Ducks 101

[BabyGotQuack]

I know some people use pumps and filters so they don't waste water. Would that be too compicated?

I have heard from others on here that it’s kind of pointless with ducks to try a pump and filter cause they’re sooooooo messy. But I don’t know from experience. I will say that in one day our ducks turn their pool complete brown. I would have a hard time seeing a pump being able to clean it.

 

[BabyGotQuack]

Just got the November Metzer newsletter, John Metzer wrote an article for chicken whisperer magazine, has some good info for selecting duck breeds, check it out!

https://www.chickenwhisperermagazine.com/the-chicken-movement/which-duck-breed-is-best-for-you

 

[BabyGotQuack]

Here’s another one about chickens and ducks together since you asked about that too

https://www.chickenwhisperermagazine.com/the-chicken-movement/chickens-and-ducks-together

 

[Tookie]

Just got the November Metzer newsletter, John Metzer wrote an article for chicken whisperer magazine, has some good info for selecting duck breeds, check it out!

https://www.chickenwhisperermagazine.com/the-chicken-movement/which-duck-breed-is-best-for-you

Here’s another one about chickens and ducks together since you asked about that too

https://www.chickenwhisperermagazine.com/the-chicken-movement/chickens-and-ducks-together

I'll read those!

 

[Tookie]

I think I'm going to get 4 ducks instead of 5.
How much space would they need? 4sq ft in the coop and about 12sq ft in the run? How much pool space? I need to start designing their run and coop.

 

[Tookie]

I think I'm going to get 4 ducks instead of 5.
How much space would they need? 4sq ft in the coop and about 12sq ft in the run? How much pool space? I need to start designing their run and coop.

Comments?

 

[BabyGotQuack]

I think I'm going to get 4 ducks instead of 5.
How much space would they need? 4sq ft in the coop and about 12sq ft in the run? How much pool space? I need to start designing their run and coop.

I don’t know the correct answer so I did a little googling and found this on metzers site

Square Footage for Duck Pen​
​	Age​	​	​	​
​	up to 3 weeks​	4-8 weeks​	9-17 weeks​	18+ weeks​
Enclosure with a roof*	1 sq ft per bird (min 5 sq ft)	3 sq ft per bird (min 16 sq ft)	3.5 sq ft per bird (min 20 sq ft)	4 sq ft per bird (min 24 sq ft)
Pasture with no shelter	Should still be in brooder	Should still be in brooder**	40 sq ft per bird	50 sq ft per bird
​	​	​	​	​
* Do not consider outside run when calculating enclosure size.​
** Ducklings can go outside around 6-8 weeks depending on the weather and how well they are feathering. ​

As far as the pool it’s more of preference. I don’t think there’s a certain amount of water/pool per duck.

I currently have 10 ducks, I bought the smallest plastic kiddie pool I could find so I can dump and refill everyday without using too much water. I think the most I’ve seen in there at once is 4 ducks. They just take turns and it’s never been an issue.

 

[Tookie]

I don’t know the correct answer so I did a little googling and found this on metzers site

​

Square Footage for Duck Pen​
​	Age​	​	​	​
​	up to 3 weeks​	4-8 weeks​	9-17 weeks​	18+ weeks​
Enclosure with a roof*	1 sq ft per bird (min 5 sq ft)	3 sq ft per bird (min 16 sq ft)	3.5 sq ft per bird (min 20 sq ft)	4 sq ft per bird (min 24 sq ft)
Pasture with no shelter	Should still be in brooder	Should still be in brooder**	40 sq ft per bird	50 sq ft per bird
​	​	​	​	​
* Do not consider outside run when calculating enclosure size.​
** Ducklings can go outside around 6-8 weeks depending on the weather and how well they are feathering.​

As far as the pool it’s more of preference. I don’t think there’s a certain amount of water/pool per duck.

I currently have 10 ducks, I bought the smallest plastic kiddie pool I could find so I can dump and refill everyday without using too much water. I think the most I’ve seen in there at once is 4 ducks. They just take turns and it’s never been an issue.
View attachment 3311601

Thanks for the info!
I was thinking a 4x4 coop and a run about 70sq ft.
As for the pool I'm not sure, maybe a 50-100 gallon pool.

 

[Tookie]

It think I might get a 50 gallon rubbermaid stock tank and put stone wall retainers around it and add a ball valve or something like that to drain it.

 

[BabyGotQuack]

It think I might get a 50 gallon rubbermaid stock tank and put stone wall retainers around it and add a ball valve or something like that to drain it.

That sounds like a nice set up. Someday I’d like to do something bigger like that with a drain leading to the garden.

I’ve got lots of good ideas, I just never make it happen