Pekin feeding and shelter

[crcaitlinr]

I have 3 pekin ducks that are about 5 weeks old. Once they outgrew their brooder I put them in a coop and left it open during the day so that they could go swim in our pond. They used to come back to the coop every evening and I would close them in there for the night. Now, they stay in/at the pond all day and act like they don’t want to leave. I have left them out there for a few nights and they seem to be doing fine. Is it okay for them to live permanently outside? Or should I try to make them go to the coop at night? Also, is it necessary to feed them duck food their whole life, or are they able to forage for enough food on their own?

 

[Ducks 4 life]

Hi I have many types of waterfowl Pekins being one of them. You should bring them in at night because predators can get them. I've had the same problem at times and left them out...something got one. Mine were over a year old at the time. I found pieces of it in the yard.. and as foraging goes I would still give mine a feeding at least once a day of not twice. Just to ensure they are getting proper nutrition sometimes they dont get everything from foraging.

 

[Going Quackers]

Unfortunately, leaving them out 24/7 makes them vulnerable to predators. It is best practice to lock them up at night, whether that be a secure pen, a house of some sort or a combo of both.

Feed wise, a basic poultry feed is good to offer regardless of them foraging, they will eat what they need too. My scovies fee range but to return to eat eventually lol.