I'm new here

[randallt1]

So now that you know a little about our ducks, I have a couple of questions.

Am I feeding them enough? 1-2 cups four times a day. They free range all day.
Why do some people use straw and others use pine chips? Is cedar really bad for adults?
Is it necessary to supply water during the eight hours they are locked up in their coop at night?

thanks,
randall

 

[gryeyes]

So now that you know a little about our ducks, I have a couple of questions.

Am I feeding them enough? 1-2 cups four times a day. They free range all day.
Why do some people use straw and others use pine chips? Is cedar really bad for adults? 
Is it necessary to supply water during the eight hours they are locked up in their coop at night?

thanks,
randall

I keep the feeders topped off daily and the ducks go in and out of the coop to eat at will, as do the rest of the poultry. Everybody ranges freely. I think you are feeding yours plenty, but you might consider keeping the feeder full for them. It's just how I do it, but I don't have just two ducks.

Most folks use what is most readily avaiable to them. With that said, I use shavings because they are more absorbent than is strew. Also, straw is hollow and can harbor mites, as well as go moldy when damp.

Adult ducks do not NEED water at night, just ducklings do. Where are you that nights are only 8 hours long at this time of the year???

 

[Miss Lydia]

I like shaving for the very reason gryeyes mentioned, it is so much more absorbent than straw or hay. And as long as your not offering food at night while they are locked up no need to offer water.
They sure are cute. love those faces.

 

[Going Quackers]

Ok that is hilarious! My ducks claws would shred that though, so wouldn't work with Muscovy.

 

[Going Quackers]

Adorable Pekin look like such a happy, comical breed.

 

[Going Quackers]

So now that you know a little about our ducks, I have a couple of questions.

Am I feeding them enough? 1-2 cups four times a day. They free range all day.
Why do some people use straw and others use pine chips? Is cedar really bad for adults?
Is it necessary to supply water during the eight hours they are locked up in their coop at night?

thanks,
randall

Well, i have 10 and no way could i monitor that each duck got it's fill so i have a wooden feeder outside that is full and then one attached to the wall of the barn which they have access too. Yes, mine usually free range, even if they don't they are fenced into a 1/3 of acre.

Bedding choices are somewhat personal, dependent upon your access and your methods of disposal. For us i use a combo of shavings and horse pellet bedding, we spread our manure piles here and some goes into the gardens, so straw is OUT, Hay is fed to the horses and much to costly to use as mere bedding.

As said only young ducks need water/food overnight mind you most of my birds do get access as the heated bucket is in the barn and i have a wall feeder there as well. The stalled birds do not however because during winter it's much to hard to run heated sources there.

 

[Amiga]

Agreed... overnight, adults can go without water. I make exceptions because I have a setup that works for that. And in the summer, I really like the ducks to be able to take a cool-down splash or drink at night. My runners are so small they can take a dip in a three gallon water bucket if they want to. And sometimes they do.

 

[duckins]

Your girls are precious and the video is darling.

 

[Shewholovesducks]

Welcome sounds like you have some lovely ducks!

 

[Carcajou]

Beautiful birds, thanks for sharing your photos!