I'm new on here, so what's everyone's favorite things about raising ducks and/or chickens?

[Red-tailed Hawk]

I have been visiting this site for ages and decided that I'd finally just join.

I'm getting my first batch of ducklings since moving out in the begining of July and am really looking forward to having ducks in my yard. The pest and weed control they give is going to be great. I grew up with ducks, but until now haven't lived in a situation where I can have ducks. I've converted my husband to being an avid bird lover and now we are starting our backyard flock (we've had two cockatiels and parakeets for 6 or 7 years.) I'm really excited to be able to share my love of birds with my little boys. I love watching ducks foraging and playing in the water. So, what's everyone else's favorite things about their birdie family members and has anyone been crazy enough to take them on trips with them? If so, how'd you accomplish it? Also, has anyone else had as hard of a time finding food specifically for ducks? Another thing I've been wondering about is what everyone else's duck house/chicken coops look like? I know there are definate differences between the two, but I'm brain storming to see what sort of cool and unique duck house my husband and I are going to design and build together. Pictures of other peoples creative duck and chicken areas would help spark the creative juices. Thanks!

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Red-tailed hawk, and

! Great to have you aboard! Here's the link for pics and stories about the birds we love. Good luck to you!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/39/pictures-stories-of-my-chickens

 

[Amiga]

Hi, Red-Tailed Hawk!

A friend said it well when he visited us. "I don't see how a person could feel sad or depressed around ducks."

My ducks are energetic, engaged, wonderful little buddies. I know not everyone has ducks for buddies, but these were bought to be garden helpers and they are the sweetest garden helpers imagineable.

They are good company, they eat slugs and squash bugs, they eat weeds, they make the best fertilizer I have ever used. They lay eggs, they talk to me, they are always glad to see me, sometimes they play jokes on me. They like people. They like peas and lettuce. They let me sleep in most of the time (that is relative, by the way. They do not always wake me at dawn's first light, is what I mean).

There's a Duck Forum here at BYC, and that's been good. Also the Emergencies Forum and the Predators and Pests Forum have been helpful for me from time to time (I am happy that I don't have to use those much).