Duck Habitat Questions

[Mylied]

I'm planning out a new area for my ducks and I have a few questions. I've only had them on bare earth so I'm not experienced with ducks and plants. How destructive are they to grass and plants? I know chickens quickly tear that stuff up. If I made a pretty planted area for them would it be in vain? I want to dig them a little pond. If I add a filter and pump, will I still need to empty and clean it often? Are flowers okay or will they eat them? What about berries or vegetables? If say 10 ducks have a big area, like 400 sq ft, would they still get poop everywhere? I want the pond to be the center of a children's garden area, so I'm wondering if I'd have to have a fence within a fence to restrict the ducks from making a mess everywhere, or if that would be enough space to spread out the mess so it's not so noticeable. I can't think of anything else right now.

 

[CarleeAnn]

Ducks are very muddy! And mine happily shake the leaves off any plants. I would let them in the garden only on occasion and I would try to get like “tree bushes” so you could have the shade for ducks to sit under but have the base covered in rocks or guarded by a small fence so they don’t dabble up the roots. Maybe if you had a potted garden it would work well and look nice.

The pond I’m not too familiar with, all I can say is my two ducks muck up my 40 Gallon stock tank in probably ten minutes- no chance of keeping it clear. You would probably need a pool filter that uses sand, I’ve seen other users try this. They will have to let you know how it worked!

Best of luck!

 

[3bird]

Our seven silver Appleyards are allowed into the garden for foraging several hours each day during the summer. They are curious for sure, and while they have not torn up the dirt (they don't scratch like chickens), they will sample plants--especially new ones. All of our plants are in raised beds, and we have them protected for the most part with netting. Having said that, the ducks do an awesome job with snails and slugs, so we want them in and around the garden! Last summer, which was our first summer with them, we just used a kiddie pool which needed to be dumped, cleaned and refilled just about daily. This summer we will be looking into a pond with filtration and is integrated into the garden watering.

 

[chickens really]

I have Calls and they love my flowers...Meaning eat them.
They are messy but happy ..I provide kiddie pools for my adults outside of the runs . They forage daily a couple of hours.

 

[chickens really]

If you have Ducks and ever owned a Puppy?
Ducks are Feathered puppies all their lives..Pooping, playing, destructive and messy...

 

[Mylied]

Yeah, ducks have been the messiest creatures I've ever had. I'll plan on two fences and let them into the garden sometimes.

 

[hereorthere]

If you have Ducks and ever owned a Puppy?
Ducks are Feathered puppies all their lives..Pooping, playing, destructive and messy...

Ha! Love the analogy!