What is the risk if ducklings have free access to large water dishes?

• A. They could become soaked, cold and die
• B. They will swim better
• C. They will molt faster
• D. No effect

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that young ducklings must stay dry to maintain body warmth. Their down provides insulation when it’s dry, but if they have free access to large water bowls, they can become soaking wet. Wet down loses much of its insulating value, so the ducklings chill quickly. In a cool environment, this rapid cooling can lead to hypothermia and potentially death. Deep water also raises the risk of drowning for very young birds that aren’t strong swimmers yet. So the most likely risk is that they become soaked, cold, and die.