Ducks love their water and will gleefully play in it at temperatures that make humans cringe. What can we do to keep their water liquid during a cold Northern Winter? Unlike chickens who can survive by drinking out of shallow self contained waterers that are easy to heat, ducks require a deep enough water source to dip their whole bill. Ducks need to clear their nostrils after eating and are generally happier and healthier if they can dunk their entire upper body while drinking.
The easiest solution for one or two birds is a large heated dog dish. Any more birds than that and you will spend the entire day refilling the dish. I bring the dish in at night and let it defrost in the bathtub over night. Clearing the mud and gunk out of it helps the dish operate more efficiently. Besides, the only thing ducks love more than clean water is the chance to make it filthy.
For more birds it is easier to use a rubber stock tank and a stock tank heater. There are various sizes and qualities of heaters on the market, your local feed store can give you advice on brands and price points. If you also have geese spend the extra money for a sturdier model. Geese will nibble (bite) on cords and pick apart cheaper models. Make sure you have a GFI outlet and if you are forced to run an extension cord buy a cover for the connection. I pull the cords out of the snow every time I check the water and make sure the cover is still over the connection. I also make sure it is outside of the duck splash zone and uphill from the tub. Common sense will prevent most accidents and accidents involving electricity can be fatal. I also make sure the heater itself is not covered in mud and duck debris, this will increase its effectiveness and lifespan. My preference for a rubber stock tank is connected to durability and the fact that if it freezes you can break the ice up and not destroy the tub.
If you choose to not heat the tubs or can’t access electricity in a pasture rubber stock tanks are your best friend. kicking the side to break up ice is possible without cracking the tub. they flex and forgive for a surprising number of years.
Diva Ducks 