New here...lots of questions!

[ohscovies]

We recently acquired three muscovy ducklings, now 8 weeks old. I am so in love with them! Sigh.

Anyway, looking for some advice in a couple areas:

1) We are attempting a deep litter method inside the coop, but I'm wondering what type of bedding works best for this. What have you found to be the easiest/most successful?

2) Is there any way to keep the feed area not disgusting? They just constantly spill food and water, poop in the food container, etc. It's outside the coop, in the run.

3) On that topic, is there any way to not feed the chipmunks???

I'm sure I'll have more questions, but this is a good start! TIA for your advice!

 

[GitaBooks]

Welcome to BYC! So glad you could join us!

I don't use the deep litter method, but I've heard that old leaves, hay/straw and wood chips all work for this method, as long as they are turned to keep it aired.

I'm not sure how to keep the feeders clean (mine don't stay clean, and I don't keep ducks, just chickens). You can try setting them on top of a wire "box" with steps leading to it or hanging the feed so they can reach it but not use the bathroom in it.

I've never had problems with chipmunks, sorry I'm not sure what to do.

Feel free to ask any questions you have. And best of luck!

 

[JoyAnna]

For deep litter inside the coop I use straw. The coop sits on only gravel, so I just add more straw with just a bit of turning. I only fork/rake it out once or twice a year and use it around my fruit trees and in building new gardens. It didn't work so well when I was still putting feed and water inside the coop. Now with feed/water out in the run, it takes a lot longer to need attention.

Out in the run, I have started dumping all the yard waste, all those pulled weeds, leaves, etc. right on the ground. Our soil is very rocky/sandy and drains quickly so this works well. The ducks love it when we dump a lot of green cuttings in there and even tend to nibble as well as lounge in it. And again, this will turn into some wonderful compost.

I don't know of any way to keep feed and water clean with ducks.

 

[CalBells]

I use shavings for deep litter in the coop. For food and water, I use a large high sided stoneware bowl for their food. With the high sides they spill a lot less, and don't climb in it to poop in the food. The water is a mess of course! But it helps to keep the food and water apart, mine are about 4 feet apart and that gives them extra exercise and keeps the food area a lot less messy. The food is on bare dry dirt so I can see and clean up any spills before they get moldy. My water is on AstroTurf above gravel, drains well and can be sprayed drown to clean. If your area is really bad try re-thinking your set up, different bowls, different flooring etc.

 

[quackingdom]

Is the food available all day and all night long?

To keep chipmunks away, you could move the feeder inside the coop. You could also establish two daily feeding sessions. Every morning, you bring food, leave it for ½ hour or so, then take it away before the chipmunks can come. Then in the evening you do the same. This way, the chipmunks don't have a chance to steal food, and it may reduce the mess some.

They will always spill at least some food during these sessions. However, if the feed is gone during most of the day, they may decide to eat some of the food off the ground, thus cleaning up part of it. It shouldn't hurt them to eat a little bit off the ground. Ducks are always somewhat messy no matter what you do, though.

--Hannah

 

[caesargirl]

Chipmunks, squirrels... With "regular " birds we put red chili pepper powder in with the birdseed. It doesn't effect those birds. I have ZERO knowledge of this is ok with other birds. But that and blood meal keep them out.

 

[ohscovies]

Thanks for the advice! I've got straw in the coop for now, so we'll see how that works out. And I like the idea about only offering the food twice a day. They do feast on grass and bugs all day, so I know they won't starve! I'm thinking I'll try putting one of those rubber shoe mats under the food to make it easier to clean up. Any thoughts on that?