We only want a few ducks...at least to start. We do have almost 50 hens, a broody hen sitting on eggs, and 15 pullets on order for September so I know what you mean. This little hobby sure has snowballed a bit.
I only have grass, some oak trees, and whatever pokes through the back fence (generally wild grapes and honeysuckle) so no ornamental plants to worry about, and no pool either. I can put their water on a wide base of pavers to help minimize extra mud around that area if it will be worthwhile...
We are kicking around the idea of getting a few ducks that would live in our backyard, which is 36 yards by 50 yards with 5 foot tall fencing. Is that enough space for 3 or 4 ducks to forage on without tearing things up too much?
I'll probably use a large stock tank with a hose hooked up to...
This is from today, hatched on 12/18. They seem to be a lot more frisky towards each other than our "brown egg layer" chicks were last year. They act like little roosters by kicking their feet at each other.
Here's Fred, our Standard Bronze. He thinks he's a rooster and doesn't like it when we get near his girls. He even has a hen (chicken) that sleeps on his perch with him outside at night.