Keeping ducks

[cluckycrocheter]

I'm new to the duck thing. A friend of mine moved away and I inherited all of her ducks and chickens. I am wondering how to keep their water from freezing this winter (pools specifically)...I also feed them the exact same things as the chickens...is it ok for them to eat off the ground? Every night I through a few handfuls in to their pools. I was thinking about getting them some fishes to eat too. ANY advice would be great. I have 3 boys and 3 girls

 

[Amiga]

How much are you feeding them? What breed? It is best not to put the feed on the ground.

You may need to just have some smaller water containers - there are heated water buckets at feed stores. and only fill the swim pans on warmer days.

 

[cluckycrocheter]

I put the feed on the ground in the mornings and at night their feed goes on the ground and in their three pools. As far as water, they have three pools, and 5 smaller water bowls. Thanks for the advice.

 

[shortgrass]

Wow, ducks too? Lucky you!

Yes, they sure can share the chicken feed I would find a pan to feed them in though, it keeps the feed dry and easier to tell if they're actually eating it.. Mine get fed in a round feeder, like a giant dog bowl. Fresh water to drink with food, so they're not forced to drink theircpoo water... And they HAVE to have water to eat with, they like to "soak" their food and its pretty funny to watch them run back and forth from the feed pan to the water every other bite

If you've got layers, they should have a nest area where they feel safe... Do you have them protected from predators and elements? They don't need a coop, but a "duck house" works great, we made ours out of pallets

Yes, they love fish! We just went to the river yesterday and caught a bucket FULL of minnows for their pool, fun times chasing fish!

Way easier than chooks, IMO.

 

[cluckycrocheter]

Wow, ducks too? Lucky you!

Yes, they sure can share the chicken feed

I would find a pan to feed them in though, it keeps the feed dry and easier to tell if they're actually eating it.. Mine get fed in a round feeder, like a giant dog bowl. Fresh water to drink with food, so they're not forced to drink theircpoo water... And they HAVE to have water to eat with, they like to "soak" their food and its pretty funny to watch them run back and forth from the feed pan to the water every other bite

If you've got layers, they should have a nest area where they feel safe... Do you have them protected from predators and elements? They don't need a coop, but a "duck house" works great, we made ours out of pallets

Yes, they love fish! We just went to the river yesterday and caught a bucket FULL of minnows for their pool, fun times chasing fish!

Way easier than chooks, IMO.

I actually just inherited a bunch of chickens and the ducks. I had a SMALL flock about 6 months ago and they all got taken out in one night. After two weeks of mourning and sulking I got me 5 bitties, and then my best friend decided to move to Cali and I inherited all her chickens & ducks. (Ironically now she is back. LOL) I am working on getting them a pan. They do have shelter, they are definitely protected from predators. After my first flock was taken completely out, $1000 later I was ready to get more. I got layers, they lay in the hen/duck house. But I only get one egg every so often. I thought with 3 girls I would be getting more. I also have 1 male duck that chases my hens. I'm kind of wondering if a duck and a chicken can mate, because I have one bittie that is solid white like my Aflac, and it's feathers look like duck feathers but all the others features are definitely chicken! LOL I'm going to get a minnow catcher so they can start having fishies! They have tons of water bowls too, and their pools and bowls get changed 2-3 times a day.

 

[TexasDuckLover]

If you don't mind me asking what breeds did you get( if you know )? Sometimes different breeds have different needs.

 

[cluckycrocheter]

If you don't mind me asking what breeds did you get( if you know )? Sometimes different breeds have different needs.

Aflac is Pekin, I have a mallard & I think harlequin

 

[lomine]

@cluckycrocheter don't let your drake mate with your chickens. He could seriously injure or even kill them.

 

[shortgrass]

Aflac is Pekin, I have a mallard & I think harlequin

If you have a Mallard, his wings will need to be trimmed to keep him from flying away... Is the Mallard significantly smaller? If its not, and is the same size as the Pekin and Harlequin, then its most likely a Rouen

I have Mallards and Runners

 

[cluckycrocheter]

If you have a Mallard, his wings will need to be trimmed to keep him from flying away... Is the Mallard significantly smaller? If its not, and is the same size as the Pekin and Harlequin, then its most likely a Rouen

I have Mallards and Runners

My mallard is smaller than my peckin amd about the same size as my harlequin