Stones, mixed with the soil covering the duck yards can also cause injury. The detrimental effect of flooring on ducks increases with the age and size of the duck, and the longer ducks are confined to the flooring. Properly constructed wire floors are usually a better choice than slats, which can cause leg deformities as well as injury to skin. Vinyl coated wire is preferable, but smooth galvanized wire is satisfactory. Management of litter and yards.
Ducks drink and excrete more water than chickens or turkeys.
It is therefore necessary to take extra measures to maintain litter floors inside sheltered areas in a dry condition. This will require regular addition of fresh bedding, on top of the bedding that has become soiled or wet, and when necessary, cleaning out the old litter and replacing it with fresh litter. This will reducing tracking water to the litter. During periods when temperatures drop below freezing, water must be provided indoors. Feeders and feeding space.