Diapering Indoor Duck, Best Breed? Advice?

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Hello!

I have three white mallards that live in my apartment with me. They are 8 months old and such sweet hearts.
I bought my diapers from the Goose Mother, as well, but I would definitely go about it a different way, knowing what I know now.

First off, KNOW WHAT DUCK YOU HAVE. I thought I had bought Pekins, and the diapers I had ordered for them did not fit.
I sent them back numerous times before realizing that my ducks were not growing anymore. It took 4 to 5 months to get the proper diapers,
which means A LOT of washing sheets and changing bedding. I had no idea that White Mallards even existed.

Order multiple diapers. They dirty fast, and its nice to have a back up when the others are washing/drying.
I might even advise ordering from a different vender. I hear Nettie has a website and sells great diapers.
Mine fell apart and I was pretty disappointed in the quality of them. But I hear Nettie has great reviews.

The diapers did not smell though. It's not like a baby's diaper where you can smell when it needs to be changed. It was very well contained.

The food and water is probably the messiest part. They mix everything together and then poop on top of that.
After trying various set ups, this turned out to be my favorite. I cut a rubbermaid bin so that any liquid would stay in.
They still somehow poop in it, but its really easy to rinse with a hose or even in the shower.
I leave food and water out for them constantly. I have heard of people feeding them at various feeding times though. I think it just depends on preference?
They sleep in the grey bin next to it. It's full of shavings that I change daily. When its bedtime, I drape a blanket over it.

Don't let them sleep in their diapers. And always give them a bath after they've been in their diapers for a while.
Don't put their diapers on when they are wet too.
My ducks usually take an hour to preen after bath. So designate a preening poop zone for them.

Ducks are very social animals. I have three ducks because I am a full time college student who works two jobs.
I still spend plenty of time with them, but when I work doubles, the ducks keep each other company.
Its almost cruel to have just one duck unless you can commit to it like a child, as DuckyDenver does.
Its going to become attached to you and cry for you when you are not there.
Remember that ducks can live up to 20 years! Are you prepared to change a diaper 4 times a day for 20 years?
You can't change your mind after its become attached to you because not many people will take a dependent PET duck in.

Also, think about when you go on vacation. Do you have a friend that can take care of your duck's specific needs.
Its not like dog sitting, its more like leaving your child with someone that you trust. The duck will need constant attention.
Luckily, my sister has the animal fever and loves to babysit for me.

As for where to buy...I picked up mine from a feed store. Best 2 bucks I've ever spent. You can check craigslist as well.
Most onlines require a minimum, I think. You could always set up an arrangement with some one who wants to order a bunch
of ducks and put your one order in with them.

I have two girls and a Drake, Finn. I wouldn't say Finn is hormonal, but he is protective over his girls sometimes.
He doesn't attack anyone, and he still likes to be held, but he has his moments when if anyone he doesn't recognize approaches, he will charge.
I'm not sure how one would behave if he didn't have a brothel to protect.

A lot of people are against having a duck as an inside pet. It is a lot of work, constantly, and requires a lot of time and patience.
However, It can be rewarding! My ducks watch Jeopardy with me every night. They love to cuddle, love car rides,
but more importantly, love being outside!

Everyday I find time to take the ducks to the park or beach, or just walk around out complex. I tried to minimize the diaper time
because I started to pick up more hours and weird ones like 4 am shifts, so I turned out patio into a play pen.
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When ever I am home I am outside with the little poop machines. They love their pool. We go for walks in search in of grass, mainly to the parks around us.
We even make weekly visits to the beach. The patio door is always open, and they can go in and out freely.
Inside by the door, I blocked off a bit of carpet for them so that they don't roam the whole house diaperless.
I made the very smart investment of a rug doctor, which is used weekly.

Sorry that this post is a novel, but indoor ducks are a lot of work. Much thought needs to be put into this before hand. I on the other hand, saw three little ducklings getting picked on by chickens and decided to spend 2 bucks those "pekins", not knowing a darn thing about ducks. I learned as I went and frankly, I was lucky that nothing went wrong. My biggest issue right now is that my lease is up in a few months and not many people in good ole Santa Barbara, California want to rent to a girl with 3 pet ducks.

I love my ducks with every ounce in me, and they are such a joy in my life. I hope I answered some of your questions!

Sounds like you're very knowledgeable on the ducks so I was just wondering how you managed to get the ducks to be so lovey? When I try to pick up or hold mine they just start squealing until I put them down.
I just want to love on them but I don't want to upset them.

 

[Back onfarming]

Mellisamerry, how did you get your ducks to become so loving towards you? I bought 3 ducks about a month ago and the 1st 3 times i held them they were fine but as the weeks have passed they have gotten where they won't let me hold them without going crazy. I've always been gentle with them and talk softly to them but they won't come to me. They run away when I get close. I want to be able to go on walks etc. With them but if I can't build that bond them I'm afraid it will become harder to keep up with them. I'm disabled and chasing ducks to get them in bed at night would be too hard on my lungs and feet.