Ducks or Not?

[MadisonOde]

Hey everyone!



So I've been going back and forth on getting ducks instead of chickens next year. I would like to know some opinions on this. We have a large coop that houses 7 chickens (but could do 10 or 11) with a 16x8 run. I also know ducks are extremely messy. To keep down the mess with the water dish, I would make a little fence around it big enough for them to stick their heads and necks through, but not their whole bodies. They also wouldn't be able to fling their water as easily. I also was thinking that I wouldn't give them pool access all the time, but once or twice a week. I would probably only get 4 ducks. Opinions? Also any breed opinions?

 

[cheezenkwackers]

Why do you want ducks? I got them instead of chickens because I wanted eggs and bug eaters in my garden. We also have an inground pool and my neighbor had two chickens drown in her pool. I ask because it sounds a little like you want them to act like chickens. Ducks love water and mud! They are adorable playing in both. They are much happier with room to move around and water to play in. They won’t rip up your lawn and large plants, although they will make a few holes when it rains. They will muck up their water dish even if they can’t get in it. You will need to change their water morning and night and lock them up at night. In return, you will get amazing eggs and hilarious antics. If eggs are your goal, my Khaki Campbell’s have been great. They have even laid through the last two winters.

 

[MadisonOde]

I want them for eggs, the noise is better, and their temperment is supposed to be better then chickens. I just would want to keep the mess down as much as I can.

 

[chickens really]

Hello..Ducks poop more than Chickens and love a bath daily or every second day. I'm in Canada and Mine bath all winter in a pool weather permitting.
Ducks have great benefits as pets..Chickens are Dusty and dirty too but require lest cleaning. Ducks don't Catch or transfer disease like chickens do either. I love Ducks.

 

[MoparGirl89]

If you were to get ducks with that proposed set up i would get muscovys. They dont like water as much as the mallard types. And they are mostly silent.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

My muscovies love water. I don't have mallard derived breeds though so can't compare, but they are still in love with their water. Every water container out there gets dumped and filled twice a day due to the mud holes and dirt they swirl around in them.
My ducks reach through a fence to get their bills in their pool water, then put their bills in the dirt to make mud which goes back in the water. They aren't cut off from their water with the pool enclosed, but the pool is set up inside a round dog kennel. So, when they aren't enjoying the pool they are making mud holes and enjoy making dirty water.
Also, I give them fresh pool water every other day (haven't been through winter with them yet) - when they get clean pool water they splash and dive in it like it is their first time ever having water.
Ducks love and need water. They love mud, they love water, they love messes of mud and water.
Now, the muscovies are much quieter than the mallard derived breeds. However, I have heard that neighbors tend to complain about all that quacking that female ducks do. So, I guarantee they aren't less noisier than chickens. Unless you get muscovies.

 

[Runner duck mom]

Before getting my 1st pair of ducks I had the same idea...thought I would keep a pool outside their run to let them play in a few times a week. Let them go for their 1st swim at about 2 weeks they immediately started splashing around and diving under the water...lol, they have had a pool in their run ever since.
We now have 4 runner ducks and they spend a majority of their day playing and napping in their pool.
They are messy but so cute and hilarious, they make me laugh every day I can come in after having splashed poopy duck water on myself cleaning their pool and still have a big smile watching them play.
The girls can be quite loud at times but generally just make their happy duck Sounds when they see me. Thankfully none of our neighbors have ever complained about the noise.
They are super friendly and leave us plenty of eggs. It's been a very messy and rewarding experience.
Looking forward to seeing what you decide

 

[Miss Lydia]

 

[MoparGirl89]

My muscovies love water. I don't have mallard derived breeds though so can't compare, but they are still in love with their water. Every water container out there gets dumped and filled twice a day due to the mud holes and dirt they swirl around in them.
My ducks reach through a fence to get their bills in their pool water, then put their bills in the dirt to make mud which goes back in the water. They aren't cut off from their water with the pool enclosed, but the pool is set up inside a round dog kennel. So, when they aren't enjoying the pool they are making mud holes and enjoy making dirty water.
Also, I give them fresh pool water every other day (haven't been through winter with them yet) - when they get clean pool water they splash and dive in it like it is their first time ever having water.
Ducks love and need water. They love mud, they love water, they love messes of mud and water.
Now, the muscovies are much quieter than the mallard derived breeds. However, I have heard that neighbors tend to complain about all that quacking that female ducks do. So, I guarantee they aren't less noisier than chickens. Unless you get muscovies.

I think mine are strange lol. They would rather take a" shower" ( i spray them with the shower nozzle when it is hot out.) The drake only puts his head in the water and bathes outside the pool. It is pretty comical. The ducklings however take much longer swims but nothing like the appleyards, they live in the water. And the appleyard girls are louder than my turkeys....
All that being said I wouldnt get ducks if you dont plan on letting them have a pool they are waterfowl. They need deep water to keep their bills wet and nares clear.

 

[Fishkeeper]

As said above, ducks are waterfowl. The best enrichment for them is access to water. The only reason to keep them away from water is to make things a bit easier on you.