FIRST DUCKS, FEEDING? FREE RANGE

[MUSKIEWRANGLER0]

HI I BOUGHT 3 MUSCOVIES A COUPLE DAYS AGO, 2 HENS AND A DRAKE, THE FIRST MORNING I HAD 2 EGGS, ON IN THE LITTLE HOUSE I BUILT AND ONE ROLLED INTO THE RUN (I ATE THE ONE IN THE RUN SENSE I WAS CURIOUS HOW THEY ARE) BUT I ENDED UP MOVING THERE COOP SOMEWERE ELSE, IT WAS HARD TO GET THEM BACK INTO COOP IN NEW SPOT, BUT I WAS WONDERING HOW LONG UNTILL THEY FEEL COMFERTABLE ENOUGH WHERE I CAN LET THEM FRE RANGE DURING THE DAY (AS MY DOG IS INSIDE AND IM AT WORK) YARD IS FENCED.

DOSE ANYBODY USE A LIGHT TO ATTRACT BUGS TOWARDS THERE COOP? IF SO WOULD IT IRRITATE THEM ALL NIGHT WHILE THERE TRYING TO SLEEP?

I FEED THEM OATS IN THE MORNING BUT WAS TOLD THEY ALSO LIKE GREENS, SHOULD I THROW WEEDS, GRASS CLIPPINGS, LEAVES? IN THERE RUN DURING THE DAY TOO?

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

I personally would begin ranging while you are there to supervise. Fencing is good. How about flight? Predators are always a daytime risk when ranging, so you need to think on that one. These are all adults, right? Ranging is good for them and they can find their own greens and bugs and grit. Personally I would not add any organic material to the pen/run, other than the bedding in the houses. In my experience it starts to decompose and stink and becomes unhealthy. I used to use a light, years ago, but I no longer do as it is unnecessary, creates a fire risk, and costs money. Your ducks should really find bugs on their own while free ranging.

 

[MUSKIEWRANGLER0]

yes there all mature ducks, thats what ive been doin, i let them out after work for about 4 hours as the sun sets. ok, everything ive read has said they are pretty good at finding there own food. (i just know i hate being hungry without food lol) thanks for the input all they have now is some straw! ... im still amazed at how fast they get there fresh water dirty though, ive been changing 3 times a day! what is the best container to supply them with drinking water? (i just have a plastic bowl) and then a cat litter box sized tub too incase they need a dip

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

I have rubber pans (7 gals) and kid swim pools. :/ ya, I haven't figured out how to keep it clean either! Your ducks will let you know if they are hungry.