I want ducks!

[happymorrows]

Anconas to be exact. Does anyone have any references on raising and caring for ducks that are particularly good, books, websites, etc?? Thanks!

 

[TheReadyBoys]

There are lots of threads on this site you should take a look at. Also, be aware, they are VERY messy!

 

[happymorrows]

What do you mean by messy? Poop? Mud? Are ducks particularly messy compared to other fowl? I haven't really met a farm animal yet that wasn't messy in one way or another.

 

[TheReadyBoys]

They spill water all over the coop, and their poop is always runny.

 

[Amiga]

This keeps the bedding much much drier. I spot pick poops and the bedding right around it. The only unpleasant smell is right after someone makes an eye-burner, which is not often. This watering station is used by ten ducks.

I clean and refill the pot once a day (this is for their overnight shelter). I scrape the poopy top off the sawdust once a day, and refill sawdust as needed. Takes maybe five minutes a day.

 

[happymorrows]

Is that cat litter in the bottom? Good idea!

 

[Amiga]

Is that cat litter in the bottom?  Good idea! 

Better than that - compressed sawdust pellets (c:

 

[TheReadyBoys]

Do the ducks eat the pellets?

 

[Amiga]

As adults they have not tried to eat the pellets. As ducklings they tried to eat shavings so I kept them on old towels for bedding.

 

[TheReadyBoys]

Ok, I may try that.