I know nothing about ducks

[TwentyOneChickens]

So, I was thinking about getting ducks to keep near the garden because I've heard they eat the bugs, and not your precious crops. We would have the ducks down the hill at the garden and the chickens up the hill at the coop and yard. (The chickens free range.)

The problem is, I know almost nothing about ducks. I think that might be a problem.

What are the basics/what should I know? I know there's too much to cover just in 1 post, so here are a few main things I need answered:

• What do they eat?
• They are at the bottom of the hill near a creek, will they drink out of the creek?
• Do they get along with chickens?
• Where do I get them from?
• How many should I get?

 

[PirateGirl]

Here is a good place to start learning about ducks:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/ducks-sticky-topics-index.256233/#post-3029166

And here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/ducks.30/

Here are a few thoughts on your questions:

• What do they eat? Duck food/pellets, plants and grasses, worms, bugs, fish, slugs, etc.
• They are at the bottom of the hill near a creek, will they drink out of the creek? they will drink out of any water they can find
• Do they get along with chickens? sometimes, I would say mine tolerate each other at best, think annoying siblings
• Where do I get them from? a breeder, a feed store, craigslist farm and garden section, a hatchery, check out Metzer farms website
• How many should I get? at least 2 (they are social and will bond to each other) 3 or more is better, that way if something happens to one you aren't left with a lone duck

 

[DuckyDonna]

Oh, but they will eat your precious crops! I learned that the hard way. Once the crops are established it will be ok but when the crops are young forgettaboutit! They will be gone in a second.

They will get along with the chickens but the boy ducks will want to mate with the girl chickens and that could kill them. Other than that it will be fine.

They will drink out of the creek and probably love it but be sure to protect them from predators. Snapping turtles can rip their legs off and kill them.

You have to have a place for them at night that is predator proof surrounded by hardware cloth.

You've got to have at least 2 but 3 is better.

Ducks are very sexual so if you have all girls that is fine but don't have more than 1 boy or they could do some damage to your girls in mating.

We have members who are in Maryland and may have eggs if you want to hatch yourself, otherwise, you could use Metzers which will ship babies to you as well as other companies. I'm sure others will let you know more information about that.