Pekin Duck Club!

[Going Quackers]

So glad I found this group!! I just posted a question in the duck forum about our Pekins. Looking for advice on keeping Pekins cool enough in very warm climates (south Florida warm). We also have 4 chickens that they love to be with, but tonight, we put the ducks on the patio out of concern for the warm weather. They usually sleep in the coop with the chickens, but with the temps rising, we know this won't work. Looking at reinforcing their run so they can stay out at night more safely. Maybe buy an outdoor fan too?? Hot weather ideas are welcome. Thanks!!

While i am mostly cool we can hit 100F here and i'll tel you when you feel like 50F is warm, it can be a lot to deal with, shade and plenty of drinking and swimming water, most of my ducks in the deep heat of summer take to the trees... i have even taken to adding icecubes to water troughs, pans etc..

Fans are definitely an option for this breed if you have the ability ...

So cute!

 

[Going Quackers]

I have 2 Pekin ducks that are about 5 or 6 weeks old. I don't know if they are male or female. One of them quacks and the other one chirps so I was thinking I had one of each but not so sure anymore. They both look like they have drake feathers??? Could someone please help? Thanks

aw, so cute! it's all voice.. drake curls are later, i have a drake he still has no curl and he is BIG (they are 7wks old) ... girls have a definite honk/quack.. drakes(boys) have this raspy undertone...

 

[Going Quackers]

This may have been already asked before, 2 questions actually, when can my 2 pekins have a 24/7 pool, they prob about 4 weeks old now, I'm in the south so it's hot and pretty warm at night. I think I've read they have to be fully feathered so their oil glands produce, and they take up to 2 months to feather. Really got to wait that long?

Question 2: Do you guys give them access to a pool in the winter? Again in the south so it gets cold but not freezing for the entire season either.

Thanks!

You know honestly, i would wait till they are fully mature.. my Pekin are 7wks and have access to water during the day as they free range at night they are locked up.. they still are not the most agile so if they have access ensure they can get in/out...

As for a mild winter? yes, i would.. my calls had water straight through even into the icy cold only on brutal days did we not...

 

[Miss Lydia]

Ouch! that is to bad. I dislike chickens for that, i don't house mine with anybody but their own kind.. the standards do free range, the ducks provide a wide distance.. they dislike their tendencies to peck. I would definitely not leave her with chickens and that bloody/injured eye, they go after each other when injured let alone a duck.

I totally agree with GQ Stacy AK keep your ducks separate till she heals and i wouldn't house them together at night either. This may have been what started her eye problem to begin with.

Glad you got on top of it fast.

 

[Going Quackers]

Should I add a heat lamp to my outside pen? The duckd are 7 weeks old. Its supposed to be 50* and raining for the next week. Here is there pen.



This is before it was finished. It now has a steel roof top.

Nope, won't be needed.. mine are 7 weeks and have been outside even in below freezing temps welcome to spring in this place lol

 

[Going Quackers]

Not sure. What could go over a 8 foot enclosure and take 3 large Pekins and one Rouen? I have not been in their night enclosure yet but DH said he saw large scratches. I am still in shock, crying. I have one lone Khaki Campbell drake walking around in my back yard calling for his buddies. I am looking to rehome him as he is all by himself now. Not for food please.

Oh, dear that is terrible. I am not familiar with your predation risk.. could be large cats(and i don't mean the kind that snuggle in your bed) sadly quite a few predators can climb.

Are you able to reinforce your existing pen? perhaps a roof? you can get your remaining some buddies, i know in the state of shock your in.. but it doesn't have to mean you get out of keeping them entirely.

 

[Myra2010]

I am unsubscribing because all my pekings got killed over night. Sad.

Im so sorry !

 

[Myra2010]

Some1 else suggested using an old roasting/broiler pan, the 1 with the grill on top! I'll be using that w/ dog food/ water bowls. The 1s w/ the reservoir

. Put the bowls on top of the grill on the pan!!!

that sounds like a great next phase idea ! thanks !

 

[Cassie Collins]

Ouch! that is to bad. I dislike chickens for that, i don't house mine with anybody but their own kind.. the standards do free range, the ducks provide a wide distance.. they dislike their tendencies to peck. I would definitely not leave her with chickens and that bloody/injured eye, they go after each other when injured let alone a duck.

X2!! Poor Duckie . Sometimes I'd like to see a duck drop kick a chicken!!

 

[pekinplease]

I would love to join the pekin club! I have 3 pekins that are approximately 4 weeks old and 2 rouens that are 6 days. All are from TSC. We have Waterhead Peck(my 9 yr.old son's pekin), Rosie(my 7 yr.old daughter's pekin), Duncan(my pekin) and then kiwi and quackers (the rouens). Waterhead is starting to get more of a raspy peep, so we think he is a boy. The others we have no clue! We are first time duck owners and are totally in love! Our ducks love asparagus as a treat. The picture is of my daughter letting Rosie assist her with a dental cleaning exercise.