How Much Space do 6 Magpie Ducks Need?

[victoriamcguire]

I currently have 6 two-week-old magpie ducklings. I'm starting to get an area set up in my yard where they can be kept. How much space will each duck need in my yard? I think I might have an equal number of males and females, but it's still too early to know for sure. Also, how big will the coop need to be?
Thanks!

 

[Amiga]

From what I recall from Holderread (Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks), four to six square feet per duck is a target size for their shelter, and that needs to keep predators out (as well as cold in the winter).

For outdoor pen space, ten square feet per duck if they get out on pasture daily, or 25 square feet if not.

Your drake numbers are likely too high - once mating season starts, hormones take over and otherwise sweet little guys can become fiends who overdo it with the mating. Sometimes drakes gang up on a duck, and there have been deaths in some flocks. Don't want you upset, just aware.

Some solutions include getting more female ducks, and creating a separate pen for the drakes.

 

[victoriamcguire]

Okay, thanks so much for the info. Hopefully I'm incorrect with the number of males I have, like I said, I'm not 100% sure yet. As of right now I will start measuring the plot of land where I'm thinking of keeping them. I'm pretty sure it will be big enough

Thanks!