Thinking about getting ducks

jtn42248 said:

A creek would be nice for them. Some things you would need to make sure of. Does the creek ever flood or run fast and if so will you have a safe place for the ducks? Would the creek only provide them a means to leave your property...creeks to run for some distance usually. Have you checked for water based predators like snapping turtles, water snakes, etc.? Will the creek be their source of drinking water if so you might want to deter a little bit of it to make a small pool for them to actually swim in and be able to safely duck their heads into the water. Before you do make sure you are legally allowed to do so however. When you get everything together be sure to post pictures, we would love the see your final setup.

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Thanks, I would never have thought to check for all those things by myself. I'll look into it.

Ducks can be alot of work as they poop so much I have to clean out their water daily and their house often as well but to me it's worth it if you have the time their such a,n awesome pet ... also research every thing u can to make sure your ready and u will have to b able to dedicate a lot of time and effort into them but they are awesome ... here are some pictures of mine the white and black is a male ancona duck and the brown and white is a female ancona duck this breed comes in patterns unique to each bird... the white is a male crested Pekin and the gray with a white chest is a blue swedish

Ducks are wonderful! And super easy once they are grown and they have a good set up. It is some work getting to that point but once they have a good pen, water, and drainage (we had to dig out a trench under their pool to keep a swamp out of the back yard) they are no problem at all. The females (we have Pekins) lay about an egg a day and they don't taste any different than a chicken egg. We love our ducks and I recommend them to anyone who is willing to do the extra work in the beginning to get them going.

Great, thanks everyone! Does anyone have any suggestions for research books or sites for ducks other then the one suggested earlier: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711?

Yes! "The Ultimate Pet Duck Guidebook" is the one I have and it's quite nice. I also hear good things about "Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks, 2nd Edition".

I love all my birds, but the ducks are really something special. Chickens do have defined and distinct personalities; but with ducks the personalities are turned up to 11!

Every minute spent with my ducks is a minute well spent - they are the one thing in my life that is guaranteed to make me smile and send me soppy

Regardless of the extra effort to set them up something nice, they are the most rewarding animals I have ever had the pleasure of looking after.

I've lived at my current address for about 4 years; in that time I've spent bugger all time and money on the house internals. In the meantime I've spent an awful lot of time and money on the garden making sure my ducks are happy and healthy!

All this because I took in a duckling that was running around on its own - my family think I'm mad, but it was the best thing I've ever done

Get ducks and you won't be disappointed; you might wind up flat broke for a while and end up with no life outside your backyard. But it'll be worth it I promise!
Honest

Amykins said:

Yes! "The Ultimate Pet Duck Guidebook" is the one I have and it's quite nice. I also hear good things about "Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks, 2nd Edition".

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Great thanks!