Basic Questions

roostersandhens said:

Someone dumped domestic ducks at someone I know's house. Well, she said they seem tame, like they could pet them etc. Anyways, she is terrified of birds, so she doesn't want them. I am thinking of taking them. There are 2, one male and one female. So I am thinking of taking them. But to help me decide, I need to pretty much know how you take care of ducks. Ineed to know things like what do they eat, can I keep them with chickens (LF Leghorns), etc. So if anybody can tell me all the things I need to know that would be great! Thanks! 

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Finny said:

Ducks and chickens can co-exist, but ducks should have a separate house than chickens for nighttime because they are WAY messier and likes things wet.
I feed my males game bird feed and females should have layer feed during laying season. You can get these at a local feed store. Ducks also need to be able to stick their whole heads underwater at a minimum. So make sure the waterer is deep enough for that. Good luck

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Finny said:

Yes the feed you give your chickens are fine. I don't have females (I keep an all drake flock) so I don't know when laying season is, but I do know ducks don't lay in the winter. They may lay every other season besides winter.

Ducks don't need access to a pond or pool 24/7 but they do need to be able to wash themselves off every day or so. They would appreciate 24/7 access but I understand the problem with the chickens.

Adding more birds is always hard, but trust me ducks are worth it

. Mine make me laugh every day and I love just watching them. Ducks have such unique, quirky, and funny personalities! You will really enjoy them! Do you have any idea of what kind of duck they are?

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roostersandhens said:

Okay thanks so much for the help! I don't know what breed. I haven't even seen a picture of them! The lady who found them in her yard doesn't know anything about ducks so she doesn't know the breed. I may email her, possibly ask for a picture. I really hope I can take them! I am hoping they are a smaller breed but size is no issue! Thanks again!

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Finny said:

Please keep me updated

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veronicasmom said:

If you have a drake and a hen, you would be better feeding an all purpose feed and supplementing with calcium/oyster shells. Layer pellets are not all that great for drakes.

They need a clean bowl of water to wash faces all the time. Bathing is optional, but I think it is only fair to provide them with something they can splash around in daily. A small pool, large pan, etc. They need a safe predator proof night area. I'd watch them to make sure the one drake is not over breeding the female, it can happen. The answer there is at least one more hen.

Search around the site here, a lot of good info on new ownership

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veronicasmom said:

Let us know if you get some ducks. They are such great pets, so comical.

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