Helpful tips to save money when keeping DUCKS!! :)

[MarysAviaryHeartAndZoo]

Try searching on Craigslist's "free" section. People are always giving away kiddie pools and pond liners.
The best part is you won't have to spend a dime, just some time cleaning it!

 

[MarysAviaryHeartAndZoo]

Thanks!! It's pretty heavy once you fill it up with water. The only time it gets knocked over is when it's empty. I also attached one to the corner of the duck house using a carabiner. Three buckets of water keeps my 13 ducks happy.

 

[MarysAviaryHeartAndZoo]

I built this duck house for a little over $200!

Flooring: we used old dog run grates. It's very easy to flush away the poopie and the holes are small enough to not harm duck feet. I put a coat of brown paint on it.

We added a rain gutter with a collection barrel to wash away the poop using rain water

I got the shutters for free off Craigslist. I sanded them then painted them with "Exterior paint" to seal it from water damage.

I then decided to add a duckie deck. I sealed it off with gardening fence (green metal stuff). They really enjoy stepping out to get fresh air or to catch some rain.

Not sure if this is the best idea for a nesting box, but I used large size dog crates that I split in half. They seem to like it and I find that plastic is easy to wash.

Btw...this whole project costed a little over $200!
How I did it: drive to construction sites and ask if they have any scrap lumber. You will not believe how much wood you can get for FREE!

Good luck and Enjoy!!

 

[MarysAviaryHeartAndZoo]

I buy wheat seeds in bulk, and then sprout them.  This is less expensive than peas.  Now, I still do buy peas, especially when they are on sale, but having wheat sprouts adds different nutrients and they don't need to be frozen.

I learned some weeds that are good for the ducks to eat, and I let them grow in places in the yard, so there is free salad.  I also grow some of our own lettuce and other greens for treats.

I use the used duck bedding as mulch in the garden instead of buying mulch.  And duck manure supercharges the compost, so I don't have to buy compost.  I have already used about $100 worth of compost and good garden soil this spring from duck bedding and vegetable scraps that we produced here.

I don't buy chicken eggs while the ducks are laying - that saves money.  Oh, and duck poo in water is a great, free fertilizer.

Amiga, hello! I should have asked you this last year, what are some duck-friendly weeds? Thanks!!

 

[Amiga]

Hi, @MaryamLoveDucks

Dandelion, chick weed, lady's thumb http://www.easy-butterfly-garden.com/polygonum-persicaria.html , violets, foxtail grass, are some I can think of right off.

Mine also like to nom on comfrey - not exactly a weed to me, but many consider it a weed because it is so vigorous.