Our chicks (about 8 weeks) get into the yard with the ducklings (just a couple of weeks older) and haven't had a problem with the duck water. But, we fill a black rubber-type feed pan for the ducklings. Our Polish chickens don't see very well and do not seem to be the brightest of the bunch. The kiddie pool might prove to be too much for your young polish while they're still fairly small. You might want to start with a smaller container first to see how they do.

Thanks for the advice! I'll start with a smaller container until they've had a chance to get a bit larger.

Mark

I've used a kiddie pool for the last few years for the ducks. The only problem has been with the littlest ducklings getting out of the pool. We float a foot long section of 2x4 in the water for a "dock" and then put a chunk of block in one end for them to use to get in and out. Even the littlest ducklings like the pool.

I used to keep the pool in the fence with the horses, but the young mare decided she liked gettting a shower, would stand in the pool and paw the water onto her chest and belly. The water would be hidouesly filthy and she would DRINK it!

Our current issue is that the puppies have taken over the pool in the heat of the day. They leap in and out and roll in the water. So we have to be extra careful to keep the water clean so WE don't get messy when handling pups.

Seriously, do make sure the ducklings can get out easily, not all are adept at leaping in and out. I've acutally lost a couple from hypothermia, they couldn't get out and died.

kitty

Thanks Kitty. It did take a long time for them to get adept at getting in and out. Eventually I had the idea to build a little set of steps out of brick both inside and outside the pool. That worked well. A couple weeks ago I took them out because they're big enough now to pop right in and out. I'm very glad you mentioned this though because if I do move the pool inside the run, I can put the steps back inside as a safety measure for any chicken who finds herself adrift and helpless.

Mark

Yes- put in a ramp in and a ramp out- it needs to be really stable or it'll fall in.

A very safe beginner pool is the dish of a standard birdbath placed on the ground. Since it is very shallow and has a gradual slope, it is almost impossible for a young bird - duckling or chick - to get into trouble. I did this for my goslings and even now, almost full grown, they still enjoy sitting in the two inches of water to cool their feet.

If you are using a birdbath that has been used by wild birds, plese remember to sanitize it first.