Going to add Call ducks to going chicken operation.

[jsr5]

OK not imminent but I know I want to add call ducks and probably some bigger breeds to my going chicken operation. I would plan to build or add on to the chicken run so the ducks have a space kinda to themselves especially when free ranging is not happening. like deep winter or if we are going to be gone a day or more. What I am wanting is concerns of cooping and or running ducks with chickens. What specifically needs to be added and the least expensive easiest to maintain specialized equiptment needed such as I know I need to provide water the ducks can swim in it needs to be filtered or changed out. I need to have it available even in the freezing months how best do I do this. What kinds of problems may arise when runing or free ranging together. etc etc. I'm sure I'm not the only one to get the duck itch after having set up for chickes so what did ya learn what suprised you what do you wish you had know before hand. Thanks.

 

[Matt119911]

I used to have ducks and they are stinky. For something to swim in, you can dig a hole and put some gravel, pebbles in the bottom then place a hard plastic kiddie pool in. You can put some stepping stones/Tiles around it. You can siphon the water out or dump it and rinse it with a hose when the water needs cleaned and also we would buy minnows and put them in there so the ducks could eat them.

 

[jsr5]

kThat is a good point on the stinkiness any ideas to help mitigate that would be welcome as well. Good idea with the minnows . I might build a tank set up to raise my own for treats and supplemental feed. going to do duck weed to or at least I plan to. I am kinda on a hill side whole yard is on a fairly steep slope was thinking of using my tractor with front end loader and back hoe to dig in a few little ponds that would drain down through filters eith a pump at the bottom to pump it back up. But that is gonna take a while both for money and time so was gonna do somthing down and dirty to get us started.

 

[Matt119911]

Ducks love mud... and they love to eat... Frogs... Idk why but mine ate any frog brave enough to enter their pool. Clean their area a lot because poop will just build up and be gross.