Must do’s and have’s for ducks

[Cturber]

I plan to get a few duck for myself and a few at work this coming spring. Knowing what you know now, what would you have or do? What is needed or just prefers for set up? What was a mistake? Favorite breeds for production, getting along with other livestock, and being social with people?

 

[Duck mommy 2019]

where do u work? not really a work animal and cannot be left in a pond

 

[Weeg]

Breeds: Mallard- fun blue eggs! Swedish blue, Pekin, and Buffs are all good production breeds. Mallards are fantastic broods too!
Needed: 1ft deep water to dunk full head in, soft ground- hard ground will cause bumble foot, Dry area to lay eggs, preferably off the ground, first aid kit!
Preferred: POND!- Its not necessary, but happy ducks NEED a pond, imo, Grandpas feeder- look it up! Some people like duck booties for winter, but they can't swim in these, Purina flock raiser feed, momma pro water protector- on amazon, scratch and/or meal worms.
Set up: needs to be predator proof, but there is a WHOLE long thing on how to do that. @Duck mommy 2019 had a good question, what do you mean by, for your work?

 

[Cturber]

where do u work? not really a work animal and cannot be left in a pond

Sorry. To be clear. I work at a farm and dog breeding and training facility. We have dogs, cows, sheep, chickens.

 

[Weeg]

Sorry. To be clear. I work at a farm and dog breeding and training facility. We have dogs, cows, sheep, chickens.

That makes sense! Had to make sure you weren't planning on taking you duck to an office with you!

 

[cheezenkwackers]

• Get the maximum number of ducks you may want in the beginning rather than adding later.
• Pay extra to get sexed ducklings and get one drake for every five hens.
• Give them water. Ducks love water and mud. Mine do not know what a pond is but do have several pools.
• Be prepared, they are messy and a lot of work. I change 20-60 gallons of water a day (and thier water only stays clear for about 30 seconds). Also, I have to hire a duck sitter when I go out of town. She comes over twice a day to feed, change water and bedding, and lock in for the night.
• Know that they are funny and have their own personalities. The love their people and lay yummy eggs.
• I don’t think you can go wrong with any breed. Bigger birds are a little less vulnerable to hawks and usually can’t fly over the fence. I like my Khaki Campbell’s, Welsh Harlequin, and Swedish ducks.

 

[Cturber]

Thank you for advice. I am really excited to add ducks to our crew.

the Visual of a duck under my arm, walking into an office building, made me laugh a bit harder than it should have!