Questions....

[littlecreekfarm]

Okay so my little brother really wants to get a few ducks. He is young and wrote a list and all and looked in my poultry books! I have a few questions,

(1) Do they really poop a lot or around the same as chickens?

2. We are thinking about call ducks, how is their egglaying?

3. How much swimming room do they need

4. What type of feed do they eat.

I know they are kinda dumb questions. Thanks!

-Erin

 

[Tivona]

I have had both chickens and ducks and both poop in equal quantity given the same factors in my opinion. Both laying, equal number of birds, same size birds, etc.

I have not had call ducks but I understand that they lay only about anywhere from 8 to 80 eggs per year, depending on if you collect the eggs, have light, etc.

Swimming is optional but the birds will look better and be happier. A kiddie pool will be plenty of room to keep a number of ducks happy. Keep in mind that the water will get yucky fast if they have access to dirt or anything else that may be fun to sift in their bills. Please note that if you don't provide swimming water you still need to have a water dish that is deep enough for them to wash their nostrils (aka nares) out.

There are good waterfowl feeds available at many feed stores. You could always ask at yours. Laying birds can be given chicken layer pellets. I have also heard many here give game bird feed.

Not dumb questions. It is better to understand and be prepared then to jump in and have problems for both you and the ducks. Your asking shows you are concerned with providing good care.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Calls are seasonal layers of very tiny eggs. The ducks are small and can fly. If free ranging you will want to clip a wing. They are a small duck, but live well up to their name by being very VERY loud. The hens can out quack the best of them.

 

[littlecreekfarm]

Thank you very much! I might get into ducks!
Are there any good beginner breeds you recommend?

 

[TLWR]

Are there any good beginner breeds you recommend?

Depends on what you are looking for in a duck. Care for all ducks is pretty much the same.
I have a couple of indian runners because I liked their look and they are an egg laying breed. My f&w runner, Ally, laid well over 300 eggs last year in her first year of laying. Runners are also considered one of the comedians of the duck world.
I raised 3 together and they are all friendly and not too skittish. They follow me around and run up to me when they think I might have something for them (which they think can happen just about any time I walk out of the house).

 

[littlecreekfarm]

Depends on what you are looking for in a duck. Care for all ducks is pretty much the same.
I have a couple of indian runners because I liked their look and they are an egg laying breed. My f&w runner, Ally, laid well over 300 eggs last year in her first year of laying. Runners are also considered one of the comedians of the duck world.
I raised 3 together and they are all friendly and not too skittish. They follow me around and run up to me when they think I might have something for them (which they think can happen just about any time I walk out of the house).

That's good. I do want an egglayer to provide eggs for my family, but I also want a friendly breed. I might have to think about runners. They are very pretty! Thanks!