I'm new! Have some questions!

[m496]

So I could keep up to 7 ducks in there! Hmmm haha well I am beginning the long road of deciding how to build my setup!

 

[aineheartsyou]

SORRY! I keep thinking about inside living space because mine free range. Each duck should have 10sqft for foraging.

 

[m496]

Hthat sounds more reasonable lol! This is something I may copy for the outdoor enclosure. Please tell me what you think: http://mrflapper.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/three.jpg

thank you all for all your help!!!!

 

[m496]

Alright, heres another possible plan for the coop setup . So, I have an old rabbit hutch that is 4' by 2'. I know that this is way to small but just hear me out. I also have an old dog igloo that I would connect to the rabbit hutch. The rabbit hutch is hardware cloth so I am pretty sure that will keep them "critters" out! The igloo is about 2.5' by 2.5' inside so the total square feet for both the rabbit hutch and the igloo is 14.25 which (speeking in shelter terms not run) would house up to the max 5 birds. I would like to use the rabbit hutch (its on the ground not elevated) and tear off the hardware cloth on the bottom so that it doesnt hurt their feet. Then, I would find the location I want it to be, and "stake" it to the ground so raccoons, etc. can't use their noses, etc. to lift it up.

Their run would be about an acre field of green grass and goats (just four goats ehehe). I like the idea of the rabbit hutch and igloo together because I can lock them up in a safe place at night, but they would also have access to the outdoors and some grass. I hope this sounds ok! It may sound a bit confusing lol.

 

[showjumper_girl2002]

i won't be much help with your questions but

this place is awesome and has helped me soo much because i'm new to ducks too. good luck and enjoy your duckies

 

[hensonly]

In regard to your question about diet... if I recall correctly, ducks need more niacin than chickens do, that is why chicken feed is not good for ducks. I'm not sure whether this is for ducklings, or adult birds as well, maybe your local extension office could help.

 

[QuackerJackFarms]

Quote:
That is sort of similar to my setup and it works goods, but I HAVE to let them out first thing in the morning or they are Soooooo MAD! And your coop will be nothing but mud in about 2 days. FYI!

 

[m496]

I am actually going to be feeding nutrena country feeds instead of the layena.

For the coop, I was thinking of putting down some sort of rock or something that would absorb or help absorb the mud. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Quote:
Go with Nutrena Naturewise if it is available, it is the high end feed of their line. We feed it to our LF ducks, calls, and geese.

Don't take the hardware cloth off the hutch, it will protect against diggers getting in.