3 years ago, we moved from California to Michigan. The home we purchased came with 7 ducks. The previous owners had built a cute home for them but they wanted nothing to do with it. In the 3 years we've been here, the flock had dwindled to one, from predators to natural death. I asked for ducklings for my birthday and received 6 adorable little Khaki Campbells: 1 drake & 5 hens. We'd seen what too many drakes could do to few hens. Our babies are now 11 weeks old and since then lost the last hen from the previous group. I believe she died from loneliness. 
Before receiving the ducklings, we had decided to do things differently. My husband built a brooder in our garage, which it didn't take long for them to out grow it, though it was 8 feet long. A couple weeks ago, we moved them to a coop with a pen. We've also attached an additional outside enclosed area, which isn't as secure. We've done this so that they can have a pool to play in. We have a decent sized pond that I'm reluctant to give them free access to being a big ole snapping turtle is one of the predators that was the demise of at least one of our previous flock. The turtle was caught, but bit the line and maybe got away. As it was making its getaway, my husband was attempting to assist the turtle to reach his demise but we aren't sure that happened. The ducks seem to be very content with the area that they currently have. They have minimal flying abilities and have "flown the coop", only to beg to be let back in. We're enjoying our new flock very much. The first group wanted nothing to do with us and though somewhat entertaining, were pretty much just fun pond ornaments. I really want this group to be friendly, though they are very skittish. Not really sure how to change this. Some would eat mealworms from our hands. We've read lots of material about raising ducks so we're somewhat educated about them. I'm concerned about their 1st winter. The previous ducks survived them without protection with no problem. These guys have the coop so they'll be sheltered. We are doing the layered method thus far for them at night. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. This flock is more dependent on us, as we've wanted them to be. They make us smile and having us quacking like crazy. Thank you for reading our journey, so far. This city girl has gone country & is regretting that she didn't do it years ago. 
Before receiving the ducklings, we had decided to do things differently. My husband built a brooder in our garage, which it didn't take long for them to out grow it, though it was 8 feet long. A couple weeks ago, we moved them to a coop with a pen. We've also attached an additional outside enclosed area, which isn't as secure. We've done this so that they can have a pool to play in. We have a decent sized pond that I'm reluctant to give them free access to being a big ole snapping turtle is one of the predators that was the demise of at least one of our previous flock. The turtle was caught, but bit the line and maybe got away. As it was making its getaway, my husband was attempting to assist the turtle to reach his demise but we aren't sure that happened. The ducks seem to be very content with the area that they currently have. They have minimal flying abilities and have "flown the coop", only to beg to be let back in. We're enjoying our new flock very much. The first group wanted nothing to do with us and though somewhat entertaining, were pretty much just fun pond ornaments. I really want this group to be friendly, though they are very skittish. Not really sure how to change this. Some would eat mealworms from our hands. We've read lots of material about raising ducks so we're somewhat educated about them. I'm concerned about their 1st winter. The previous ducks survived them without protection with no problem. These guys have the coop so they'll be sheltered. We are doing the layered method thus far for them at night. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. This flock is more dependent on us, as we've wanted them to be. They make us smile and having us quacking like crazy. Thank you for reading our journey, so far. This city girl has gone country & is regretting that she didn't do it years ago. 
