Tell me everything about ducks!

[LindseyM12]

I would like to know more about ducks. If you know anything cold you tell me?? Thanks!!

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

What do you want to know about?

 

[LindseyM12]

Like how to take care of them and how they act stuff like that.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Quote:
Ducks are pretty easy to take care of. I brood them the same as chicks. From day 1 they get 20% starter. Around 5-6 weeks they get 15% grower/finisher. I brood my ducklings on wire (just like I brood my chicks), that way they stay dry. The water they splash out of the waterer falls through and doesnt soak the bedding.

Different ducks have different personalities. Mandarin ducks are more skiddish than calls or pekins. Calls and Mandarins are alot harder to hatch than pekins, mallards, etc.

 

[chasing ducks]

I have pekin, runner, cayuga, swedish and golden hybrid ducklings that are between 1 1/2 to 4 weeks old right now. Since they are all in together I give them all grower 16% protein with grit and brewer's yeast mixed in. I also supplement daily with frozen peas and/or scrambled eggs. You don't want to give them raw eggs because it could give them a taste for their own eggs. The brewer's yeast is because the ducks need added niacin that they can't get through non-medicated chick starter (which is all thats available around here). I mix grit in their food because they weren't eating any free choice and were having problems with choking. There are 28 of them and they are messy, and stinky, I have them on a wire floor as well now, started out with rubbermaid tubs but they quickly out grew them and it was a huge ordeal to keep the pens clean. Friendliest would have to be my older pekins (they got spoiled) and my runners, the runners just don't seem to care if you are there or holding them. The 3-4 week olds are all going outside tomorrow with a heat lamp in their duck house. Ummm...I am not sure what else to tell you, I guess it would be easiest if you had any specific questions.

 

[Brickman House]

Quote:
Your enthusiasm is charming, but asking us to tell you all about ducks is a pretty tall order! There are entire books written on the subject.

Why don't you browse this forum, and click on links that contain the topics that interest you? If you have further questions, then you can ask and we can give you more specific answers.

 

[maralynn28]

Quote:
Your enthusiasm is charming, but asking us to tell you all about ducks is a pretty tall order! There are entire books written on the subject.

Why don't you browse this forum, and click on links that contain the topics that interest you? If you have further questions, then you can ask and we can give you more specific answers.

I really learned a lot from "Storey's guide to raising ducks" and there is a duck/chicken comparison on there (ducks are much easier than chickens and some breeds can even outlay chickens!) but I have to say going through this forum has taught me a lot too, it's always great to learn from the VARIETY of experiences from others rather than 'by the book.' The book is great for basics and reference though.

I got my copy from the library and liked it so much I bought a copy (in the mail!)

 

[headred]

That's a LOT of information. See my website from the beginning for my experience over the last year, from duckling to duck http://www.whatupduck.com Click on the DUCK tab.

 

[Whispering Winds]

Quote:
This is a great story! Loved the picture of them running and standing in the corner. They are beautiful ducks.

 

[eenie114]

Quote:
Your enthusiasm is charming, but asking us to tell you all about ducks is a pretty tall order! There are entire books written on the subject.

Why don't you browse this forum, and click on links that contain the topics that interest you? If you have further questions, then you can ask and we can give you more specific answers.

Heeheehee... *ahem!* Kakhi campbells are very friendly.