Hi! Really long post.... Sorry in advance...
I am CRAZY EXCITED to get ducklings next month. I am expecting a Runner, a Swedish, and a Welsh Harlequin.
Background: I am adding a duck house to the side of my chicken coop for now until I make a new coop in the area we just partially cleared in the woods next to our house. It'll be 3'x4' with venting at the top of the walls (so over their heads while they sleep) and a door that will be framed hardware cloth. The lid will be hinged for easier cleaning. I have lots of hay for bedding. Feeder and waterer will be in the run.
They will share the chicken yard with the chickens (8 hens, 1 bantam rooster). The run is about 300 sq ft (I think) and is a modified, roofed dog kennel. This opens onto a 500 sq ft area that is surrounded by electric fencing and topped with heavy duty bird netting. We have hawks, owls, foxes, raccoons, skunks, possum, 2 really large resident king snakes, and the occasional coyote and bobcat. The yard is pasture with grasses, ryes, alfalfas, etc. They will all have access to that 24/7.
Question1: Is that enough 24/7 space for 9 chickens and 3 ducks?
Question 2: Is there anything I need to know about integrating ducks into an existing flock? My roo is feisty and protective, but he weights just over a pound. Seriously tiny guy. Seriously has a Napoleon complex.
Question 3: I was planning to give them a pool once they are outside, but only every other day or so so they don't destroy too much of the pasture. Plus, they'll be growing, and I imagine the pool size will need to grow along with them. I will likely install something more permanent with we finish fencing off the 1/4 acre chicken yard later this spring. Does that sound doable/appropriate?
Question 3 1/2: How deep should the pool be once my ducks are fully grown? I'd like them to be able to dive.
Question 4: I already feed all flock to my chickens. For adult ducks, will this suffice?
Question 5: I plan on using non-medicated chick starter with niacin added according to the info Isaac O and others provided on the sticky thread. Will I need to add that for the breeds I have once they are older? Not a problem, but I want to make sure that it'll be safe for the chickens.
Question 6: Anything else I should know? Yes, I know they are incredibly messy.
I've managed to answer my other questions by reading through a lot of the info on other threads.
THANKS!
Did I mention I am excited????
I am CRAZY EXCITED to get ducklings next month. I am expecting a Runner, a Swedish, and a Welsh Harlequin.
Background: I am adding a duck house to the side of my chicken coop for now until I make a new coop in the area we just partially cleared in the woods next to our house. It'll be 3'x4' with venting at the top of the walls (so over their heads while they sleep) and a door that will be framed hardware cloth. The lid will be hinged for easier cleaning. I have lots of hay for bedding. Feeder and waterer will be in the run.
They will share the chicken yard with the chickens (8 hens, 1 bantam rooster). The run is about 300 sq ft (I think) and is a modified, roofed dog kennel. This opens onto a 500 sq ft area that is surrounded by electric fencing and topped with heavy duty bird netting. We have hawks, owls, foxes, raccoons, skunks, possum, 2 really large resident king snakes, and the occasional coyote and bobcat. The yard is pasture with grasses, ryes, alfalfas, etc. They will all have access to that 24/7.
Question1: Is that enough 24/7 space for 9 chickens and 3 ducks?
Question 2: Is there anything I need to know about integrating ducks into an existing flock? My roo is feisty and protective, but he weights just over a pound. Seriously tiny guy. Seriously has a Napoleon complex.
Question 3: I was planning to give them a pool once they are outside, but only every other day or so so they don't destroy too much of the pasture. Plus, they'll be growing, and I imagine the pool size will need to grow along with them. I will likely install something more permanent with we finish fencing off the 1/4 acre chicken yard later this spring. Does that sound doable/appropriate?
Question 3 1/2: How deep should the pool be once my ducks are fully grown? I'd like them to be able to dive.
Question 4: I already feed all flock to my chickens. For adult ducks, will this suffice?
Question 5: I plan on using non-medicated chick starter with niacin added according to the info Isaac O and others provided on the sticky thread. Will I need to add that for the breeds I have once they are older? Not a problem, but I want to make sure that it'll be safe for the chickens.
Question 6: Anything else I should know? Yes, I know they are incredibly messy.
I've managed to answer my other questions by reading through a lot of the info on other threads.
THANKS!
Did I mention I am excited????
