If they are free ranged, can they forage on their own and survive without feed? Will my old 3x3 chicken coop work? How many will fit in there? Are barking dogs or ducks louder? Is a male duck much louder than a female? Thanks in advance.
They usually need some kind of supplemental feeding, especially if they are an egg laying breed, but less than chickens. Ducklings definately need fed nonmedicated chick starter or waterfowl feed for the first 6 - 8 wks. I don't know about the barking dog -- depends on what kind of dog / where it is. Female ducks are LOUD though, male ducks are quiet and can hardly be heard. If the females are quacking all at the same time, it is loud but not as loud as my geese honking. I think you could get 3 to 4 ducks in the 3 x 3 coop - depends again on whether they are full sized ducks or bantam ducks . . .
Mine free range but I supplement with feed especially because we have winter here.. I can tell when they have been getting what they need through foraging because the feed is barely touched. As for loudness depends on the breed.. Mine are all Muscovy so the dogs beat them hands down. As for housing totally depends on the breed.. I'd have to go measure my duck barn lol I think the more room the better because it just seems to happen you end up with more than you planned... I have a hen sitting on a nest right now so we may keep a few hens if she gives us some.
