How to Water a Duck

The lives of ducks are a little more tied to water than other animals typical to the barnyard setting. Many backyard farmers tend to a flock of ducks at the edge of a small pond, where fish also are raised, providing a beneficial relationship. Others keep their ducks in fenced-in pens for the sole purpose of a meal. In any case, a regular source of water is imperative to the health and well-being of your flock of ducks.

Things You'll Need

  • Ground-level trough of water and/or pond (turkey or chicken waterer sufficient)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Situate a ground-level water trough near where your ducks feed and roost. This is imperative, whether you keep your flock penned up or at the edge of a small open pond. For pond dwellers, a supplemental source of food and water will encourage your ducks to stick around; for those that stay fenced in, you will be the only source of sustenance and relief from weather extremes.

    • 2

      Regularly inspect your trough to ensure that water is present. Also, keep the proper amount of food available, as recommended by the food manufacturer.

    • 3

      Sprinkle your ducks' food lightly on the surface of their pond or in the grass that surrounds their pen. Hunting for food will give your ducks something to do throughout the day.

    • 4

      Keep your poultry feeder and water trough near where you've constructed a covered shelter for your ducks to roost and nest if they're not kept inside. Having this arrangement will make it difficult for your ducks to fathom leaving and not coming back.

    • 5

      Stock the pond or lake that's frequented by your ducks with different species of fish. This will require a filtration system, but the rewards will pay dividends: This will fatten up your ducks, provide recreation and potential profits, as well as make it cheaper to feed your ducks. Their excrement also helps to keep nitrate levels at a level needed for fish health, within reason. This method shouldn't completely replace your ducks' commercial feed diet, though. These foods frequently are supplemented with minerals and vitamins to optimize your ducks' health.

    • 6

      Use a nipple system of watering, especially useful in breeding pens. According to Duck Health, at least 15 nipples should be provided for every 100 ducks you have.