Hi I'm new with a ton of questions

[rubberduckies]

I did the same thing. Lots of research first. But the first time I saw runners I just knew I had to get some. You CANNOT look at their silly little butts and not smile.

 

[Carcajou]

. You have been given sage advice by BYC "Duck Regulars" and finding out information like you are doing is the best approach. 3-5 would be a nice sized flock to start with. I might add that you will only want 1 drake to 3-4 ducks. Too many drakes can (most likely will) become problematic.

I have 6 Khaki Campbells and use about 50 pounds of feed per month and they free-range every day. I also am fortunate enough to have a pond and the weed growth is food for them. I give them lettuce each day as a supplement. I can't really cost out anything else because I have access to scrap lumber which I used in part to make my 6' x 8' coop and I used some used treated lumber and cut a locust tree in my yard for my fence posts. I like the TSC pine shavings but I also use my own planer shavings and also peat moss for bedding. Hardware cloth on all openings is a must. You will need some openings for ventilation, even in the winter.

Best of luck with your new venture!

 

[ChristineR]

I recommend getting a copy of Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks, by Dave Holderread. It's a great reference to keep around. I've had ducks off and on for 30+ years and I keep an updated copy on my bookshelf and occasionally refer to it when I have a question or can't remember something.

 

[Amiga]

ChristineR, thanks, I forget that not everyone has the two-book library that helps me out:

Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks - Holderread
The Ultimate Pet Duck Guidebook - Link

Both are really good.

 

[Carcajou]

I recommend getting a copy of Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks, by Dave Holderread.

Ditto.

 

[Carcajou]

LadyMe,

You might also see if a restaurant or grocery store will provide you with leaf lettuce scraps or heads of leaf lettuce that are beginning to wilt that they can't use. I do this and is saves quite a lot since you won't have to purchase lettuce all the time. If you have a compost bin you can throw the undesirable leaves in it (I don't feed any slimy leaves and pick off all the brown colored ones).

 

[LadyMe]

That's a good idea! I'm starting a garden to grow for the family and bunnies so I can definitely grow for some duckies too

 

[melissamerry]

I have romaine lettuce, bell peppers, and tomatoes growing. I swear it saves so much money on produce for the ducks.

 

[Carcajou]

Make sure you keep your garden fenced out (2' high poultry netting will work) or they will help themselves to it!

 

[Amiga]

I have romaine lettuce, bell peppers, and tomatoes growing. I swear it saves so much money on produce for the ducks.