Not a fan yet

[Going Quackers]

I'm coming from the opposite situation.
I've been keeping ducks for a few years now. Just this spring I added a couple of chickens. Wow what a difference.
Chickens are so much cleaner and more friendly. No special coaxing or tricks needed to get them to come to us. A few weeks ago when I was working inside the coop one of the chickens flew up to my shoulder and just hung out while I drilled away. The ducks literally crap themselves to get away, haha.

That said - ducks are cuter and provide more entertainment. I can spend hours with them outside.
For practical reasons I'd keep chickens. But I suspect that I'll always keep three or four ducks in the mix.

As someone who did the same, i agree.. after i few months i kinda laughed... chickens are easy, well comparing to ducks, i know why people feel overwhelmed with ducks but if your truly into it, you do get over the shock of the differences and move forward.

 

[Going Quackers]

I've talked to several people on here who have had the same issue and I always say the same thing, food! Peas seem to be one of the favorites (my duck is no exception). I agree that when there's one or two ducks involved it's easier to tame them, or if they are young enough they will imprint and they can be very cuddle and sweet. I think that is due in part that there isn't other ducks to imprint to and in most cases the owner is keeping them as a pet, not as livestock.

For sure, my calls have become pocket pets but they were bought with this purpose my 'scovies are independent and a true flock of ducks with purpose, they are personable but with 14 they are definitely NOT in my pocket.

 

[DenverDucky]

For sure, my calls have become pocket pets but they were bought with this purpose my 'scovies are independent and a true flock of ducks with purpose, they are personable but with 14 they are definitely NOT in my pocket.

Pocket Ducks!

 

[suburbanredneck]

Thanks for all the replies. I raised the water as soon as I realized the ducklings couldn't help but step in the water and walk around the water bin. LOL. They are only 7 weeks old and almost fully grown. Amazing how much faster they grow than chickens. During the day when we let them out, I put the water outside as well. I set it on a board to minimize dirty water. The ducks dig deep holes all around the pen. Maybe 5-6 inches deep an 3-4 inches around. I don't see piles of dirt so it seems they may be eating the dirt as they hunt for worms?

I am taking the advice of sitting down and being calm near them. I speak calmly and talk to them. They still don't eat spinach I put out for them until I walk away, but I am sure this will pass with time.

So, question, do ducks go through the same type of phase where they stop laying and molt like chickens do?

 

[ducklover87]

Hmm from what I've heard yes but I only have 2 girls old enough to lay and one lays sporadically and the other one lays non stop all year long with maybe a day here and there missed.

 

[Going Quackers]

Thanks for all the replies. I raised the water as soon as I realized the ducklings couldn't help but step in the water and walk around the water bin. LOL. They are only 7 weeks old and almost fully grown. Amazing how much faster they grow than chickens. During the day when we let them out, I put the water outside as well. I set it on a board to minimize dirty water. The ducks dig deep holes all around the pen. Maybe 5-6 inches deep an 3-4 inches around. I don't see piles of dirt so it seems they may be eating the dirt as they hunt for worms?

I am taking the advice of sitting down and being calm near them. I speak calmly and talk to them. They still don't eat spinach I put out for them until I walk away, but I am sure this will pass with time.

So, question, do ducks go through the same type of phase where they stop laying and molt like chickens do?

Ducks adore digging with their beaks, they are getting all sorts of things, bugs, grit etc... but they don't dig like chickens do! oh my goodness, i should use them as shovels lol

My ducks stopped laying late Oct and resumed in Jan, ducks are seasonal layers but some breeds are more prolific than others. Have you considered Storey's guide to ducks?> some great info can be found in there(breeding, raising, feeding & so forth)

 

[suburbanredneck]

Well I took the advice of not towering over them, I stopped trying to pick them up and I whistle to them. It took only 3 days of this and I can now crouch 3 feet away from the water and food and they eat and drink with me right there. Quick progress with good advice. Thank you!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Well I took the advice of not towering over them, I stopped trying to pick them up and I whistle to them. It took only 3 days of this and I can now crouch 3 feet away from the water and food and they eat and drink with me right there. Quick progress with good advice. Thank you!

Yay!!! Congrats, won't be long now till you have them eating out of your hand... try dried Meal worms.