Space Requirements for 2 Pekin Ducks

[NewChickDad]

We are looking at getting just two Pekin ducks but I want to make sure we have plenty of room for them before I go too far. Nothing worse that getting a pet and then not giving them enough space. What is a good guideline for how much space they would need, will they require a water space (pond or pool), and how big of a coop? The climate in Seattle doesn't get too hot or too cold, not sure if that matters.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[NewChickDad]

Bump!

 

[Quatie]

The minimum requirements are 4 sq ft per duck in the coop and 10sq ft in the run. If you can give them a larger space that is always better.

While sucks don't technically require a pool or pond, it is better for them to have something for them to bath in. A lot of people use cement mixing tubs. They work well.

 

[ruthhope]

I suggest you get three pekins as you will not be left with an urgent problem if something happens to one.

My son has a 4' x 8' coop built for 3 pekins but then added a muscovy and there was plenty of room for her and more.

I have a 4' for 8' coop originally built for 3 ducks but which currently has 5 and has had 6 ducks.

As my coop design doesn't amene itself to partitioning, I have to use dogcrates in the coop to separate pekins that squabble and to stop the muscovy excluding the pekins from food and water. I currently have two adult pekins in one 3'x2' dog crate and at one time had 2 others in 3'x2' dog crate too. The pekins I have sharing are perfectly happy together overnight despite it being less than the recommended space. But they are out free ranging for most of the daylight hours. One of my muscovy choses to doubledecker on top of a dogcrate housing one pekin. I have added a piece of hardboard to stop the muscovy pooping on the poor pekin. That works too. They all have their own food and water to keep the peace and ensure they are all fed.

So my advice , in addition to getting three pekins, is to build a generous size coop as you never know when you might need it

 

[CoriM]

Nice, I live on the east side of Seattle. Definitely need at least three ducks, just in case - things happen and it's so sad to keep a lone duck. I also would advise you to think strongly about pekins and do plenty of research. As they are bred to be meat ducks and harvested at a young age they potentially have a lot of health needs, mostly due to being such a heavy breed. I've had three pekins, one I put down last year at two years old, after she became lame, and now one of the other ones is having a lot of difficulty walking. They are more prone to bumblefoot as well, due to their size. They eat way more and poop way more than my other ducks. They're personalities are nice, but you can get a smaller duck that looks similar in a Duclair or white layer. I suggest going as big as you can for space - space is nice for them and they need a large area that is protected from predators and the rain. They definitely need swimming water to be most happy - they're waterfowl and it's how they're designed! It keeps them clean and bug free to bathe multiple times a day, and is when they seem to be most joyful! I've used the plastic kiddie pools, which need to be scrubbed and frequently changed, and also have the heavy-duty black pre-formed pools. Be aware that if you don't have a lot of land ducks will be very hard on your grass. They need to have plenty of room to forage - that's what they live for, not being enclosed in a pen! Ducks take tons of time and energy - buyer beware!

 

[ruthhope]

Ducks take tons of time and energy - buyer beware!

I chose to spend 1 hour with my ducks in the morning and this eekps them superfriendly an amenable to petting. I spend half an hour every afternoon cleaning their pen, and cleaning and refilling food and water bowls. And I have to hose down my patio after the ducks are tucked up for the night. I had a duck sitter for 10 days when I went away. He only came in and let the ducks out in the morning, but he had to do the cleaning and refilling pots, and hosign down the patio. He spent 30 minutes a day doign duck work.

But my reward for spending time with my ducks is that they are such lovely ducks. They come and meet me at the gate when they hear me coming home; the pekins chatter non-stop with me when I am in the back garden and the muscovy get really excited and their crests stand up on their heads and back of their necks when they see me. We all sit together on my back steps and they give me great joy. one of my muscovy likes to preen my hair. Both have the annoying habbit of pecking y ankles when I am walkign or standing -- they want me to sit down to their height. But I forgive them for that!

Buyer you have a lot of great pleasure to look forward too!