Do they need water?

[yankeedoodle300]

I know they need water to drink, of course! but do they need it to swim in? i want to get a Buff Duck, to match my flock of buff orp. hens.

but do they need to swim, all the time? in a small pond or anything like that?

PS. what Duck lays the most eggs in a week ?

 

[kuntrygirl]

I don't think they "need" it to swim but they do love to swim and bath. I have always used the kiddie pools that they sell at Wal Mart. It has been working well for months. They love the kiddie pools.

 

[yankeedoodle300]

I think i will try the kiddie pool, if i get a duck!

 

[featherfinder]

They dont "need" swimming water but they do need water deep enough for them to stick their heads in. If you are adding ducks to chickens i would suggest 2 ducks. They like to be with their own kind. And i do believe Runners and KC are the best for egg laying.

 

[loanwizard]

I have 3 Mallards. They were bought with 4 chicks and raised in a brooder with them. I released the hens to the henhouse and the ducks to the pond where I had built them a new shelter and everything. They did an end run and haven't gone to the pond since (100 yards). They play in a muddy spring and a trash can lid and fly into the chicken pen to visit their friends. I am getting ready to move to another farm about 3 miles (by air), so I don't know if they will find us or not.

 

[mommyofthreewithchicks]

In the winter my ducks may not get to bath/swim as I am hauling water but they are so happy when they can swim that riwhen the weather is good the mess is worth it (while giving the water through the hose). In the winter I have rubber buckets that they can get their whole head in and when it freezes I can just build an ice hut with the blocks

I have found I really like my ducks even if I have to haul buckets of water to them!

 

[secuono]

They need the pool to bathe in, at least once a week give them a pool filled so they can clean their whole bodies.

 

[yankeedoodle300]

Nice tips, and what is a " KC " , featherfinder ?

 

[StevenW.]

I think she means - Khaki Campbell.

There's a ton of breeds out there for your needs. Like Egg laying breeds, meat breeds, dual purpose breeds, and ornamental breeds.
Buff Ducks are very pretty! I suggest getting at least 2 or 3 since they love being with their own kind and they will provide you with a lot of eggs!


Good Luck!

 

[yankeedoodle300]

Oh, Khaki! I should have known!