Hudson Valley NY *chat thread*

[carousel86]

My duckling are 12 weeks now and I would like to free range them but I'm not sure how to start doing it? Can somebody tell me the best way to start and how do you get them in at night? Right now I have them in a coop in my garage. In the morning I let them out, I shake a plastic container with some food in it and tell them it's time to go swimming. It takes me a little bit to get them in their pen that we built them, it has a pool in it. I would like to let them swim in my pond but I not sure if I'll get them out of it at night and get them to go back in to their coop. Please help

 

[LSzajko]

My duckling are 12 weeks now and I would like to free range them but I'm not sure how to start doing it? Can somebody tell me the best way to start and how do you get them in at night? Right now I have them in a coop in my garage. In the morning I let them out, I shake a plastic container with some food in it and tell them it's time to go swimming. It takes me a little bit to get them in their pen that we built them, it has a pool in it. I would like to let them swim in my pond but I not sure if I'll get them out of it at night and get them to go back in to their coop. Please help

Yikes...I know zip zero about ducks except for the fact that they're irresistible when they're ducklings. Do they not go in their coop at dusk like chickens??

 

[acire67]

My duckling are 12 weeks now and I would like to free range them but I'm not sure how to start doing it? Can somebody tell me the best way to start and how do you get them in at night? Right now I have them in a coop in my garage. In the morning I let them out, I shake a plastic container with some food in it and tell them it's time to go swimming. It takes me a little bit to get them in their pen that we built them, it has a pool in it. I would like to let them swim in my pond but I not sure if I'll get them out of it at night and get them to go back in to their coop. Please help

Carousel, I started by telling my ducklings it was bedtime and guiding them in. It took time at first, but they have gotten used to it. Treats will be helpful when you guide them in. They now go in automatically at night. Good luck, they'll figure it out sooner than you think.

 

[acire67]

Hi. I live in Hyde Park and am just starting out. My nephew and I got five 21 week old Red Sex Links on Sunday, and we got 4 eggs today. This is so much fun!

Welcome Laura760. I live in Salt Point, so we're practically neighbors. My kids go to school in Hyde Park. Enjoy the chickens, eggs, and the addiction!

 

[laura760]

Welcome Laura760. I live in Salt Point, so we're practically neighbors. My kids go to school in Hyde Park. Enjoy the chickens, eggs, and the addiction!

Thank you! It's only been a week, but yesterday we went to Tractor Supply for their parking lot animal swap. Tempting as it was, we didn't buy any more feathered friends. Our coop can only hold the 5 we have, but we're trying to figure out how to expand already.

 

[carousel86]

Acire67 Thank you! Very helpful!

 

[carousel86]

Lisa, chicken are a lot easier then ducks! Ducks don't go in their coop on their own like chickens. I'm going to wait until softball and baseball is done and then try let them out all day.

 

[chickenmama55]

Hi everybody, are all the chicken babies doing? Haven't posted in a while. Does anyone know of anyone with muscle hens for sale? Someone is giving two males to me, but I need females.

 

[cutipatooti]

Anyone looking for rare breeds? My boys and I are looking to breed and show chickens so we got a lot of rare breed chicks and have tons extra. most are from Greenfire Farms directly. I have Bielefelders, Isbars, sweedish flowers, bresse, cream legbars and a few others. PM me with questions. Thanks

 

[LSzajko]

Hellooo Everybody~

I feel like I haven't been here in like FORever. I've been very busy doing a lot of nothing much. I saw Dave Matthews Band in Hartford on the 11th...my 7th or 8th time..I lost track. I'm a little old to be a groupie but I just can't help myself. I went blueberry picking last weekend; made jam Monday afternoon and I'm working on a bag of Goldfish crackers at the moment. I know, I know...I should calm down, right?

My 2 Buff Orps are broody again. Mr. Blue was rehomed over a month ago so they're not going to hatch any chicks but they insist. Stella, my barred rock, is also broody and wasting her time and energy as well. The lavender nuggets are pretty and getting really big. The coops need a thorough cleaning...looking for the motivation to do that this weekend if it ever gets here.

I hope everyone's ducks, chicks and chickens are all happy and healthy

Ciao for now ~

L