Nipple vs Open Water for Ducks in Winter
Ducks are different
Chickens do great on nipples. Ducks need open water to wash eyes/nostrils. Nipple-only for ducks = dirty eyes, poor preening.
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Winter solution: 2-gal heated bucket (Farm Innovators bucket class, 60-120W), hung by handle so can't tip, refill daily – ducks splash. Too small to climb in, deep enough to dunk.
Keep chicken nipple unit for chickens + bucket for ducks if mixed. Clean bucket daily – ducks foul fast.
See best waterer, cleaning.
Check heated buckets →Will ducks break ice themselves?
No – don't rely on it. Give liquid water or bring in twice daily.Duck health source
Ducks must dunk to clear nostrils: Merck, UMN.