How To Keep Ducks From Spilling Water? 6 DIY Steps!
Dealing with ducks and their water spills is a challenge. Ducks have this charming habit of turning their drinking time into a playful water extravaganza!
So, you should know how to keep ducks from spilling water. Using low-sided containers and keeping a water pool for them away from the coop might be handy. It actually depends on the setup you are raising ducks. But keeping your coop dry is important, so you have to ensure your ducks can swim away from their coop so that it will keep dry.
Many might agree it’s not possible completely to stop ducks from spilling water as they’re absolutely messy. But you can minimize the event by taking necessary steps and preventions to keep their living space dry. Keep on reading as I’m gonna unveil tips and ways to make it happen.
Table of Contents
How To Keep Ducks From Spilling Water? 6 Easy DIY Steps To Follow!
First, let me clarify one thing. I’m sharing my personalized preference. It’s not obvious that it’s gonna work. But that’s some universal steps that might keep the coops as dry as possible from the water spilling. Let’s draw a picture of how to do it.
1. Use Low-sided Containers
According to some experienced duck owners, one of the simplest ways to prevent water spills is to use low-sided containers for your duck’s water source. These containers make it harder for the ducks to dip their entire heads in, reducing the likelihood of creating a splash zone.
2. Elevate the Water Source
Placing the water container on an elevated surface can also help. Ducks are less likely to tip over water containers that are above their heads. You can use bricks, logs, or specially designed waterers with raised platforms.
3. Make Duck Ponds
If you have the space and sources, consider creating a small duck pond. Ducks are more likely to swim and play in the pond than in their drinking water, which can significantly reduce spills.
I guess this video might be helpful for you:
4. Provide a Water Ramp
Ducks sometimes spill water while trying to climb in and out of their water containers. You can fashion a ramp or gentle slope leading into the water source to help them enter and exit more easily.
I understand that might sound weird to you. But here’s a video showing how to do it:
5. Use Heavy Containers
Opt for heavy, sturdy water containers that are less prone to tipping over. Large plastic bins or galvanized steel tubs are good choices. Make sure these containers are wide enough to accommodate the duck’s bills comfortably.
6. Limit Access
If you notice your ducks splashing excessively, consider limiting their access to the water. Allow them to access only during certain times of the day, like mornings and evenings, when they are more likely to drink rather than play.
Related Reading: Make The Perfect Duck Coop
4 Water Container Setup Tips By Experts
Spilling water continuously is a disturbing experience indeed. Here are some container setup tips that might come in handy for you.
1. Raised wooden platform
Create a raised wooden platform with a gap beneath it. Position the water containers on top of the platform. Any splashed water will simply drain through the gaps in the wood, minimizing the mess. This setup is easy to clean and can be replicated using a screen for drainage.
2. Screen And PVC Basin System
Utilize a screen cover and place the water dish on top. Ducks can access the water by reaching over or standing on the screen. Most splashed water will flow into a cement basin below. To avoid puddles, bury flexible PVC tubing in the ground to route excess water away from the duck coop.
Cleaning is as simple as emptying the dirty water into the basin through the screen and refilling it with clean water.
Here’s what it might look like:
3. Five-gallon bucket with Drinking Holes
Modify a five-gallon bucket by cutting holes just below the top rim. These holes should be large enough for ducks to insert their heads for drinking. This cost-effective solution significantly reduces water spills while allowing ducks to dunk their heads and clear their nostrils as needed.
4. Altered Plastic Tub with Rabbit Tray
Take an old plastic tub and cut holes into one side for duck access. Place the tub on top of a rabbit tray with a wooden frame and vinyl-coated hardware cloth underneath.
Support the tote bricks under the tray to handle the weight of ducks. This setup is durable, allows ducks to dunk their heads, and prevents tipping, ensuring a mess-free water solution.
These innovative water container techniques provide efficient and practical ways to keep your ducks hydrated. Also, minimizes water spills and mess in your duck-keeping area.
Related Reads:
Duck Splash Defense Tip: The Dry Floor Solution
Here’s a unique flooring approach that will surely keep your tension out for splitting water.
A wired floor under your ducks’ water bowl will do magic. No matter what type of water container you use – buckets, bells, nipples, or auto-floaters – this floor does wonders.
3 Reasons Why It’s Awesome
- Mud-Be-Gone: This wiring floor stops water play from turning into a mud bath. Less mud means less mess, and that’s a big win for you!
- Money Saver: With less water going everywhere, you won’t need to change their bedding as often. This will save you money.
- Cleaner Ducks: Your feathered friends stay cleaner and drier, which ensures their mental well-being.
Lastly, even ducks prefer to have a wired floor. On hot summer days, it will keep the air coming to them. So, it’s, indeed, a nice way to stop splitting water by ducks and for their overall.
3 Additional Preventative Measures to Stop Water Splitting by Ducks
Here are three additional preventative measures that will minimize water-splitting incidents.
1. Regular Cleaning
Ducks are messy by nature, so it’s essential to clean their water containers regularly. Dirty water can encourage them to spill even more in search of clean water.
2. Adjust Water Level
Keep the water level in their containers lower. Ducks often tip over containers when they try to reach water at the bottom. Maintaining a shallower depth can minimize spills.
3. Training
While it may sound surprising, you can train your ducks not to spill water. Gently scold them when they make a mess and praise them when they drink calmly. Ducks are intelligent birds and can learn over time.
Related Readings:
Bottom Line
Keeping your ducks entirely away from splitting water might not be easy as they’re extremely messy. But simple steps like offering water in low containers, setting up a pond, and wired floors ensure enough ventilation and dry coops.
However, regular cleaning and adjusting water levels are important. So, to prevent such horrible things from happening to your ducks, preventative measures should be taken wisely.
