Help with the first ever ducks I'm getting?

[luckieduckie7]

Hi, I've been doing some research on ducks for awhile now and plan on getting a pair very soon. But I have a few questions that couldn't be answered from all the research:
1) How long do Pekin ducks live? Are they loud?
2) I'm going to be getting 2 ducklings and I want them to follow me around and stuff. How would I get them to do that?
3) Is this good food to start ducklings off with? (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QFP5UY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ANW5IYRNAWNMH)
4) What would be a good amount to feed them daily? I found different answers everywhere, but a lot of sites said 1/3 lbs.
5) If I feed them veggies and fruits (more of veggies), can I lower their food intake?

Those are all the questions I can think of right now. I know some of them probs sound stupid but I'm no expert even after 9 months of research, haha. And I'm not exactly sure how this thread-posting thing works (I joined BYC today after reading threads on it for months), but I'm hoping to get some answers. thanks!

 

[Nebraskagirl]

WELCOME!!!!!! Ducks are great fun (messy, but fun.) Answering your questions:
1.Ducks CAN be loud. Females are louder than males (you can voice sex ducklings. Females QUACK, males do more of a raspy whisper.) Ducks can live 5-10 years given the right nutrition and providing they are healthy.
2. That question is not an easy one. Ducks CAN imprint on you. You did a great thing by getting two. Ducks need company, they thrive on it. Your two will bond with each other. They will bond with you, but please don't expect them to act like a cat or dog and sit on you, come when called and etc. Treats, slow movements, and time are the best way to bond with your ducks. They are prey animals and will tend to be cautious, even with owners.
3.To me, that is awfully high priced! You can get a MUCH bigger bag at a local feed store (Tractor Supply, or any farm or supply store carries waterfowl feed.) DO NOT GET MEDICATED FEED. It is not good for ducklings. I personally use flock feeder for my ducks. Some people will use layer feed. It just depends on your preference. There are stickies here where you can find advice on duck feed. I think you are spending too much on that particular brand.
4. I would not lower feed intake when they are this young. They are growing FAST and need the energy and "good stuff" in the feed to help with their changing bodies.

Congrats on your duckies. Stick around and we can help you. I have learned a lot from this site! Post pics when you can of your new babies!!!!!!!

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Mostly your adult ducks do let you know if they are hungry. My rule is they should clean up the food I give them in 15mins or less. But younglings are different- they need lots.

 

[minihorse927]

1. Ducks live for 8-10 years if they are given proper care and nutrition. That is also only if they are kept free from predators. Pekins are not really loud. I can hear them about 50-75 feet away from their pen but it isn't annoying or obnoxious.

2.You can imprint ducklings, best done when they are just hatched. If they get a little older it is harder to get them to want to be with you all the time. If you spend lots of time with them and you hand feed them treats and things they will realize your not so bad.

3.I wouldn't waste your money on that feed. It is a little high in protein for ducklings(which leads to problems like angel wing) and it is EXPENSIVE. I feed everything purina flock raiser from the day they hatch to the day they die. It is dual purpose and can been fed their entire life. Only thing you do for hens is to add some oyster shell for calcium content.

4. I feed all of mine free choice feed for ducklings. Ducklings grow rapidly and they need all the feed they can get to in order to be able to grow properly. Once they get fully feathered out I provide as much as they can eat in a day without leaving anything for the next day. That is 2 scoops(3quart scoop) for my grow out pen of pekins, anconas, mallards and a 2 of the adult calls go in there to eat too. 15 ducks in total, 4 of them being pekins.

5.If you feed fruits and veggies you can reduce feed intake but make sure you are feeding them a balanced diet. I use the flock raiser for 80% of their diet. The other 20% can be something else such as scratch grains, oats, corn, bugs, grass, etc. Please search and make sure the fruits and veggies you are going to be feeding are safe for the ducks. Mine love unshelled green beans!

 

[luckieduckie7]

Thanks everyone! You were all very helpful. Unfortunately where I live there are no local supply or farm stores, so I'll probably just have to buy it online. But again thank you everyone, I'll def post pics when I get them!