Ducks being stubborn or is it me??

[Aunt Angus]

Can you please provide a link to where I can buy these?

Wish I could. I got mine at a garage sale.

I think someone else said Walmart?

 

[Duathman]

Wish I could. I got mine at a garage sale.

I think someone else said Walmart?

They did and I tried finding them on their website but didn't have any luck.

 

[Newfowler1]

Definitely add oyster shell in a separate bowl so they maybe eat it when they feel the need. I don’t mix it in their food. They know when they need it. Purina Duck Food might not be the best but it’s reasonably priced and available in most stores. Add brewers yeast regardless. I also use Apple Cider Vinegar w/ mothers to their water in warm weather.

Most of mine do like to snuggle up in tight corners to nest and lay eggs. I highly recommend a small box 2’ away from any edge of the kennel they can nest in. I mention the 2’ because raccoons can reach through or under a coop and pull them apart. It’s quite upsetting to find this.
chicken wire is helpful but 1/4” hardware cloth should be on all sides of a coop perimeter maybe 24” high? and definitely under & around edges of your enclosure. I use it under all my coops.
Raccoons are devilishly clever, they will dig all night to get to your babies. All they need is one paw inside to grip on any part of a duck and you’ll have a serious problem with injuries and awful suffering for the duck.
I’ve had several guinea torn apart from a coon able to reach a paw inside maybe 6” beyond the wire on the bottom of the coop. The injuries were devastating requiring quelling and amputation. Only one survivor “Pogo” lived to tell the tale. Sadly his one-legged life was ended short but a Hawk a year later. . He was the only guinea I’ve ever had who would sit on my lap and eat food from my hand. RIP Pogo

 

[Aunt Angus]

Try this link:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Your-Zon...9kBCy6VzjYnkEBvugZhoCumcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[MartinFamilyHomestead]

Nashville, Tn.............I bought 2 ducks last year trying to get eggs and I knew next to nothing about raising ducks or getting eggs. I got 2 Indian runners that were very young and the guy said give them a few months and they will start laying. This was in April of 2021 and they did lay very sporadically. It was an open cage with chicken wire in my backyard. I put them in a crate every night so predators wouldn't get them. They had a pool which I put fresh water in daily. Lots of TLC and few eggs and a hawk found them in November 2021 and that was the end of that. Now in February 2022 I bought a fully reinforced "fortress" enclosed coup and I bought 2 Indian Runners and 2 Khaki Campbells from another local guy that calls himself "THE DUCKMAN" on his voicemail. I asked him how soon should the 4 new ducks start laying eggs he said "now". Well, I took them home and the very next day I had 4 beautiful eggs waiting on me the next day. The next day I had 3, the next few days 2 eggs then the past 2.5 weeks nothing. I took photos down to the local tractor supply and thought maybe it was the food. Now they are on the Purina Duck food. I even bought a predator cage thinking the ducks were getting scared at night. Water, Food, protection........What could possibly be the problem?? View attachment 3027647View attachment 3027648View attachment 3027649View attachment 3027650View attachment 3027651View attachment 3027652View attachment 3027653

The stress of moving could cause them to halt laying. I could not see what your feed is intended for, you can get feed specifically to help the bird to lay. Also adding in egg shells helps replenish their calcium.

I see other mentioned something else in the kennel for them. That would be ideal for them to have an enclosed area that they feel safer from the outside world. Even though they are already enclosed since it is all fencing they may not feel that safety. Also adding this additional house will provide them extra protection as certain predators can reach through the wire injuring or killing them. Depending on your area this is essential. It seems you do not have too many issues with predators but around me that set up alone has not worked and not only do they need an enclosed house to go into but they have to be locked in it every night. Just missing one lock up results in an animal attack and unfortunately once a predator knows there is prey they will continue to come back until they have cleaned out your whole flock.

I saw you mention they are locked up 24-7, letting them free range every day is very important and will help make them overall happier which will increase laying. It will also give them more opportunity to forage which will save you money on feed but also give them a more nature diet. Even if it is only for an hour at a time while you are out supervising, it is worth it for them to have that time outside of their fence. They are also easy to herd if they try to wonder. Please keep your eyes peeled for any neighborhood dogs loose though or if you are close to any tree lines that predators could be lurking in.

Overall I think you are doing a great job, seeking help when you need it. Everyone starts somewhere and this site can be soooo helpful but when I first started out seemed like theres a few that can be judgmental and don't remember what it was like learning.

Hope you get more eggs soon! We have 12 hens and only have one girl laying right now.

Good thing to remember is ducks do NOT like to follow the "norm". You could be doing everything right, never compare yourself to another flock. Ducks are so temperamental.

 

[Duathman]

I have added 32SF of living space, added a dog house, added a tarp for cover…….

 

[Chapel Oak Farms]

Fowl of all kinds love routine. If you can develop a schedule for feeding and letting them wander a little and maybe a special call for bedtime, they will eventually get into that routine. They also need exercise. They will settle in quickly and lay eggs regularly again.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I have added 32SF of living space, added a dog house, added a tarp for cover…….

Well done! Keep us posted!

Have you noticed any changes yet?

 

[BabyGotQuack]

Looks good do they like the dog house? It may take them a minute to warm up to it, just FYI.

 

[Duathman]

Looks good do they like the dog house? It may take them a minute to warm up to it, just FYI.

One of the four walked up to it and ran away. It will definitely take a minute. It does have shaving in the bottom of it as well. I haven’t seen any changes other than when I fill up their pool they run to the side of the dog house rather than in it like they did with the crate.