Sara Ranch
Songster
- Jun 7, 2017
- 916
- 971
- 183
@Bridger Davis
Have you done the research and put together a report on what it would cost and what needs to be done to take care of ducks?
I shared earlier that I gave that task to my kids when they wanted a dog. Do the research and put the information into a report for me.
When they FINALLY did the work, they were surprised by what it cost to have a dog. (We broke it down to a monthly average, which made the costs a lot more affordable.) They learned which breeds were noisy, like beagels (sp?) - their first choice of dog. We all learned a lot during the process. When we did get the dog (I kept my end of the deal), we really enjoyed the experience and having the dog.
When I started Happy Ranch, I made myself do the same thing. Do the research for each type of animal I wanted to have here, find local sources, etc. I even volunteered and did chores at other peoples places. Like cleaning out a chicken coop several times. I learned how they did things, why they did things the way they do, and what not to do.
One of the biggest things I learned in my research journey is that the people I talked to had no clue what it really cost to set up for the animals and what the costs were to maintain them. That made it really, really tough for me to budget. Even the associates at Tractor Supply Company were very incorrect (had no clue what they were talking about) when it came to how long a bag of feed should last for 6 baby chicks!
When I started Happy Ranch, I started small. Six chicks and two ducks. I absolutely LOVE my duckies. I have four now. I want more, but won't take that project on until next year. I already know what's involved with integrated new duckies to the flock. I don't have the time and the energy to do that right now as I prepare for winter. And who knows? Maybe my duckies will want to start their own family next spring? (hopeful look)
As a mom to many (my own and foster kids), I know that I would appreciate a written report about the ducks you want to get.
What breed?
How many?
Where would you get the feed?
How much (on average) does a bag of feed cost?
Who's paying for the feed?
Is there a vet within reasonable distance that treats ducks?
How often and how much are they feed?
How much is a duck visit?
What's your plan if a duck needs medical attn?
How much do vitamins cost for the ducks?
Do you have feed dishes? (Don't use mom's BEST dishes!)
How loud are the ducks? (Pekins are VERY loud while other breeds are much quieter.)
How big do the ducks get? (Pekins are LARGE ducks where Calls are tiny.)
How friendly are the ducks? (Some breeds are friendlier than others.)
How long do they live for?
What if they have babies????
How nutritious is a duck egg compared to a chicken egg?
You talked about modifying the chicken run for the ducks. Mention that in the report and outline what you plan to do.
Will you use sand or hay or pine shavings for the floor?
Where will you get it?
How often will you change it out?
Provide a timeline in your report.
For example, that you will modify the coop/run/backyard this fall. This winter, you will start buying supplies with your own money. This spring, you will start looking for duckies that need to be adopted (if you are going this route) or plan on getting babies from a feed store or hatchery - again with your own money.
Stuffs like this.
I don't know if you can turn this into a school project - I did with the kids - but the written report that your parents can read on their own might be the tool that earns you that "yes!"
Good luck!
Have you done the research and put together a report on what it would cost and what needs to be done to take care of ducks?
I shared earlier that I gave that task to my kids when they wanted a dog. Do the research and put the information into a report for me.
When they FINALLY did the work, they were surprised by what it cost to have a dog. (We broke it down to a monthly average, which made the costs a lot more affordable.) They learned which breeds were noisy, like beagels (sp?) - their first choice of dog. We all learned a lot during the process. When we did get the dog (I kept my end of the deal), we really enjoyed the experience and having the dog.
When I started Happy Ranch, I made myself do the same thing. Do the research for each type of animal I wanted to have here, find local sources, etc. I even volunteered and did chores at other peoples places. Like cleaning out a chicken coop several times. I learned how they did things, why they did things the way they do, and what not to do.
One of the biggest things I learned in my research journey is that the people I talked to had no clue what it really cost to set up for the animals and what the costs were to maintain them. That made it really, really tough for me to budget. Even the associates at Tractor Supply Company were very incorrect (had no clue what they were talking about) when it came to how long a bag of feed should last for 6 baby chicks!
When I started Happy Ranch, I started small. Six chicks and two ducks. I absolutely LOVE my duckies. I have four now. I want more, but won't take that project on until next year. I already know what's involved with integrated new duckies to the flock. I don't have the time and the energy to do that right now as I prepare for winter. And who knows? Maybe my duckies will want to start their own family next spring? (hopeful look)
As a mom to many (my own and foster kids), I know that I would appreciate a written report about the ducks you want to get.
What breed?
How many?
Where would you get the feed?
How much (on average) does a bag of feed cost?
Who's paying for the feed?
Is there a vet within reasonable distance that treats ducks?
How often and how much are they feed?
How much is a duck visit?
What's your plan if a duck needs medical attn?
How much do vitamins cost for the ducks?
Do you have feed dishes? (Don't use mom's BEST dishes!)
How loud are the ducks? (Pekins are VERY loud while other breeds are much quieter.)
How big do the ducks get? (Pekins are LARGE ducks where Calls are tiny.)
How friendly are the ducks? (Some breeds are friendlier than others.)
How long do they live for?
What if they have babies????
How nutritious is a duck egg compared to a chicken egg?
You talked about modifying the chicken run for the ducks. Mention that in the report and outline what you plan to do.
Will you use sand or hay or pine shavings for the floor?
Where will you get it?
How often will you change it out?
Provide a timeline in your report.
For example, that you will modify the coop/run/backyard this fall. This winter, you will start buying supplies with your own money. This spring, you will start looking for duckies that need to be adopted (if you are going this route) or plan on getting babies from a feed store or hatchery - again with your own money.
Stuffs like this.
I don't know if you can turn this into a school project - I did with the kids - but the written report that your parents can read on their own might be the tool that earns you that "yes!"
Good luck!
......
........Only Ducks.....Either Mom agrees or you sneak them in?.....
oh ya, I have the coop and run from my previously owned chickens.
