Install drainage solutions around all water sources

Place every waterer, pool, and swimming area on a drainage base of 4–6 inches of coarse gravel or pea gravel extending 12–18 inches beyond the container edge. Ducks splash relentlessly while drinking and bathing, and without drainage the surrounding area becomes a permanent mud pit within days. A gravel pad lets water percolate downward instead of pooling on the surface.

Why It Works

A single duck can displace several gallons of water per day through splashing, bill-washing, and climbing in and out of containers. On bare soil, this water saturates the topsoil and creates anaerobic, odorous mud. A gravel drainage pad acts as a simple French drain, allowing water to pass through the stone layer and disperse into the subsoil. The gravel also gives ducks a clean, firm surface to walk on.

Tips

• Dig out the topsoil before adding gravel so the pad sits flush with the surrounding ground
• Use 3/4-inch washed gravel for best drainage — fine sand and pea gravel compact more over time
• Add landscape fabric between the soil and gravel to prevent the stone from sinking
• Rinse the gravel monthly with a garden hose to flush accumulated organic buildup
• For heavy-use areas, consider a 1–2 foot deep gravel pit for maximum drainage capacity