Introducing myself

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Callender Girl said:
Hurray to you for wanting to adopt the two boys!

My experience is limited to runner ducks, but here's a few things I've learned.

Ducks are easier to house than chickens (they enjoy getting wet during rainstorms and are less prone to frostbite because there are no combs or wattles) but far, far messier because they love to play in their water.

My ducks live in a wooden-framed rectangular "box" that is wrapped in hardware cloth to protect them from predators. One end opens from the top for easy access to food and water dishes, the other end opens on the side so they can get in and out. Half the structure has solid side walls to protect them from weather, the other half just has the hardware cloth so they can feel the sun and the breezes on them. I've had as many as 10 runners sheltering at night in the 3-foot-by10-foot "house."

During the day, when I am home, the ducks are free to wander around the fenced portion of the yard, mingling with chickens and geese. When I don't want to have to think about their safety All The Time, I herd them into a fenced-in enclosure adjacent to their house. Runners can't fly, so the fence is 3-foot woven wire. I can step over it, they have no idea how to get out of it.

Most feed stores carry at least one brand of duck-specific food that will provide enough niacin for their needs.

Cleaning duck muck is disgusting -- and highly necessary. They will get everything wet -- dropped food, their own droppings -- and it will stink to high heaven. Mine have both a kiddie pool and -- for deeper diving -- a small stock tank. Both should be rinsed out and refilled daily.

Ducks are amazing creatures, and I hope you decide to get the boys -- although it sounds like you already have your hands full with your current menagerie. The more, the merrier, right?

Welcome to BYC; there are members who know just about everything there is to know about ducks, so ask away whenever you have questions!
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Thank you so much!!!! I too have sunken stock tank pond that’s filtered and aerated… it’s not something I’d want to empty and replace daily though (after all, I live in the Tucson desert so I try to conserve as much water as possible). That being said, my yard is divided into 3 sections.
Section 1) yard for 2 dogs
Section 2) tortoise yard
Section 3) yard for 3rd dog, pond, & bird feeders
I have more space for a night enclosure in section 2, but there isn’t the pond… however, maybe getting a little kid pool might be better anyway in which case that area may be better.Section 3 though has the bigger pond and I WFH and can view that yard while at my desk.
We have bobcats that visit the yard frequently enough that I’m also trying to determine if my yard is the safest for the ducks to allow for free roaming during the day or not… 🤔.

Anyway, I very much appreciate the information you provided me!!!
Thank you so much!!!
 

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