Illinois...

[LilDucky85]

What is a chickenstock?

 

[OSUman]

When a bouch of people on here get together and meet eachother i think i have never been to one so i dont know.

 

[LilDucky85]

This is will be my first fall and winter with poultry and I need to know everything there is about weatherproofing ducks! I've heard conflicting advice on this so I want to know everything I should know before winter hits. Who better to ask than my fellow Illinoisians! Please share every detail!

 

[OSUman]

this is my first year with poultry too and idk either my dad has had everything before so hes tellin me what to do lol.

 

[juliebee]

Quote:
Hello lilDucky,

I have had pet ducks for about 7 or 8 years. Do you have a pond?

I know that sounds like a silly question, but lots of people with ducks

dont have ponds.

j

 

[LilDucky85]

Yes my ducks have three options actually lol. They have the decorative patio pond that is their chosen pond, a few pools to swim in, or a large pond/small lake that they refuse to use! Here are photos on the bottom of this thread...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=251961

 

[juliebee]

LOL!! Okay. I have had trouble getting this last batch of ducks into the pond also! That is so funny. Who would think that duck would not like a big pond. ugh. We have had several batches of ducks over the years and this is the first time it has happened. One of the mommy ducks has hatched three clutches out this summer. Our neighbors kids wanted some. SOOOO we caught the mom(mallard), her new little troop and 1 pekin to take to their house. Since then the old ducks will not get out of the water. I think they finally know they are safe there. About the winter. The ducks keep a hole wollered out in the middle all winter long. At least one duck swimming always. The others will rest and someone will swim. I take feed out and throw it on the edge of the pond. This has always worked for me. OF Course we have lost a few to coyotes or whatever. But mostly they make it.
This year we installed an airator so the water will be moving all winter long and not freeze. I am sure the quacks are going to love it
Hope this helps
j

 

[OSUman]

Hi juliebee i have ducks too i have a mallard and 2 muscovies i dont have a pond though but they have little pools.

 

[juliebee]

Well it might be a good thing that you dont have a pond OSUman!
Silly birds! I think they would rather be chickens. hehe They are always trying to sneak into the hen house. Dandy Cogburn (buff rooster) will run them out everytime.

 

[OSUman]

Lol mine never go into the barn they would rather roost ontop of it.
lol