Duck Questions

[chickens really]

Location?.....My winter is probably different than yours...

 

[Bridger Davis]

Greeley Colorado. Here is my climate:https://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/greeley/colorado/united-states/usco0170

 

[chickens really]

I run heat after -24C
Windchill is what gets them....I wrap my pen in vapour barrier plastic....Tarp on top of run...Straw down in a corner as they hang out lots during the day...Straw also in house as it holds in heat....

 

[Bridger Davis]

Cool thank you! What about water? Do u keep your pool out?

 

[CayugaJana]

OK guys, new duck question! What kind of bugs or grubs have you found that your ducks like? I was specifically wondering about pill bugs, grasshoppers, and crickets since we have lots of those her in Colorado. I do have access to buying mealworms but they are very expensive. Thx for any help!!

Anything that moves lol....... my ducks will find bugs that I can't even see. They absolutely love it when I lift up rocks for them and dig in the flowerbeds. They might need grit if they eat things other than their feed. But mine free range supervised for a couple hours a day so they find their own grit to help them digest their food.

 

[CayugaJana]

Hey guys! It's me again! I know I haven't been around for a while but I'm still greatly intrigued with ducks. I think I said before, i would like to get ducks in January of next year. So I was wondering what I can do to prepare for the ducks while it is still warm outside (relatively!). Also, how do you guys keep your ducks warm in the winter? Do you still allow them to have a pool in the winter? Thanks!

I wouldn't let them have access to a pool in the winter even though they would totally swim in it. If you are in an area that gets below freezing regularly, their wet feathers can freeze to things. Depending on your winters, you could put a heat lamp in their brooder.

 

[CayugaJana]

I have a few questions on ducks and would really appreciate any answers! Thank you for your time if you can answer any!!!

So I planned to get 6 ducks, 2 magpie, 2 Pekin and 2 Cayuga. I was wondering if the magpie and Pekin would get along because of the size difference. Also, what age should they be put outside? By the time they are ready to go outside it will be about 75 degrees during the day. And while they are in their artificial brooder, would a normal heat light be ok or do I need blue? I also have a dog that doesn't seem to notice the wildlife in our backyard. Do you think she would be good with the ducks?
Thanks!!

If they are all females it shouldn't matter much. Especially if you are getting them as ducklings all at once. Since I had several ducklings all at once I put them outside at about 2-3 weeks in a sunny area supervised for hours at a time and they loved it. Which was around 75 degrees at the time. My dog can't be trusted around ducklings. He doesn't mind the adults though for some reason.

 

[Bridger Davis]

Wow! Thanks for all of the answers! This will really help! By the way, I don't plan to get my ducks until January but is there anything I can do now to prepare for them?

 

[Bridger Davis]

New questions...
1. What brand of heat lamp do you find best for ducklings and ducks?
2. Will sand be ok to put around their pool?
3. What kind of duck coop do you recommend? If you built your's, could you send pictures?

Thank you guys very much!! My new ducks are going to be the best taken care of ducks ever thanks to all of your help!!! Thanks!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I bought mine from Premier1, you also might want to type in Mama heating pad on the search and see if you might like it.

They are going to make a mess in the sand I'd put sand then river rocks[they are round not sharp] help keep them from making a muddy mess.

one of 4 lol This one use to be my dh's Harley building.