Rainwater for ducks?

At the risk of sounding like the worst potential duck-owner ever.....

Is it acceptable to use rain barrel water for ducks to swim/play in?  I would have a separate feeder thingy with fresh water in it for them to drink, but wondered if rain water would suffice for the pond/pool/bathtub?

Any thoughts?

Hi Kate,

We're thinking about getting a couple of khaki campbell girls.   

We're out in the sticks,  and at the moment have rain barrels connected to the house, the barn and the garage with plans for connecting more (lots of veggies to water at the mo!).  We're in Scotland so it's pretty wet, and with plans for just two ducks, I'm hoping that their pool won't need to be too enormous!    But you're right, ducks need a lot of water, so we'll have to see how it goes.

Thanks for the advice...so glad rain water is fine...it would have seemed a real shame to have to use tap water (metered!)

Thanks Caralou, yes I'd be sure to change the water daily.  I'm a bit of a clean-freak anyway, so that won't be difficult. 

Gosh yes, I never thought of putting the mucky water on the garden!  Thanks for that!

Yes, Campbells are a bit nervy....what kind have you got then?