Ducklings should have large water dishes left in cages for swimming.

• A. Yes
• B. No — limit swimming to several short sessions per day
• C. Only during the day
• D. Never provide water

Answer: (B)

Ducklings benefit from water to stay hydrated, practice preening, and develop swimming muscles, but access in a rehab setting must be managed to reduce safety and hygiene risks. Large water dishes left in cages can lead to drowning if a bird becomes overwhelmed, contaminate the water with droppings and pathogens, promote mold and wet bedding, and complicate daily cleaning. The safest and most effective approach is to provide opportunities for swimming in several short, supervised sessions each day. This lets the ducklings exercise and groom as they would in the wild, while you control water quality, temperature, and supervision. Between sessions, keep the enclosure dry and clean to support overall health. Providing water only continuously or never providing water fail to meet both welfare and safety needs.