Are Ducks Right For Me in Suburban CT?

[BlueHouse]

I want to get backyard ducks. My husband is supportive but he asks that I know what I am getting us into (don't bankrupt us on duck feed, please don't let the kids walk out to a duck massacre, etc). I was hoping to connect with someone in the CT or MA area who has experience. I've read books on care and breed but I have so many questions that I would like firsthand answers. For example - what breeds tolerate hot humid summers and cold winters? What is the best enclosure we could build to not face predator death? How much maintenance do we ultimately need to devote each day? What feed/quantity is best in our climate? Are there resources for buying ducks if you don't want to start with ducklings?

I thank you in advance for any advice you can offer.

 

[longwinter]

I bought call ducks last year. I keep them in a chain link dog kennel with smaller gauge hardware fabric under and around the bottom. It's covered with plastic mesh to keep Ariel predators out. I built them a house out of plywood and 2x4 I insulated the walls with styrafoam so it would stay warmer in the winter. I'm located in ma. They have a water tub to swim in, I empty it once a day. They eat a 50 lb bag of feed in about 3 to 3 and a half weeks. I feed them twice a day. I also give them mealworms and lettace occasionally. They're fun and cute

 

[Cuckoo4Cochins]

I have Khaki Campbell ducks and they are very hardy and good in severe climates. Also they are a small, manageable breed that only reaches about four pounds. Our Khakis our very sweet and gentle with children too. As for your enclosure, you could use OSB board (found at Lowes) and 2x4s. The OSB is inexpensive and doesn't rot as quickly as plywood. For maintenance, as long as your ducks are safe, have food and a large tub of cool water, they should be fine. I devote probably an hour a day. Get a quality duck feed. Sometimes this can be found at feed stores, other times online. Ducks need more niacin then chickens so a dual purpose feed isn't the best. If you don't want to start with ducklings, sometimes Craigslist or chicken swaps will sell adult ducks. Be cautious when buying from swaps and Craigslist. Be sure the bird is healthy and free from injury. If you have any other questions feel free to ask. Good luck!

 

[Deester]

Check with town regulations so there are no surprises. That being said it's up to you to follow the rules or not. We decided to go the sneaky method and get quiet ducks. We started small no experience under our belt. We got 3 Cayuga. They are beautiful, coloring like a peacock. We have had them one winter. They love to eat snow and ice. I was always surprised that their little feet didn't freeze to the ice. The drippings from their heated water dish would freeze. The biggest problem we had and not in the winter they did remarkably well, was bumble foot

That is cuts on the foot that get impacted with dirt and gets infected. I found what I believe to have been what was causing it a sharp concrete edge that they were walking on. So keep that in mind when planning.

I use a kids plastic play house with reinforced wire on windows and screws to reinforce strength. I made a basic wooden door. They sleep in there but during the day they free range some and I have a pen that is of chain link. Two 6x10 foot dog kennel that I extended another 3feet. I have roofing as well to protect against predators. It can consist of any creative material just make sure it's secure. Sometimes I hear raccoons or skunks can do some damage.

I have a pool for summer with a drain so I don't have to flip it. I just put a smaller kiddy house to protect them from wind in the winter. I think I'm more concerned then them because when we were having blizzard last year I saw 3 little black spots in the snow. They let themselves get buried in the snow! Crazy.

We did loose one because of respiratory problems in the spring.

I have two set ups one for summer and one for winter. Keep in mind to take them to the vet is $100. to just walk in the door and there are only 2 vets in CT that are qualified to care for them. I learned a lot about care on this site and even you tube has some interesting videos.

Denise