Ground Covering For Ducks

[Soon2BChixMom]

So it looks like I'm starting the worse area and using a mixture of river rock and pea gravel(I think)

There is an area that the grass is just growing and growing they don't touch.

What size River rock do I use?

The river rock that I use usually comes in sizes about a marble to a little bigger - so I would say 1"-2".

 

[harmonymw]

Part of my yard is river rocks and part is dirt with flagstone paths to and from coops. That way I don’t slip and fall in mud. Grass is a distant memory back there.

 

[Michael P]

The back nuggets look fine. Actually, I don't think it matters much what kind as long as there is enough of it. I usually use arborist's wood chips, but I have also used straw. The ducks will sift through it looking for bugs, but don't eat the mulch.

 

[CrystaBub]

I use mulch too and it’s working great with our never-ending rain this year. I just get the hardwood non-dyed mulch. On the few days it doesn’t rain, I stir and rake it. Keeps the nasty smell away too. . So far so good.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

It has been raining all day. The duck run was a mud bath everywhere except where I have the sand and river rock. It looks like the ducks had a grand time! But, it is a mess. I have pine shavings in spots and that is a mess too. So, time for me to figure out the next step.

Question about the mulch - do they ever get splinters or more prone to bumblefoot?

 

[Michael P]

I've only been keeping ducks for 15 months, and had no problems. But I've used mulch with chickens for 20 years, and only had two cases of bumble foot in all that time.

 

[CrystaBub]

I’ve had no problems either. They dig in it but don’t seem to eat it. No splinters so far and their little feet are in great shape!

 

[CrystaBub]

Oh I also planted 4 shrubs in the mulch to drink up some of the water. It’s just been way too rainy this Spring - combined with the duck muck - so I had to find a way to deal with all the water.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Oh I also planted 4 shrubs in the mulch to drink up some of the water. It’s just been way too rainy this Spring - combined with the duck muck - so I had to find a way to deal with all the water.

What type of shrubs? This has been a very rainy season for sure. But, I don't know which is worse - the rain or scorching heat?

Off topic - lucky you living in the Shenandoah Valley!

 

[CrystaBub]

What type of shrubs? This has been a very rainy season for sure. But, I don't know which is worse - the rain or scorching heat?

Off topic - lucky you living in the Shenandoah Valley!

I planted 2 hollies and 2 variegated privets. They are definitely helping with the water and the ducks don’t eat them. There are places in our yard that haven’t been dry since Feb. Its driving us crazy but I guess it was a good year to get ducks! I’m thinking about starting the first ‘duck friendly’ B&B in the valley LOL! We usually love it here but a vacation in the desert sounds very appealing right now