Do Ducks Like Ice Water? Absolutely Yes!

Ice water is a relief for us and the same for ducks on the hot summer days. For ducks, it will prevent them from overheating and panting as a consequence.

But do ducks like ice water? Yes, ducks do. It gives refreshments to them on hot days and ensures hydration. Ice water can keep them cool and maintain a temperature inside the body that stimulates white blood cells. These help ducks create a better defense against bacterial infection.

To some extent, duck raisers discourage giving ice water to baby ducks. They claim it can even bring death! Let’s try to know the reasons.

Do Ducks Like Ice Water? 2 Reasons for Liking!

Yes, I’ve said it earlier already. Ducks can take ice water, just like the other foods, as they go crazy over anything they’re given. So, it really doesn’t matter whether or not they like it. Let’s guess why ducks like drinking cold water.

1. Surprisingly, ice water or ice cubes can be a treat for ducks! Just like we enjoy ice and cold water, ducks find the coolness of ice water refreshing.
2. Ducks enjoy eating crunchy foods like sweetcorn, mealworms, and frozen peas. They also drink a lot of water, up to a liter a day. Ice water combines their love for water and crunchiness, making it a favorite treat for them.

Look at the video where ducks enjoying ice water!

Can I Offer Ice Water to Ducklings? 

Yes, you can offer ice water to ducklings.

Some duck raisers often advise not to provide ice water to ducklings, even if it’s hot out there. Although, some ask in reply, who heats up water for wild baby ducks?

Well, we should know wild ducks and ducklings both have better adaptability and immune function than the ones roaming in the backyard. It’s a habitat that matters!

However, let’s come to a point. 

Ducklings require water with a temperature that is not too high and not too cold. So, it’s important to ensure the water isn’t extremely cold, as ducklings are more sensitive than adult ducks. Cold water can shock their little bodies.

Always observe the ducklings to make sure they are comfortable and not shivering. It’s best to introduce ice water gradually and monitor their response to it to ensure their well-being. Follow these rules until they’re three months old, and now it’s fine to offer them some cold, icy water.

How Do Ducks Stay Warm in Cold Water?

Ducks don’t get sick as they have unique natural adoption. Their feathers are waterproof and work as an insulin. Their feathers are waterproof and trap a layer of air close to their bodies, which acts as insulation to keep them warm.

Additionally, they have a thick layer of subcutaneous fat that provides further insulation. Do not forget ducks have a remarkable circulatory system. This plays a vital role in their ability to swim in cold water without getting sick. Here’s how it works:

• Ducks have a counter-current exchange system inside their body. That system helps them converse body heat. 
• As ducks swim in cold water, the blood in their legs becomes colder. This cold blood is on its way back to the body from the extremities. At the same time, warm blood from the body is on its way to the legs.
• Their counter-current system allows the cold blood from the feet to exchange heat with the blood. It’s on its way to go to their feet and become cold. This heat transfer warms up the cold blood before it reaches the body’s core.

Why Do They Swim in Cold Water? 

Nothing different. As I said, they’re well adapted to cold water. So, it doesn’t matter if the water is cold or hot. They need water, and that should be the prime concern. Here are a couple of legit reasons why ducks need to swim in the water, be it cold or hot.

• Ducks swim in cold water because it’s essential for their well-being.
• Water is like a duck’s best friend – they need it to drink, splash around, and keep clean. For cold or icy water, it’ll give them relief on extremely sunny days. We know if your ducks get overheated, it’ll pant.

Benefits And Precautions of Ducks Drinking Ice Water

In certain situations, icy water can be beneficial for ducks. Here’s how: 

• Ice water helps ducks cool down on hot days. It gives them a refreshing vibe and prevents overheating.
• Ensures hydration. Ice water provides them with the essential fluid they require to maintain their health.
• It can be a nutritious stuff as well. If you offer them ice water as a juice made of fruits like blueberries or strawberries, that will definitely be a tasty treat for them.

What are the Precautions to Follow?

Nothing significant. But you have to keep in mind that anything excess doesn’t bring any good for ducks. So, make sure they don’t consume icy water continuously every day.

• The water should be cold but not too freezing, as extremely cold water can shock their system. It’s best to offer cool water rather than icy cold water.
• Keep an eye on them if you introduce icy water to them for the first time. Carefully notice any sign of discomfort, or if they shiver, stop giving them icy water.

Recommended Reading: How To Keep Ducks Cool In Summer

Bottom Line

Ducks won’t mind having ice water. It’s like a treat for them, especially if you offer them some lettuce or frozen peas. It’s crunchy, and ducks do like these. However, some experts advise not to offer ice water to baby ducks until they’re three months old. Anyway, there’s no such study that gives it a strong backhand.

Following a few precautions might be handy in some cases. It’s like maintaining an ideal water temperature, not offering ice water a lot or on a daily basis. Keep an eye on them to see if they are okay with it.

Sources and References:

• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322071621_Wet_feed_and_cold_water_as_heat_stress_modulators_in_growing_Muscovy_ducklings
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/629369/