Raising ducks for meat...the planning phase...

[EggsForIHOP]

See, I was thinking tractors more for the ones I was growing out to eat...and a permanent place for any breeding ducks I keep in a 'forever' type situation.

I already move my tractors usually twice a day - each time I check feed I try to scoot them along a little, and that helps the grass and such to come back quicker a bit too. It's just a habit I have. Don't mistake me, I'm not trying to crowd 10 ducks into a 3 x 5 tractor...I was thinking more like several 5 x 10's with fewer ducks in each - the bonus to this being when I'm not growing out ducks, I can use it for broilers, and when need be I can house my little nigerian goats in their when they kid (those babies are so tiny I worry about hawks for a couple weeks and I dam raise my babies, so they need somewhere safe until they are big enough to rejoin the herd). They would be totally multi-purpose things built hoop coop style - and we have 3 huge spots to use to scoot them along - so I was thinking JUST for the ducks destined only to live a couple months that would be a good plan.

I know they're messy - that's kinda half the fun! I'm a hot mess myself most days...might as well have some poultry around that mirror me

And I want a much smaller forever flock - for now - I know chicken math and duck math are the same...but for NOW...I'm thinking small

 

[jdywntr]

I think you are good to go EggsforIHOP. Pekin (per Storey's Guide) can weigh up to 8.5lbs at 7 weeks, are calm, fertile, high feed conversion and excellent hatchability. The negatives are that they are typically not good mothers as they are a production bird. But, if you want to breed your own, you could use an incubator or even chickens or Muscovy to hatch.

Also, ducks don't NEED a pond or pool. They enjoy it and appreciate it but except for exceptionally heavy breeds (not Muscovy or Pekin) that NEED water to breed, you can get away with kiddie pools or even totes for them to play in.

I think tractors will work, you obviously are disiplined enough what with moving them 2X daily.

I envy you for having a permanent spot that you can brood. I did it in an extra bedroom. Ugh, the smell. Though it did get the run built quicker because of it.

Again, good luck. And you must post pics in the duck section of your setup and ducklings. (we love pics of the babies over there even if they are going to be dinner one day)

 

[gingit]

Also, ducks don't NEED a pond or pool. They enjoy it and appreciate it but except for exceptionally heavy breeds (not Muscovy or Pekin) that NEED water to breed, you can get away with kiddie pools or even totes for them to play in.

Ducks don't need a pool. They love the water, especially muddy water. A pool is nice, but will be muddy in minues. Take that into consideration.
I raise Pekins. It's a lovely, messy bird with a ton of personality. Fun to have.

I've been reading the blogs here for a while, first time to respond. How do I post photos?​

 

[gingit]

Seven weeks from chick to duck

 

[EggsForIHOP]

gingit - Those look like some HAPPY ducks! is that a muddy spot your are making for them to play in? I bet they love it at your place!

 

[gingit]

It rained heavily, which created a puddle in that area. Every few days we hose it for them. They have a mud bath, then go to sleep happy. BTW, they share a coop with my chickens at night, and share the yard with my goats during the day. Just perfect harmony.

 

[EggsForIHOP]

I wish my goats could be trusted! I have one, Bella, certified CAE free AND an attack goat! She'll take out anything she doesn't like...and she does NOT like birds or the barn cat! I've seen her, at our old place, send a chicken FLYING! So no ducks with my goats...Bella is MUCH too protective to share...

 

[gingit]

EGGSforIHOP, sounds like she is a dog in a goat's skin.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
Beautiful ducks!