New Guy Needing Suggestions...

[means5104]

I know this is posted in the duck forum, but I was wondering if anyone might have a suggestion for me. I am wanting to get some birds for the backyard, and was wondering what your thoughts were. I want something that can free range more than be penned up. I have 5 acres, with approximately 1.5 fenced with chain link fence and a small pond. It is wooded in the back portion and fields on the sides. My father in law owns the majority of the surrounding land a total of 45 acres so I know he will not get upset with any birds running around. I was looking into ducks, guinea, or turkey. I only wanted 6-8 birds. I was thinking maybe 3 or 4 guinea, 3 or 4 ducks, and/or 2 turkey. I just want something mainly to keep insects out of my small garden, and off the property as much as possible, for a few eggs every now and then, and for entertainment/pets. What breeds would everyone suggest, and would there be a problem with these types getting along? How big of a coop would I need for this many birds? I am a complete newbie, other than gathering a few eggs from my grandfathers chicken house when I was 5. Thank you for your time.

Derrick

 

[jdywntr]

Hi and

I would do a little more research on the species, as each that you are considering are very different.

Guineas are supposed to be very good at insect control and pretty independent but you may or may not find their nests.

Ducks would depend on the breed for what you are wanting. Some are very self sufficient, some aren't. Muscovy and mallards are two that are very independent but they are both seasonal layers so it depends on how many eggs you want.

For turkeys, I'd check with locals and/or your extension office to see if black head is common in your area. It can be lethal for turkeys and stays in the soil/worms around here. I can't get turkeys because there has been blackhead on the property we rent.

So, look at how many eggs you want a week, how much you want to have to provide for the birds regarding feed housing and go from there.

 

[means5104]

If I got 1/2 a dozen eggs a week I would be happy.There are plenty of wild turkey around the property and have watched them grow on game cameras, so I'm not sure about blackhead. The guinea would be the main bird used for insect control. The duck species I am not sure on what kind I would like to have. I have looked into Runners, but I am not sure on the semi antisocial personalities. I have small kids that will probably try to catch them at some point. I have looked into Rouen, Muscovy, and Welsh Harlequins too. Any suggestions? The turkey are probably not something I am gonna do just yet, maybe a couple years. I would prefer breeds that are easier to keep.

 

[bigtrout]

Let me chime in on my experience living near the woods with every predator known to man...hawks, eagles, owls, coyotes, fishers, mink and weasels and racoons. I free range mine and live on the edge of the forest. Make a proper duckhouse and lock them up at night! Give each duck 3-5 square feet. You dont need anything fancy but it has to be predator proof as in hardware cloth over any openings! My ducks know each day when its time to be locked in the house and are there waiting for their evening feeding bedtime routine.

As far as breeds go...I have welsh, khakis, pekins, runners and swedes and rouens. You want foragers which in my experience would be khakis, welsh and runners. All are excellent egg layers. Runners are not anti social but can be nervous. Welsh are very social. Khakis somewhat in between. What type predators do u have? I live along the Allegheny River and have eagles overhead. I always worry about the welsh because they are not camouflaged as well as the khakis. I love my welshies but for your situation I think khaki campbells would be a good fit. Eggs galore, excellent foragers, nervous enough to be alert to predators but not as skittish as runners if the kids wanna see them...my khakis are funny with my 1.5 year old grandson who helps me feed them. If he has the red feed scoop they follow him hoping he may drop some out...he can just about touch them if he wants. They keep the area near the house carpenter ant free so they earn their keep that way. The eggs and antics are a bonus. If you want something a bit friendlier pekins may be another option. My pekins are big...lay better than the books say and are very friendly. They run with my khakis and welsh and I think their size keeps some predators away. Maybe try a mixed flock a few pekins and a few khakis. My pekins are the duck flock leaders and chase away anything small that they dont like including my dacshund who gets chased when shes too close.

 

[means5104]

As far as predators go, we have a small number of coyote that I try to keep run away hunting them any chance I get and I have seen very few raccoons. Maybe 3 in 5 years of living here. I know they are here but rarely see them. I do see hawks almost daily but most of the time they are being chased by crows. I have also seen a single grey fox in a swampy area in the back part of my father in laws property. Very few pictures of predators on the game cameras. A neighbor down the road has chicken and says he has not had but one coyote try to get into them. So I feel I would have no problems with predators, my oldest daughters cat probably worries me more than any of the wildlife .