If you’ve ever given an Ancona duck access to water, you know it’s not a peaceful scene—it’s a full-blown aquatic party with zero regard for boundaries or cleanup. I’ve come to accept that mess is part of the package, but over time, I’ve also figured out a few tricks to keep the madness (somewhat) under control.

First rule of duck club: elevate everything. Water bowls sit on low platforms with hardware cloth underneath so they can splash to their heart’s content without turning the entire area into a duck-made swamp. I also rotate a couple of plastic kiddie pools so one can be cleaned and drying while the other is in full splash mode. Drainage is key, so I’ve set up their play area on a slight slope with gravel paths and lots of straw to absorb the puddles they gleefully create.

Of course, nothing will ever be completely dry where ducks are involved, but that’s part of the charm. I embrace the mess, laugh at the chaos, and keep an extra pair of muck boots by the door. Because honestly? Watching my Anconas zoom through water, flap their wings like they’re performing Swan Lake, and dunk their heads in delight—it’s worth every soggy sock and muddy footprint. Welcome to duck life. It’s wet, wild, and weirdly wonderful.