Ducks to water.

[Soferdig]

I have last March purchased 12 Rouen ducks (4 drakes and 8 hens). I am wondering what concerns do I have harvesting “duck muck” (local swamp grasses, sedges, watercress, ...) from my swamp on my property? I have my ducks housed on 3,000 sq ft fenced in creek (high flow) and deliver 4-6 milk cartons a day to them. They love me for this and hardly eat much pelleted duck food since. I also have a Buff Goose leading them into the future. Has anyone else done this?

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. Having never kept ducks, I cannot answer your question. People on the duck forum are sure to be able to advise - https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/ducks.42/

This is a useful link relating to guides to read through - https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/website-announcements-feedback-issues-guides.3/?prefix_id=3

You can use this link to contact members in your area - Find your State's thread.

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[ronott1]

I hope the members on the Duck thread can help you!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I haven't done this but wanted to say

 

[jmoschner]

am wondering what concerns do I have harvesting “duck muck” (local swamp grasses, sedges, watercress, ...) from my swamp on my property?

My only concerns would be:
-making sure the muck plus other food you give them provides adequate nutrition (including vitamins and minerals)
-making sure you're not over harvesting the area
-making sure to avoid accidentally grabbing something toxic to ducks

 

[Soferdig]

Good points I have already considered. Three swamps occupy over 15 acres and I am cleaning the roadside of tires, tv’s, and 20 years of losers unable to see anything but a reflection on the mirror. I am retired so environmental clean up where I grew up is important to me. I collect in high flow spring areas that are deep cold water springs running only 2 miles through no farm drainage. Mostly old abandoned gravel pit.

 

[Soferdig]

I haven't done this but wanted to say

 

[Soferdig]

Thank you so much for your invite. I miss your mountains having lived in Washington State (Seattle) 22 yrs, Kalispell MT 15 yrs, and Alaska 11 yrs.

 

[Lil Drake40]

I bet you do nothing like the mountains