best way to set up areas for breeding pairs?

[Iain Utah]

I have a m/f pair of Cayugas and a m/f pair of Anconas that are 16 weeks old and I want to set each of them up in their own area for eventual breeding. What would be an ideal size yard as well as pen to close them up at night? Also, how far removed do they need to be from the other ducks/drakes?

Thanks!

 

[Senna95]

I would leave them with the other ducks till about 3 or 4 weeks before you want to start collecting and setting the eggs.

As far as space goes: the more the better. I have my breeding pairs in a 6' x 12' dog kennels, and some other groups (of more than 5 ducks) I have in 8' x 32' pens. The best piece of advise I can give you is COVER YOUR PENS (if you live in a rainy area) or they will have them down to sloppy, wet mud in no time.

You don't really need to keep them very far away from your other ducks. I've had the dog kennel set-up in the middle of the big corral with all the other ducks, and once they settle in, they seem fine.