I am wet behind the ears on raising ducks. I'm a newbie just learning. My Pekins are allowed to go anywhere they want. They tend not to destroy my yard when they are not confined to a specific area. Although I have placed kiddie pools in shaded areas throughout my property to allow them access to bathing and drinking, where ever the decide to venture.
Are they especially loud? I have this vision in my mind that Pekins are super loud. They are ok in just a pair? How big are they, where did I get them, what type of set up do u have? I’m all set up for a much smaller duck as Harlequins are only 5 pounds at maturity. Would they be ok in a hoop coop with just a nest box or do they need a duck house inside the hoop coop too? Hoop coop is half covered. I don’t have pics of other coop on my phone, but just like this but 12x8 and then will have fenced area with poultry netting that will be electric to protect from predators. They will be able to free range as well when we are home.
Thank you! Anything you wish you had known about them that you know now?View attachment 1395567 View attachment 1395569 Mine have been fine as a pair, the drake has the typical quiet rasp and the duck she can have a loud honk but I do not at all find it in the least bit annoying. She doesn't do it often, mostly when they are excited such as when I let them out in the am. I will occasionally hear a honk here and there as they peruse the yard, which I personally love. Mine have a decent size run with a house to sleep in, you don't need to get anything fancy an old dog house or a diy pallet house suffice just fine. Just something to give them some security and a break from the weather. They spend their days free ranging my yard and the stream that runs through it
Where did U get your Pekins from? I’m trying to avoid hatcheries cause we’ve had some bad experience with bad health in our production bred chickens from a hatchery. Pekins worry me as they are a meat bird and probably aren’t bred to live long especially coming from a hatchery.
