Duck Info For Beginners

[HuffleClaw]

Straw only for duck coop with a sprinkle of DE. "Fluff "and stir it up a lot or let the chicken do it for you . They are poop machines . Replace as needed.

Dave

I would not use DE for poultry.

Some people swear by it. But in my opinion it’s bad for their lungs.

 

[ChickensForEggs2500]

I would not use DE for poultry.

Some people swear by it. But in my opinion it’s bad for their lungs.

Thank you! I will do my research well!

 

[ChickensForEggs2500]

Personally I just have Muscovy ducks but they are amazing!

here is a little video showing how friendly mine are lol

Aw. That's great!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Were you planning on keeping them with your chickens or separate? Sorry if you already answered this I just didn’t see it.

 

[ChickensForEggs2500]

Were you planning on keeping them with your chickens or separate? Sorry if you already answered this I just didn’t see it.

No it's ok! I will be keeping them in separate coops, but they will have the option to mingle in a run.

 

[ChickensForEggs2500]

No it's ok! I will be keeping them in separate coops, but they will have the option to mingle in a run.

Also the run will most likely be about 10x18'

 

[KaleIAm]

Oh also just another good thing to keep in mind about ducks in general you will want 3-4 females per male so if you are only going to get 3 or 4 you could do 1 male and 3 females or just 3-4 females but it generally won't go well if the drakes don't have enough girls.

x2 on gender ratios. That's a very important easily overlooked part of duck care. I saw in a reply you are planning to get only females because of your chickens, but still wanted to agree to this comment. My own duck was hurt badly by being overmated before I adopted her, so I feel strongly about this.

So are you considering getting sexed ducklings? Or adopting adults?

 

[ChickensForEggs2500]

x2 on gender ratios. That's a very important easily overlooked part of duck care. I saw in a reply you are planning to get only females because of your chickens, but still wanted to agree to this comment. My own duck was hurt badly by being overmated before I adopted her, so I feel strongly about this.

So are you considering getting sexed ducklings? Or adopting adults?

Yes, I am considering getting sexed ducklings. If we get them, they will be pets with the added bonus of large duck eggs, and drakes cannot do that haha. I also read that if somehow some of the eggs hatch, the drakes might be aggressive towards them.

 

[ChickensForEggs2500]

Hi, and welcome to the BYC!!!! I don't know anything about ducks but I wish you good luck!!!

Thanks!

 

[ChickensForEggs2500]

Hello!
I am considering getting 3-4 ducks this spring. I have done quite a bit of research, but wanted to hear from you! Please share tips and tricks, advice, basic needs, shelter ideas, treats, etc. I currently have 11 chickens. Share your knowledge! Thanks in advance.

By the way, this is mostly hypothetical at this point. Thank you guys so much for all of your amazing answers!