Are ducks ever NOT hungry?

[Duckfarmer1]

Pond they have access too?

Oh yes, constantly...and very big..so I’ve been told they probably lay there? All of them?

 

[chickens really]

Oh yes, constantly...and very big..so I’ve been told they probably lay there? All of them?

Exactly

 

[Jac Jac]

You take the water away at night? I have large under-the-bed tubs that my hubby made these partial wood covers for the middle. They slide on and off. This way they can dunk their heads to clean themselves without making a huge mess.

I’ve looked into All Flock, and bought some for a few weeks. They didn’t seem to eat less and I was spending a lot more money with 43 ducks. I never want to downsize, but they are expensive. My husband thinks they are greedy and prefers chickens because of this reason

I reminded him that our dogs never turn down a treat.

Once again BYC to the rescue with info. What a neat idea. I never thought to only cover half the tray. I'm heading outside right now to see if it warrants a more permanent change for them and my budget. Thanks again.

 

[chickens really]

All I can recommend to you is rethink the Ducks and cut your numbers down to an easier sustainable flock. Keep hens in till noon daily so eggs are laid indoors and free range a few hours a day. Have a safe pen and enjoy them.

 

[Jac Jac]

Maybe I will raise an ant farm? they don't eat much!

Yeah. Just be careful the poultry don't get to the ants first.

 

[Jac Jac]

How do you keep them from splashing their water ALL OVER? I tried leaving water in my ducks barn a few times and it was gone with in minutes, splashed all over their bedding

How do you keep them from splashing their water ALL OVER? I tried leaving water in my ducks barn a few times and it was gone with in minutes, splashed all over their bedding

Mine splash so much water from their swimming pool, though it has a ramp for them to walk down. And talk about getting it dirty?? It has to be cleaned nearly every other day. Thank goodness their drinking water runs through PVC pipes with holes cut out every so many feet; they also have a waterer with flat ports of access, yet....

 

[Jac Jac]

View attachment 1972253 View attachment 1972254 View attachment 1972255

These are the pictures I was explaining of our drinking system for the ducks. They are rubber made under-bed- boxes..don’t use lid. Ny hubby measures and cuts wood. One to sit across and two on the sides as handles. That way the ducks can’t push it of or on in either direction. Plus they can move it back and forth a bit, but what’s so nice is each duck can duck their entire head in order to clean their eyes to preen. This saves a lot of mess. I putt a layer of straw around, but it’s working great!

I like it. Waiting for hubby to get home and "tend" the kitty. Then I'll personally go outside and handle that their water situation, post haste. EZ PZ. Thanks BYC.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

…
They learn to beg. Also the wild critters learn of the all your can eat buffet and the more I put out, the more food that disappears, and it's not' 'just' the ducks.

YES THEY DO! - Whenever that nice lady handing out treats (my wife!) appears on the patio, they all come running making a tantrum as if they haven't eaten for an eternity! She always caves in, so i told her »those ducks have trained you very well« - Shocked look from her, thinking, and admitting that i'm right…
You can also train them to accept a "NO" pretty fast: Just schow them your empty hands and tell them "Nothing here!" (or whatever you prefer) they will learn very quickly that that means they won't get any food now. - And disperse as quickly as they appeared.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Pond they have access too?

Too much listened to Yoda you have…

 

[PirateGirl]

YES THEY DO! - Whenever that nice lady handing out treats (my wife!) appears on the patio, they all come running making a tantrum as if they haven't eaten for an eternity! She always caves in, so i told her »those ducks have trained you very well« - Shocked look from her, thinking, and admitting that i'm right…
You can also train them to accept a "NO" pretty fast: Just schow them your empty hands and tell them "Nothing here!" (or whatever you prefer) they will learn very quickly that that means they won't get any food now. - And disperse as quickly as they appeared.

Mine all honk when we pull in the driveway in the car and first get out! They know the routine is that when we get home from work (or wherever) we always go check on them immediately. If there's spilled or frozen water or something random that's amiss I want to know sooner rather than later, and before I get settled into the house and no longer have boots/warm coat/etc. on. They now think ANY time someone gets out of the car that it means scratch and swimming and free range time. I just ignore them and they shut up as soon as I'm out of sight.