Just got Ducks, need some tips.

[lilyphoenix]

I just got 4 Pekin Ducks from a family who wasn't able to keep them any more. They pretty much pets, although they did collect the eggs (I haven't seen any eggs yet). They gave me the dog kennel and hut that served as housing for them, and it doesn't seem quite right, but seems to be working for now. I put in a kiddie pool full of water so they can swim whenever they like, and we let them out to go in our pond as long as we will be around in the evening to put them back in (the first surprise was that they don't go in like chickens).

So, three things I'd like ideas on:

1) What are some good duck housing options?
2) How to make sure that they always have enough water, they seem to make a muddy mess of it?
3) When will they lay eggs? I've had them for 2 weeks now!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I just got 4 Pekin Ducks from a family who wasn't able to keep them any more. They pretty much pets, although they did collect the eggs (I haven't seen any eggs yet). They gave me the dog kennel and hut that served as housing for them, and it doesn't seem quite right, but seems to be working for now. I put in a kiddie pool full of water so they can swim whenever they like, and we let them out to go in our pond as long as we will be around in the evening to put them back in (the first surprise was that they don't go in like chickens).

So, three things I'd like ideas on:

1) What are some good duck housing options?
2) How to make sure that they always have enough water, they seem to make a muddy mess of it?
3) When will they lay eggs? I've had them for 2 weeks now!

What a nice thing to do taking in ducks someone wasn't able to keep anymore.. Congrats!! Here is a link to one thread on duck housing may give you some ideas. and yes always put them up at night for their protection. as far as enough water, i use buckets from my flock of 14 ducks 2 geese and 18 chickens. most are 1 gal but I place many out and around so I don't usually have to clean and fill once a day. plus they have pools too. Laying will come as they feel more and more at home.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/178796/what-does-your-duck-house-look-like
more links https://www.backyardchickens.com/newsearch?search=Duck+house+and+run

 

[lilyphoenix]

I looked around a bit...Anyone know if it's possible to fence part of the pond in as part of their run? I'd like them to be safe AND get to go in the pond. I'll post some pictures later.

 

[Amiga]

I have seen ponds with fencing going out into the pond a bit - just want it to go all the way to the bottom so they won't swim under it. Hmmmm. Do you think it would be a safety issue, they could get caught trying to dive under the fence and drown? Oh, my.