"Newbie" with some questions

[leeroze]

Hello All!

So I just have some questions before getting my ducklings in a few weeks. I've done hours upon days of research trying to figure out what a good ratio is for drakes to ducks. I would like to get between 8-10 ducks but am unsure on top of that how many drakes I should get.

Also, how many nesting boxes should I make in my coop for them? I live in Upstate New York and because they will be ducklings I do have time to figure out how many boxes etc. to make.

& I was reading up on solar power nite guard predator control boxes, that seem pretty efficient... I just was wondering if anyone has had any success with them? I would rather ask before spending the money since they aren't the cheapest.

Thank you in advance

-Lee.

 

[Debs Flock]

Ideally, you'd have at least 4 females per male. Ducks don't really need/use nesting boxes. Sorry, I don't know anything about the predator control boxes.

Here's a good place to go for more general info in case you're interested: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/256233/ducks-sticky-topics-index

Best of luck with your new additions and welcome to BYC!!

 

[DemonicFowl]

The question is do you want drakes (males) in your flock of hens (females). You don't need drakes unless you want a predator "decoy" or babies.

If you want drakes then 1 drake to your whole flock is fine. When you have more than 1 drake then the ratio applies or if you're a breeder. Its to keep the hens safe from over breeding and drake aggression and other things. If you want more then 1 drake then 1 drake to 4 or more hens.

My ducks don't really use nest boxes but it is nice to have some privacy. 1 box per hen or 2 box per hen I think would do nicely. Be warned hens during laying season can be aggressive toward others!

All hens
1 drake to 9 hens
2 drakes to 8 hens and welcome to BYC!

 

[leeroze]

The question is do you want drakes (males) in your flock of hens (females). You don't need drakes unless you want a predator "decoy" or babies.

If you want drakes then 1 drake to your whole flock is fine. When you have more than 1 drake then the ratio applies or if you're a breeder. Its to keep the hens safe from over breeding and drake aggression and other things. If you want more then 1 drake then 1 drake to 4 or more hens.

My ducks don't really use nest boxes but it is nice to have some privacy. 1 box per hen or 2 box per hen I think would do nicely. Be warned hens during laying season can be aggressive toward others!

All hens
1 drake to 9 hens
2 drakes to 8 hens and welcome to BYC!

Thank you for all of the great information & the welcome!

 

[leeroze]

Ideally, you'd have at least 4 females per male. Ducks don't really need/use nesting boxes. Sorry, I don't know anything about the predator control boxes.

Here's a good place to go for more general info in case you're interested: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/256233/ducks-sticky-topics-index

Best of luck with your new additions and welcome to BYC!!

Thank you so much