to it a couple of times week? Obviously they will need access to water to drink maybe in a small bowl? Its making me think now were into Autumn/winter and not wanting too much water knocking about as the sun isn't around to dry the floor properly and don't want ice building up for my lovely ducks to slip on???

Any advice welcome.....

Robert.....

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Hi Robert

I would say yes they do, bathing and preening is an essential part of a ducks daily maintenance/comfort behaviour. It really is essential they have enough water to be able to get their head under and at least throw over their bodies to maintain good feather quality which is also essential during the cold months.

I have found that putting some gravel down around the bathing area helps with drainage.

zo
x

 

[FireFury]

I have found that putting some gravel down around the bathing area helps with drainage.

Ours were doing well up until last week's rain - after 2 days of non-stop rain they managed to turn a good chunk of the grass into mud. I think it's just down to the amount of rain, not the water the ducks have been splashing around. Not sure there's much that could be done, short of concreting over half the grass!