Ducks first night outside, do they need light to drink/eat?

[RSduck]

Many people hate chicken wire but, if you take the wire and half goes up the fencing and then half goes horizontal and lays on the ground with either bricks or something heavy weighing it down works so the ducks do not get tangled up on it. Now you can go further and when you mow you bag your grass clippings take them and then toss them into the kennel for ground covering. This helps to keep the area dry to prevent bumblefoot also it helps to attract bugs. Eww! wait I want bugs there? Yes you do because they need to be eaten by the ducks yea? You will see your ducks rut and goes crazy for it. They will also eat some of the green grass. This helps with Niacin. not much but some. You can supplement the niacin with giving the ducks bagged peas, they love it. To a duck it is like crack. Not too much nor too often remember a duck needs to forage. Maybe once every two or three days. Now the grass can also be put outside on the chicken wire to help hold it down. Just change the grass every two weeks to a month. You can also use the small 1/4' square welded wire. Another thing you need to consider is a much area for the ducks. Somewhere that they have access to raw earth that is muddy. They love this as they drive their bills into the mud and look for small bugs. A low kiddy pool with dirt in it if you have an HOA that doesn't like you tearing up your yard will work just change the dirt from time to time so it gets bugs. Or you can use an area under a tree or bush.

Yeah i’ll try using the chicken and I have some spare bricks that I’ll use to secure it. The area I have them in right now is pretty muddy, they’re enjoying it so far. Here’s a picture of what their set up looks like.

 

[Canadian Wind]

Nice little set up. I love the liberal use of tie wraps. I use them all the time, too!

 

[Aksarben Farms]

A spot in the corner where you keep that area for mucking would be perfect. then cover the rest with grass to keep it dry. Placing a tarp over 1/4 to 1/2 half of the enclosure would not be a bad idea for rain. Ducks love to be in the rain but their pen needs to be somewhat dry and the poo needs to be kept up. the grass helps with this. Having a kiddie pool from walmart so they can swim and clean themselves is a good idea. Also if you purchase an oil pan for the water they will love that. they are easy to fill and clean as that will need cleaning and refilling daily. You can get them for a few bucks. You will want to get a 12'X12" paver for the food and water to rest on. This keeps the mold down from forming under the food and water bowls. Also from the grass and poop from getting in there as much. Well done though on the pen nice work. Remember though ducks need sunlight lots of it. If they are going to be egg producers for you you will want them getting 10 to 12 hours of light. Let them decide when they want shade.

 

[RSduck]

A spot in the corner where you keep that area for mucking would be perfect. then cover the rest with grass to keep it dry. Placing a tarp over 1/4 to 1/2 half of the enclosure would not be a bad idea for rain. Ducks love to be in the rain but their pen needs to be somewhat dry and the poo needs to be kept up. the grass helps with this. Having a kiddie pool from walmart so they can swim and clean themselves is a good idea. Also if you purchase an oil pan for the water they will love that. they are easy to fill and clean as that will need cleaning and refilling daily. You can get them for a few bucks. You will want to get a 12'X12" paver for the food and water to rest on. This keeps the mold down from forming under the food and water bowls. Also from the grass and poop from getting in there as much. Well done though on the pen nice work. Remember though ducks need sunlight lots of it. If they are going to be egg producers for you you will want them getting 10 to 12 hours of light. Let them decide when they want shade.

I have a kiddie pool but I didn’t wanna put it in yet because they aren’t fully feathered. They are in a spot that’s pretty shady but i’m unable to really move it now. They seem pretty happy in it.

 

[Aksarben Farms]

I have a kiddie pool but I didn’t wanna put it in yet because they aren’t fully feathered. They are in a spot that’s pretty shady but i’m unable to really move it now. They seem pretty happy in it.

Even though they are not fully feathered you need to give them something to bathe in. It doesn't have to be big or deep. Enough water so they can stand in it. As their adult feathers come in they use the water to wash and remove the down feathers. also ducks love water. Mine actually sleep while floating. Where your coop is, is perfect. Sun and shade combined. Great spot.

 

[RSduck]

Nice little set up. I love the liberal use of tie wraps. I use them all the time, too!
Yeah lol

Even though they are not fully feathered you need to give them something to bathe in. It doesn't have to be big or deep. Enough water so they can stand in it. As their adult feathers come in they use the water to wash and remove the down feathers. also ducks love water. Mine actually sleep while floating. Where your coop is, is perfect. Sun and shade combined. Great spot.

Really? Won’t they get wet feather?

 

[Aksarben Farms]

They don't stay in there, you simply make it available to them. The will go in and exit as they desire. As long as there is enough space and an area for them to dry off and preen they should be fine. Make sure they can easily enter and exit. Perhaps ramps. I make wooden ramps and I staple AstroTurf to the ramps for traction for the ducks. I also have stones like granite or quartz on the inside so when they are young they can easily walk out of the pool.

 

[RSduck]

Ok good ideas i’ll have to try them out.