Ducks a good idea?

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MeganFair said:
That’s what we’re using with our ducks too, and we’ve experienced the same thing. We’re going to try using a milk jug that’s had a hole cut out to try to help minimize the splashing. But we may try your method too, chickens really.
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How does the milk jug thing work? Can they smash theirselves in the jug and drown? I want to try it if it's safe.
 
I know ducklings are adorable, but I want to suggest for your first ducks to consider looking for older ducks. Think about why you want ducks. Do you want eggs? Do you want pest control? Do you want pets? Do you want meat? If you get straight run ducklings do you have a plan to keep your male/female ratio in check? Do you have a good spot to brood ducklings? I decided to get some older ducks and skip the hard messy brooder in the house part. By getting older ducks you know their sex. You know you have the right number of males to females. You know if they are healthy. You know their personality. You know if they lay. If you are only looking for pets, seriously consider a flock of all drakes. There are so many free/cheap drakes online that need new homes because backyard duck keepers simply can't keep enough females with them to keep them happy and keep everyone safe. This is also the time of year when breeders are getting rid of birds that don't quite meet their breeding standard for one reason or another. This doesn't mean they won't make great pets! For example my ducks' color pattern is not quite right for breed standard, too many stray white feathers in places they shouldn't be. This doesn't matter to me. They are my pets. They will provide eggs. But to a breeder this would be a problem as it's not a desirable trait. I just want to encourage giving an older duck a home other than the soup pot. Also you may have the opportunity to visit a farm or backyard duck keeper in your area and see their setup and learn from their experience. Generally they want to know the birds are going to a good home and are more than happy to share their knowledge and experience.
 
ShayB_318 said:
Ducks are a wonderful idea! I am a little biased. I just love ducks so much. We had ducks a few years ago and are trying it our again now. They need to have water avalable when they eat anf they need to have water to dip their head and bill in to keep it clear from food and debris. They are so fun to watch and so adorable. They are great foragers and keep the bug population down. I have discovered that many people do not know this. Make sure they have a safe enclosed space. Covered in hardware cloth to keep them safe from predators. They need a heat lamp when they are young. I read everything I can find about them so that is what I would advise.
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Thanks!:D I think we will wait till next year to try and raise a few and focus on upgrading our chicken run, but still not totally sure:)
 
PirateGirl said:
I know ducklings are adorable, but I want to suggest for your first ducks to consider looking for older ducks. Think about why you want ducks. Do you want eggs? Do you want pest control? Do you want pets? Do you want meat? If you get straight run ducklings do you have a plan to keep your male/female ratio in check? Do you have a good spot to brood ducklings? I decided to get some older ducks and skip the hard messy brooder in the house part. By getting older ducks you know their sex. You know you have the right number of males to females. You know if they are healthy. You know their personality. You know if they lay. If you are only looking for pets, seriously consider a flock of all drakes. There are so many free/cheap drakes online that need new homes because backyard duck keepers simply can't keep enough females with them to keep them happy and keep everyone safe. This is also the time of year when breeders are getting rid of birds that don't quite meet their breeding standard for one reason or another. This doesn't mean they won't make great pets! For example my ducks' color pattern is not quite right for breed standard, too many stray white feathers in places they shouldn't be. This doesn't matter to me. They are my pets. They will provide eggs. But to a breeder this would be a problem as it's not a desirable trait. I just want to encourage giving an older duck a home other than the soup pot. Also you may have the opportunity to visit a farm or backyard duck keeper in your area and see their setup and learn from their experience. Generally they want to know the birds are going to a good home and are more than happy to share their knowledge and experience.
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Thanks for the info!:)
 

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