So, I have some questions

[Arkantex]

So, we have our chickens. They are 23 weeks old now and just starting to lay. We are getting the hang of them pretty well. My wife is wanting to put in an order for a few more layers and some meaties. I said that if we were going to be putting in an order, that we should get some ducks as well. Just a few. Maybe 5 or so to keep as pets. As they hatch out ducklings, ducklings will go to the freezer when they are a good size. This is my thinking anyway.

So, do any of you do this? Is it a feasible idea? I have never had ducks or known anyone who has. Which breed/breeds would be best for this? Do you just let them free range or do they need a run? What about housing? Any ideas or advice? Thanks in advance

 

[DUCKGIRL89]

I would say get a few rouen. My rouen hen has tried hatching babies offten (It always turns into a disaster though, as something happens to her, and she leaves the nest, or I take it away) And they are good for meat. I let mine free range during the day, and they always go back to their pen at night. And a chicken coop would be good for the ducks.

Oh, and if your only getting 5, get 1 drake, and 4 ducks.....

 

[Tahai]

muscovies are good meat bitds, too, and are good broodies.

 

[Kevin565]

So, we have our chickens. They are 23 weeks old now and just starting to lay. We are getting the hang of them pretty well. My wife is wanting to put in an order for a few more layers and some meaties. I said that if we were going to be putting in an order, that we should get some ducks as well. Just a few. Maybe 5 or so to keep as pets. As they hatch out ducklings, ducklings will go to the freezer when they are a good size. This is my thinking anyway.

So, do any of you do this? Nope but that's only because I'm a vegetarian

Is it a feasible idea? It sure is. Many people do this


I have never had ducks or known anyone who has. Which breed/breeds would be best for this? I'd say Muscovies, Buffs, and Cayugas would be a good choice for you. Many people raise Pekins for meat but these are not good broodies

Do you just let them free range or do they need a run?


You can free range but you will have some losses. I'd raise the original stock in a run and once you get some breeding done then maybe free range.


What about housing?
Housing is similar to housing chickens

Any ideas or advice?

Have fun! Ducks are great creatures to keep around!
Thanks in advance

 

[Amiga]

Sounds feasible.

May I recommend you study up on water management? It seems to be the biggest hurdle for new duck people.

Ducks don't need a roost, and are quite susceptible to predators. They are so much fun! I have runners and buffs, for slug control, fertilizer, eggs, companionship, and conversation starters.

 

[Arkantex]

So, what do you feed ducks?

 

[Arkantex]

Oh, Amiga, I think water management will be fairly easy for me. I already have an aquaponics setup. I don't have anything in it as of now because I am going to build a pond, which the ducks will use.

 

[Amiga]

Not to sound too simple, but in most areas there are feed stores where you can buy duck food, or at least poultry food.

Nonmedicated chick feed seems generally accepted, I used turkey/waterfowl starter crumbles.

There is a sticky on the forum for duck treats, too.

Ducklings need water 24/7 along with their food. Many new duck owners become frustrated when their baby waterfowl splash water and soak the bedding. There are methods to keep the splash to a minimum. Do you have a waterer setup in mind?

 

[Oregon Blues]

If you want both eggs and meat, then the Silver Appleyard is your best option. They also have nice calm temperaments.

Pekins are good for meat, but some lines lay a lot of eggs and some don't, so you have to be careful what you buy.

Most of the specialist egg laying breeds are pretty small to make good birds for the table.

 

[Arkantex]

Yeah I haven't ever paid attention when we go to the feed store. Because if I do, I will be in there for hours... That usually gets me in trouble with the wife.

So, I haven't decided on what to do for water to start out with. But, we are going to have a pond for them to swim in and use wattering nipples on 2 or 3 5gallon buckets when they make it out of the brooder.