Pea gravel substrate questions and results thread

[Duckiewuckie]

Squishy squashy yucky little duckies are the bestest

 

[Enigmius]

I buy river rock at Lowes and put it around where their buckets are to discourage them mucking up the water but they still manage to muck it up. It's really easy for them to walk on though smooth and round

Do you have picture of the river rock by any chance? I want to take a look at size, and what is doable for ducks.

 

[Michael P]

If you want to use gravel, the least expensive option suitable for ducks in our area is washed river rock http://www.whiz-q.com/product/gravels/50005YARD.html

As you can see in the photo, the pieces are rounded and safe for duck feet. Size will range from 1/2" to 3". This is big enough to discourage digging and swallowing. Unlike pea gravel, river rock will compact and provide a firmer surface for walking, which will make it more convenient when you do maintenance. Whiz-Q is in SE Fort Worth, relatively close to your location in Mansfield. Unlike some stone yards which sell wholesale only, they are set up for retail customers, don't mind you looking around, will sell you small amounts for samples, and can deliver.

If I wanted gravel in my runs, this is what I would use.

 

[Enigmius]

Ok. Here are my local rock options in order:
A: Colorado rock small
B: Colorado rock large
C: Torpedo rock
D: Arizona rock
E: pea gravel
F: Brazos rock
G: Mexican pebbles

 

[Enigmius]

If you want to use gravel, the least expensive option suitable for ducks in our area is washed river rock http://www.whiz-q.com/product/gravels/50005YARD.html

As you can see in the photo, the pieces are rounded and safe for duck feet. Size will range from 1/2" to 3". This is big enough to discourage digging and swallowing. Unlike pea gravel, river rock will compact and provide a firmer surface for walking, which will make it more convenient when you do maintenance. Whiz-Q is in SE Fort Worth, relatively close to your location in Mansfield. Unlike some stone yards which sell wholesale only, they are set up for retail customers, don't mind you looking around, will sell you small amounts for samples, and can deliver.

If I wanted gravel in my runs, this is what I would use.

Lol. Great minds think alike. I’m familiar with Whiz-q, but it is just a little further from me. The rock yard I took the photos of is from Rocky’s. They are literally down the street from me. So I took some photos. Let me know which your favorite rock choice would be if you don’t mind. I see that there is a similar rock choice to what you posted above. I do appreciate you taking time to investigate rock yards for me. It was very cool

 

[TheGoldenGirlz]

Ok. Here are my local rock options in order:
A: Colorado rock small
B: Colorado rock large
C: Torpedo rock
D: Arizona rock
E: pea gravel
F: Brazos rock
G: Mexican pebbles

G/Mexican pebbles looks like the best option to me! I hope to get ducks in the future and I’d love to find some rock like that

 

[Michael P]

You're welcome. I would not use the two smallest gravels because they will roll under your feet, like walking on marbles. Otherwise I would choose strictly by price. They will all look the same after ducks defecate on them.

 

[PirateGirl]

So for drainage and waste management and smell is smaller better or larger?

 

[Enigmius]

So for drainage and waste management and smell is smaller better or larger?

That is what I’m curious about also... If I am just going to take a stab in the dark, I would say the smaller the pebbles the more likely it would be to hold onto water, and thus maybe have more of an odor?

 

[Michael P]

Larger, until it becomes too difficult to walk on.