Getting my first ducks. Questions!

[rubberduckies]

Duckins, what kind of vita/electro packets? And what ratio should I mix? I do plan to give them niacin for a few weeks. Amiga, you have me a lot to think about. Thanks!

 

[ChristineR]

I also recommend Metzer Farms for ordering ducklings. Also, I'd get a copy of Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks. It's a good book to keep around.

 

[duckins]

Sav a chick makes a probiotic and electrolyte mix they can be combined but plain water needs to be avaliable if mixing both if just using electro mix than no plain water needed. Nutri drench is also a great electro. They all have instructions on mixing most is mixed with 1 gal of water niacin I think is supposed to be diluted in water brewers yeast sprinkled on food also helps splayed legs which is usually why niacin is so important. Storeys guide to ducks has been money well invested the book covers a ton of info. I have 4 runners 2 wks. / 4 crested 3 mon./ 2 buffs & 2 blk swed all 4 mon. & 3 pekin drakes 10 mons also have 2 blue sweds and 3 more runners coming from metzers this wk then that's it lol my runners have turned out to be the sweetest babies handle your ducklings as much as possible they really do soak up the love. They will go through a stage between 3-4 mon where they do not want your love like a teen but it will pass the more time you give them the more they'll give you treats really help I sit with mine a lot not saying a word I read or watch them this helps form a bond. Lady at metzers told me if I want no ducklings than collect eggs each morning and we could eat them. Which I do not plan on breeding them anyway.

 

[rubberduckies]

Lol. I love the comparison to teenagers.

I've heard of sav a chick. I'll check that out. And I'll def look for that book. Thanks!

 

[Going Bhonkers]

Good luck with your ducks! Dont forget to post pictures!

 

[Rosepath Garden]

I use a portable electric poultry net fence Its this long net with poles attached so you stick them in the ground tada daytime fence any where you want it mine go in the secure barn at night. My Anconas wont eat my plants but they will root around in the mulch

 

[rubberduckies]

Oh, I cannot wait to take pics and show them off.

Electric fence? Hmmm. I do like the idea of it being portable though.

 

[Carcajou]

We can't wait to see your pics

!!

 

[rubberduckies]

Just ordered my ducks! Ahhh! I'm so excited! I ordered female- black Indian Runner, Pekin, and Rouen. And male- Rouen. I can wait to see them! And from what I hear I should get some "packing peanuts". Hmm.. Can't wait to find out! They should be here next week!

 

[Freakmonger]

SO after reading this thread I decided I too would join the community. Ever since I got the ok from the wife to get the little guys I have been completely obsessed and found myself scouring this forum to no end. And so I made my order in december with metzers and will be getting them Feb 20th I hope. 6 rouens 4 cayugas 1 Buff and 1 Runner. My question is though how often have people recieved their shipments on wednesday vs. tuesday. I have read where people get them tuesday morning. Living in Western Washington I am not altogether concerned about the temps. but just the timeframes in which they wait with the post office. I have had problems in the past with the post so..... ugh I cant wait.