Duck Treats

[MainelyChicken]

Hi, i am fairly new to raising ducks. They free range all day, and i give thems lots of lettuce in their pond. What else can i give them for treats???

 

[Amiga]

Do you give them a balanced ration also, or just free range and lettuce?

Since you are new to ducks, do you have a secure night shelter for them?

You might like this

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/242460/the-ultimate-list-of-duck-treats-and-supplements

 

[MainelyChicken]

Yes i do Amiga, i have a duck house, surrounded by a large secure run. They get the same feed i give to my chicks, with some cracked corn and oats added in. I think i am in good shape, what else do i need to do, especially for the winter?

 

[Amiga]

Yes i do Amiga, i have a duck house, surrounded by a large secure run. They get the same feed i give to my chicks, with some cracked corn and oats added in. I think i am in good shape, what else do i need to do, especially for the winter?

I like having bedding enough to put some out on top of snow to avoid frostbite.

 

[MainelyChicken]

I got that, got 10 bales yesterday for a wind block and bedding for both chicks and ducks.

 

[Amiga]

Do you have a way the ducks could get a bath during subfreezing weather? My runners sometimes have to make do with a two gallon stew pot, but at least they can wash off well. I set out a clean pot of water in the morning, then an hour later replace it again because the first thing they do is wash up.

Some people use large heated water buckets. Some bust open ice and-or add hot water to melt the ice.

 

[MainelyChicken]

I was thinking i could get a large wash basin, and provide warm water. Do they need to bathe everyday?

 

[Amiga]

From what I read, they are okay if they go a while without bathing. But a while is different for different flocks and circumstances. I feel that at least a daily head washing will help prevent sinus, eye and ear infections that can turn serious.

When we have a mild day I'll fill up a concrete mixing pan so everyone can bathe. Otherwise I just let them wash in the drinking pot.

 

[MainelyChicken]

Great idea. I may do the same. Thank you for all the advice...

 

[goose4]

Do you have a way the ducks could get a bath during subfreezing weather? My runners sometimes have to make do with a two gallon stew pot, but at least they can wash off well. I set out a clean pot of water in the morning, then an hour later replace it again because the first thing they do is wash up.

Some people use large heated water buckets. Some bust open ice and-or add hot water to melt the ice.

We use a heated dog dish in one area and in another area we have a heat lamp hanging over the water. We get some freeze up with the lamp when it goes below zero. The dog dish water does not freeze.