Is there a Duck 101 thread?

[sommrluv]

I'd like information on housing, best diet, etc.

I'd like to raise some ducks for meat and eggs. Do I need a male for them to lay? How much shelter do they need? Access to swimming water? Do you clip their wings?

I have 3 dogs they will share a yard with. Keep them seperate at all times, or will the ducks defend themselves better/go into their "house" to hide?

Anything else I haven't asked, would be appreciated.

 

[goosedragon]

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Like I said look for questions and answers

 

[rainplace]

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You may want to pick up the book, "Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks" by Dave Holderread. It is packed full of info.

 

[sommrluv]

Thank you, Rainplace.

To the rude poster: I've used the inefficient search button, and went through ten pages of threads before I posted this. As this is a message board, I would assume no one is here because they have no time, and might appreciate sharing wisdom. I'm sorry the holidays have put you in such an unhelpful mood. There's always a new year coming to start over!

 

[priss]

They are sooper helpful on this forum. Draw up some specific questions and I'd ask away and they always give good answers. They haven't gotten sick of me asking daft questions every two seconds. I think it's cos they love ducks so much, they want every duck to be happy. I won't be much help to you because I'm new to ducks however I am very good at commenting on cute pictures of ducks. Yup comments on cute pictures of ducks and funny stories and I'm your gal!
xxxx

 

[Le Canard de Barbarie]

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I love meat ducks. So, how many are you talking about raising? What are your plans?

 

[rainplace]

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I didn't see anything rude with goosedragon's post. Almost all your questions were answered.

Which search feature are you using? The one up and to the left, or the google one to the right?

 

[nettie]

I'm in the process of starting a FAQ so if you have specific questions, you can post as many as you'd like here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=275010

If you need answers sooner rather than later (time sensitive or anything like that) let me know and i'll try to get to those questions first.

 

[sommrluv]

Thank you, no I'm not time sensitive. I was thinking about getting baby ducks with my baby chicks in February/early March, so I can brood them inside for a bit before turning them out in April. I'm just planning ahead. But I have nothing written in stone. It's my want to have more control over the meat on our plate, as there are plenty of places local to buy chicken, rabbit, but no ducks.

I have a large chicken coop and enormous run, but it is currently occupied by 7 chickens. I have room for about 20 more large breeds, but I doubt I'm going that high. I'm just assuming ducks and chickens shouldn't use the same run? but I'm here to check. The coop is also currently divided into two parts because it is so large, so I could easily work the other one into a home for ducks. One of my neighbors houses hers in an old stone springhouse, and another one just uses a plastic dog crate, so I'm curious which extreme is too extreme.

I can get them a doghouse, or we have an outhouse I can turn into small housing, or a portable dog pen. I'm only thinking four or so ducks to start. I'd like to let them range all the time. I have one dog who ignores animals, and two terriers, but of course, being terriers, they have a high prey drive. I'm just curious if Ducks, like a rooster, will defend themselves (I wouldn't intend on them being together alone) or if a place they can "go" that the dogs cannot is better.

Would they be happier with a little pool, etc?

My husband had ducks, geese, and chickens as a young boy, but he isn't totally helpful on the hows.

 

[rainplace]

I didn't realize chickens could defend themselves from dogs either... goes to show what I know.

You'll get different answers from people about whether to keep chickens and ducks together.