Ducks in smaller areas.

[Jryxx]

I posted earlier, but my family (mostly just myself) is very interested in owning ducks as backyard pets. We live in a subdivision in a suburban environment so we are very limited on space. I can almost guarantee our neighbors won't mind the ducks, because they have an extremely loud cockatoo, and two very obnoxious and annoying Maltese dogs. Our yard is fenced in by a 3-4 foot tall fence with a good sized gap between posts, but not so big that an adult duck would be able to escape. I am looking at Black Swedish Ducks. Two females. The ducks obviously will not be free range, as there are busy roads surrounding our neighborhood and Interstate 71 is only a few miles from us. I plan on letting the ducks out of their pen when I am home and able to watch over them, and when we are away for the day, keeping them in their pen or in an enclosed area outdoors (chicken wire & mesh). We have a kiddie pool and a dog who will love playing with them and I know won't harm the ducks. What I am asking for are any suggestions for a newbie who may or may not be recieving ducks in the near future. Thanks in advance for any advice/tips.

 

[Amiga]

Oh, welcome to the Duck Side!

I would line the inside of the existing fence, the bottom three feet, with half inch metal hardware cloth. The ducks getting out is one thing, but I am more concerned with other things getting in.

Our day pen is covered top, bottom and sides with fence. Bottom is coated chain link, top and sides have 2"x3" coated woven wire, and the bottom two feet around the sides is small diameter coated chicken wire. And this is for daytime. At night right now they are in the walkout basement pen. They do come out of the day pen when I am home, we either walk around the yard together, or they are in a three-foot-high fenced garden area.

Nice choice, black Swedish.

 

[Amykins]

"Welcome to the Duck Side".... *facepalm* I'll just leave this here.

 

[Amiga]

"Welcome to the Duck Side".... *facepalm* I'll just leave this here.

Where did you find this?

 

[Amykins]

Just a quick google image search. Gotta love the internet!

 

[Jryxx]

Thank you for the advice and the laughs! I think Iay be able to get my family on board with me about getting ducks. Although they don't seem too thrilled I think they'll grow to love them!

 

[Amiga]

Here's some propaganda

 

[k15n1]

I recently purchased some defective ducks (infertile, bad foot, etc) for the dinner table. I kept them for several days and they made a super stinky mess. They poop explosively such that the side of the cage was soiled in several spots. I should also say that they were adorable and they almost ended up as pets because my kids thought they were AWESOME. But be prepared for the mess. I've read that 6-12" of pea gravel sprayed down ever few days with a high-pressure spray works. And they mess up the water, so plan on changing the water in the pool every day.

 

[Deleted member 94844]

T

Here's some propaganda

Thanks, Amiga... I really needed that emotional torture this morning I want a tubful of sweet black babies! And a yardful of runners!!

 

[Deleted member 94844]

It is totally possible to keep ducks in a smaller area... just be sure your city allows it first. The real trick is setting up an area that is safe and secure for the ducks that you can easily keep clean. If it becomes a horrible chore your family will not be happy!