Need some duckling advice :-D

[Watermelon_Gypsy]

Hi you guys!

We will be brining home our first chicks today & as we've done our research & looked at different places that sell them, my oldest son (he is 12 & a huge animal lover) & husband have their hearts set on a duck, my problem is I don't know a whole lot about ducks or raising ducklings so I'm not about to get one until I understand how to properly care for them (hubs & son are doing their research as well) - thus why I'm here

I know from reading & google searches that while it's possible raise ducklings & chicks together, it can be a hassel b/c ducks are messier & the chicks shouldn't get wet. So I have some questions.

1) Is there any "raising ducks & ducklings 101" links that I'm not seeing? I looked to see if they had a dummies book out for ducks, but I'm not seeing one. In my google searches I've found a few threads & book suggestions, so I've written them down & plan on seeing if I can get my hands on one or two.
2) Are ducks better raised together? So if you get one it's best to get at least two?
3) Can you free range a duck in your yard, or is it best to keep them in an outside duck coop (ha! sorry, that's probably not what you call it)

Sorry to be such a "noOb" with all my obnoxious questions

I'd love some advice though.

 

[dumb_cluck]

Just keep searching this forum.It will answer ALL of your questions without buying a book.

Also, congratulations on researching before getting ducks.

 

[maralynn28]

1) Check out Storey's Guide for raising ducks. Between that "instruction manual" and this website, all your questions can be answered in full. You can even find it at the library if you just want a quick peek.
2) Ducks are social and need a buddy. I would say get a couple, but then again, if you are raising them with chicks that might do the trick? I don't have experience here but I do understand they get along well enough together especially when raised together.
3) ABSOLUTELY!!!! I love my "free-range" foraging ducks. Not only do they help get rid of slugs/bugs and weeds but it also supplements their food, making happier-healthier ducks and saving on cost of food. **Predators can be a big issue especially for free range but even in coops** My advice would be to make sure you understand the predators in your area and take preventative measures. From my understanding (and experience

) most ducks are lost via predators than any other reason.

Good luck and congrats! Welcome to BYC

 

[Watermelon_Gypsy]

Thanks you guys! I really appreciate the advice, we have had fun learning about them & can see myself becoming as addicted to ducks as I am to chickens. I need more land lol