Duck bedding?

[Thebernards]

Have a large run for the ducks that's become extremely muddy due to them getting water everywhere (plus us emptying it out - water has to go somewhere). Any bedding or advice to keep it less muddy??

 

[cayugaducklady]

I've been really happy with pine pellets and corn cob bedding. My hens like nesting in it. they can really make a nice deep nest in it.

It holds up well in wet weather and spills/splashing/crazy duck swimming.

 

[Thebernards]

Corn cob bedding....I've never seen that!! Where do you get it? How much is it?

Do you mix the pine pellets and corn cob together?

 

[Jacob Duckman]

If you want low maintenance, use 8" of sand. the $3 50lb bags of construction sand work great. maybe $40 worth and a hard day of moving it.

The only maintenance involved is hosing the bedding weekly (when there is no rain) and occasionally raking any buildup of solid waste you can feed to your plants.

 

[Thebernards]

Do you have suggestions on emptying out the water? It's a temporary solution until we do a more permanent pond next year.

Just the regular construction grade sand is safe??

 

[Lilki]

We syphon the water out with a hose. That way we can water the plants with it.

 

[chickens really]

Pea Gravel and sand works great also sidewalk blocks in the wettest areas...
I free range once or twice a day so I do not have a Pool in my run....They swim while out free ranging.....That helps keep the pen nice and dry...


Cheers!

 

[Jacob Duckman]

Yes, regular construction sand is ideal.

Any water that pours into the sand surface will be absorbed without making a mess.

 

[Thebernards]

We want to let ours free range but we are scared to clip their wings so they won't fly away. We read that if done wrong they can bleed to death and we would obviously hate that.

 

[chickens really]

What kind of Ducks do you have????