Tell Me about Ducks

[CoyoteMagic]

My DH loves the ducks down by the pond near our home. I would like to surprize him buy building a duck enclosure attached to the chicken compound.

What would you tell a newbie about raising ducks?

 

[Wifezilla]

They are goofy, noisy, messy, and worth every bit of hassle.

My ducks are a riot. Cheap entertainment every day.

The breed I recommend for rookies (after trying several breeds myself) is Welsh Harlequins. Great for eggs and meat (if you are so inclined) and plenty nice to look at.

If I didn't have Welsh Harlequins, I might consider Dutch Hookbills...they lay BLUE eggs!

 

[Duck_feeder]

Get a copy of Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks. Very useful reference.

Read this thread to make sure you know what you're getting into:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=266482

 

[duckyfromoz]

Do your research- build- and then enjoy chosing and bringing the ducks home.

If you establish things properly first, having ducks will be such a wonderful experience you will wonder why you never did it sooner.

Ducks have so much character, being great pets as well as useful if you want them for eggs or meat.
They can be messy- but general care is not too different from raising chickens. Water availabilty being the biggest difference.