NEW DUCK OWNER!

[luckyduckys]

Hi there,

I just wanted to introduce myself as a new (soon to be) owner of two ducklings. I rescued a mallard in early December when I found it walking in a snow storm. I built her a coop/run and fed her and completely fell in love with her. One day when I let her out to swim in some water that had thawed she never came back She totally hated me I think LOL I don't know anyone personally that has ducks as pets so it's not something you hear of everyday and I never considered having one as a pet until I rescued 'Penny'. After months of research and studying, I have decided to get one Cayuga and one Pekin to have as pets and I am so excited My husband doesn't know it yet, but I ordered duckling/duck diapers and plan to have them in the house longer then their brooding period

Any advice on clever ways to keep their brooder dry, the best food to start them on or any other tips I would love to hear them!

Also, I was wondering... We have a pond across our street that I plan on bringing the ducks to for a swim. There are wild mallards that occupy the pond in the summer (new ducklings each spring). Will the wild ducks/ducklings be cool with my birds? How on earth do you get your ducks to come in from the pond? I plan on taking them on short kayaking rides with me, or is that too crazy?

Thanks,

Brittany

 

[nayeli]

I would worry that your ducks may make the pond their new home. Having them from ducklings they will get attached to you (usually).

As far as keeping their brooder dry I have heard of people who put their water dish inside a frisbee or similar other dish to prevent spillage.

To get your ducks to come I would suggest feeding them in their coop as they get older and move out, they will learn to come in at night for food not to mention will learn the coop is home.

Kayaking isn't completely crazy, just don't be surprised if your new ducks fly the coop or spend their days at the pond!