duck eggs

[swampyacrefarms]

Thanks... that helps a lot. Will let you all know what I get in the spring

 

[BroosterSpringsteen]

I'm also planning on getting ducks. This is all good info. We have chickens, but we'll be housing the ducks separately. My question is: Are there breeds that are easier to hatch than others? I'd like to hatch the ducks myself. We were considering call ducks, but I heard they're very difficult to hatch. Honestly, I'm open to any breed. I've done a lot of reading, and now I'm more undecided than ever.

 

[Amiga]

Hi!

Maybe you could start a thread with your question. I don't hatch (yet), but sometimes I peek at the discussions about hatching. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is apparently an exhilarating experience when it goes well.

There are some great hatchers on the forum. And many lovely people.

 

[cluckcluckluke]

Hi I have just got 2 runner ducks and if all goes well I plan on having another 1 or 2 in the future, but no drakes as I have chickens. I have a few questions.

I plan on housing my 20 hens with my 2 runner ducks, they will be in a 8x8 roosting area I plan on getting down to the coop to let them out from about 6:00-6:30am 1) Will this be big enough or will my ducks fight with the hens, do I need another separate sleeping area for the ducks???

I really don't want to have water in my coop for the ducks to spill about and I will be having the deep litter method so can't afford for it to get wet. 2) Will my ducks be alright over night from about 7:00pm-6:00am without having to have water???

3) If I end up having to put the ducks in their separate sleeping quarters should I still use the deep litter method or just have a hard wood floor???

 

[Amiga]

Hi I have just got 2 runner ducks and if all goes well I plan on having another 1 or 2 in the future, but no drakes as I have chickens. I have a few questions.

I plan on housing my 20 hens with my 2 runner ducks, they will be in a 8x8 roosting area I plan on getting down to the coop to let them out from about 6:00-6:30am 1) Will this be big enough or will my ducks fight with the hens, do I need another separate sleeping area for the ducks???


Sounds too small to me. Since chickens roost, and ducks don't, I have visions of chicken-poop-covered ducks. Ick. I would build a duck annex.

I really don't want to have water in my coop for the ducks to spill about and I will be having the deep litter method so can't afford for it to get wet. 2) Will my ducks be alright over night from about 7:00pm-6:00am without having to have water???

Adult ducks do okay - for the most part - without water for 8 to 10 hours, according to Storey's Guide. I will add this. When it gets hot, I cannot see the benefit of not having water for ducks to cool down with at night. A separate area for the ducks, with a metal hardware-cloth floor section for a water bucket, would be healthier for the ducks.

3) If I end up having to put the ducks in their separate sleeping quarters should I still use the deep litter method or just have a hard wood floor???


Deep litter works well with ducks for many of us. My ducks like it cushy. I stir the bedding daily after scooping up poopy spots. I use the scooped up stuff on the garden, especially perennials. Works great.

 

[cluckcluckluke]

Thanks heaps for that, the ducks will have their own corner in the roost (so they don't get pooped on

). How come ducks need to cool down and chicks don't.

 

[chicks4fun]

Hi all,
I haven't been on BYC for awhile & it is nice to be back.
I just thought I'd throw in my two-cents worth. I have chickens and ducks together. I use deep litter. To help my two ducks (with the poop issue) I put a small dog igloo in the coop. They go inside and seem happy with this arrangement. This keeps them clean and they have made a little "nest" in there.
I have a pair of Pekins. I just got a few eggs from another duck-keeper and hope to hatch Khaki's & Welsh to grow my duck flock. If I get any ducklings I am thinking of setting up a duck-coop. Would love to hear more ideas for best duck housing. Safety is my big concern. I can take these questions to a another thread if you all want but since I see this thread is active I just wanted to jump in. Thanks.

 

[neohiobiker]

Metzer does sell sexed ducks, I purchased 6 from them a month ago, they all arrived safe and healthy and are doing great. I would order from them again.

do you have a number for these people? DO you have to pick them up or do they mail them to you ? (Don't laugh)

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Quote: Metzers is a hatchery, you order online through their web site and can find all the answers about how many you have to buy to have them safely shipped

 

[Gypsy52]

My ducks roost with the chickens on a 2by4. Is this safe for them? Will they fall as they get bigger? They won't stay in nests. I'm considering a separate sleeping space for them ground level. Is this necessary and should I do it?