Getting my first ducks. Questions!

[rubberduckies]

Do barred rocks have white on the top of their heads? I don't think mine do. I was thinking maybe jersey giants?? Idk.

 

[jdywntr]

I think they do. Could be JG. I do find it hilarious that some hatcheries will send chicks as packing peanuts with ducklings and some won't ship the 2 together.

I mean, what are you supposed to do with chicks that you aren't expecting? It's a good way to get some free birds to use for meat I guess.

 

[rubberduckies]

I agree! It would be different if they were ducks. I was prepared for ducks. Lol. Chickens are a whole different thing. But I have somebody who wants them and I'm making $20 so it's all good. Lol. I wouldn't mind keeping them for meat but I can't eat them if I'm going to raise them. I love to hunt and eat meat but not something I've raised and got attached to. I'm happy with my ducks though. And hopefully I'll have some good eggs when they're older.

BYC meet Puddle.

 

[countrygirl74]

I agree! It would be different if they were ducks. I was prepared for ducks. Lol. Chickens are a whole different thing. But I have somebody who wants them and I'm making $20 so it's all good. Lol. I wouldn't mind keeping them for meat but I can't eat them if I'm going to raise them. I love to hunt and eat meat but not something I've raised and got attached to. I'm happy with my ducks though. And hopefully I'll have some good eggs when they're older.

BYC meet Puddle.

Welcome! Puddle is adorable!! All my silly ducks are now 4 1/2 months old and BIG! I miss the baby days already! However, I love the personality of my Pekins - so much fun. Have fun raising them!

 

[rubberduckies]

Thanks! I can already tell mine all have different personalities.

 

[rubberduckies]

Just an update for everybody...

My duckies are almost 4 weeks old! Ahhh! It does NOT seem like they should be that old. And wow, they are growing fast! There has been a lot of trial and error with their brooder (bedding, waterer, etc). But now I've found what works best.

We built their house today!! It's awesome. Like a duck mansion. Lol. Ok, maybe I'm going a little overboard. But it is really nice. Tomorrow, we'll be finishing the roof, windows, doors, ramp, and nest boxes. (Ill probably paint it next weekend).

I know some ducks don't use nest boxes but I'm going to try it anyway. I'm going to add a decoy egg and see if it works. They won't be laying for a while but I like to be prepared.

I'll share pics when the house is finished. Then we'll be moving on to the fencing...

 

[rubberduckies]

Almost 3 weeks, I mean. Lol.

 

[Amiga]

 

[SilkiesnFrizzle]

Hi! I have a few questions. I have used to have a duck and he grew up with all of the chickens, thinking he was a chicken. I gave him to someone that had a few females wanting my Quackers to be happy. I didn't realize how much I would miss that little guy. So we just purchased 3 Pekin ducks from our local TS and they are now over a month old. They have been in a large floor brooder with standard and bantam chicks as well. Can I transition the ducks into the main flock? My main flock is Cochins, Silkies, Barred Rocks, Red Stars....will they fair well out there? The main flock lives in a large shed that was converted to a coop with a 25 ft run extended off the back, built in a aviary style. Plenty of room for all. When the ducks are older they can free range during the day, but I have a nasty hawk problem and my little ducks would be a tasty snack. I can't keep them in the brooder, they are running over the bantams.

 

[Amiga]

I would hesitate to put ducks that young with adult birds.

Can you subdivide the main flock area, placing them visible to, but not with the rest of the flock? It will take time for everyone to adjust in any case.