a few questions about ducks/ducklings

[Amiga]

Straw bedding, and pelleted sawdust in the watering station. It is the bottom of a large plastic dog crate/carrier. The sawdust absorbs water and poop. It gets changed out as needed, sometimes just the top bit removed, sometimes spot picked for poops and then stirred, sometimes replaced.

This is for drinking mostly, but when the temperatures are well below freezing, the ducks will splash-bath in it, and the sides of the watering station catch just about all the water and keep the bedding dry.

 

[Summer98]

Now I'm deciding on breeds. I want runners, for sure, but I'm also considering maybe a Welsh Harlequin and Gold Hybrid too. Would they get along together or should I just stick to all runner?

 

[Amiga]

Maybe if they are raised together they will be more likely to get along. From what I read here, some flocks mix fine. With mine, I had all runners, then adopted buffs and they do fine together but the buffs tend to stick together. At times, though, I will see the flock mixing. Altogether it is working out.

 

[Going Quackers]

Now I'm deciding on breeds. I want runners, for sure, but I'm also considering maybe a Welsh Harlequin and Gold Hybrid too. Would they get along together or should I just stick to all runner?

It will be loads easier if they are raised together. I mainly keep breeds the same, but i do have a pair of buff orpingtons out with my scovie flock, they were only a bit older than two premature scovies i had from a nest here, so essentially raised with the breed that dominates the farm.

Personality definitely plays a role too, but many run mixed flock, my birds are a bit odd being Muscovy they are not mallard derived and therefore have some unique behaviours that make them a bit more inclined to their own kind.

 

[Summer98]

Well, I finally ordered ten runner ducks! I think it should be fun and I'm really drawn to the looks of the black runners. I want to enjoy watching them, after all. How long before they are safe to start free ranging? I don't let my chickens range until they are pretty much adult size.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Well, I finally ordered ten runner ducks! I think it should be fun and I'm really drawn to the looks of the black runners. I want to enjoy watching them, after all. How long before they are safe to start free ranging? I don't let my chickens range until they are pretty much adult size.

Anytime we let our birds free range we risk losing them but I do let mine free range, best to wait till almost adult and you have observed how they react when there is danger around. I have roosters and they are good at sounding the warning so thankfully I haven't lost any ducks to preds. But being over protective for a while doesn't hurt either. please be sure to post pics when you get them.

 

[Amiga]

Chloe, I don't know how to answer your free range questions because I don't do that. We have too many predators around, day and night, neighbors who drive like the Dickens (and that is their option, but I feel they would run my ducks down if they wandered into the road), and other circumstances, and I am devastated when one of my ducks dies.

 

[Going Quackers]

Well, I finally ordered ten runner ducks! I think it should be fun and I'm really drawn to the looks of the black runners. I want to enjoy watching them, after all. How long before they are safe to start free ranging? I don't let my chickens range until they are pretty much adult size.

They are the only ducks, right? they may blend with the chickens.. but usually young are best to wait till they are older, a few months. Here i have a large flock that ranges so they teach the next generations... but as said it's all a risk but since you already FR your chickens your likely familiar with your circumstances/dynamics of your property and the ability to do so.

 

[Summer98]

Yes, these will be the only ducks. I have about 50 chickens and three Brahma roosters. The roosters are good to have around. I waited until my chickens were about 5-6 months before I let them free range. The main issue is their size because if they are small, my cats will eat them. (I learned that the hard way, when I let a hen hatch out an egg.) Once they are of a bigger size, my cats will leave them alone. The cats enjoy watching the adult chickens and the rooster keeps his eye on the cats if they seem like a threat.

The babies will be coming around April 14th! You can bet there will be lots of pictures.

 

[Summer98]

My concern I will have in the future is duck hunting season. People around here let their bird dogs run around while they hunt. I hope they stay off my property.