The Duck Thread

[BooeyBird]

Okay, I will see if I can make a little door. They are in a closed run that is inside of a partially closed run so a predator won't be able to get them, but I still have curious cats that like to check out the chickens and ducks. We have had predators take 2 of our chickens before but that was with a different coop and that is why we had to build a new one. Also, when should I buy a kiddie pool or make a pond for the ducks for them to have access to swimming all day? Right now I only let them have supervised swims, but other than the pool they don't have anything to dunk their head in, only their little chicken waterer. Should I get another waterer or just let them swim once or twice a day? And since they have access to bugs, dirt, and grass, I know I need to give them chick grit, but I was wondering since there is some sand in their run if they will use that as grit or if it will hurt them?

 

[RedIII]

My three ducks are slowly getting used to each other. I put them in the same pen again for a few minutes this morning. No hissing, but my female started trying to boss them and bite. Turns out my new little Cayuga drake don't take no guff offa nobody! He turned around and grabbed her neck feathers and let her know it wasn't okay. (Don't worry, I have them separated again) But at least this time, she would eat and drink alongside them for a minute. She still wants nothing to do with me, but that's okay.

 

[chickenchick312]

now that they have feathers and clue what the one one the right is ? Her name is Wilma and the other is Clarence

 

[needlessjunk]

now that they have feathers and clue what the one one the right is ? Her name is Wilma and the other is Clarence

Welsh Harlequin. They are cute!

 

[Kaessa]

now that they have feathers and clue what the one one the right is ? Her name is Wilma and the other is Clarence

She looks like a Welsh Harlequin to me. Cute!

 

[chickenchick312]

She looks like a Welsh Harlequin to me. Cute!

Awesome thank you ! I thought she was but wanted another opinion !

 

[blkjak]

During the night they went outside and slept out there... Should I lock them up at night or just let them sleep in the corner they like outside?

I left my ducks outside 1 night last summer. They were new to our farm and didn't know any better. I didn't know any better either. Lost a KC and a Buff Orp to a predator. Both mature drakes. Still have not replaced them with similar quality. Now everybody goes in at night. Ducks come up to the coop at night and I just have to shoo them in. Then I do a head count. I don't want to lose anymore ducks.

 

[BooeyBird]

I left my ducks outside 1 night last summer. They were new to our farm and didn't know any better. I didn't know any better either. Lost a KC and a Buff Orp to a predator. Both mature drakes. Still have not replaced them with similar quality. Now everybody goes in at night. Ducks come up to the coop at night and I just have to shoo them in. Then I do a head count. I don't want to lose anymore ducks.

Aw, I am sorry about your drakes. Last summer I lost two chickens to predators. The ducks are in one of those mini coops from tsc and the mini coop is inside of another run, so I know that no predators would get them, I was just wondering if they would get too cold.

 

[Chrysolinsbirds]

Looking forward to meeting up with some other California bycers in the future but to much going on presently for excursions off the home front. Ducklings in 2ish days. Then chicks then more ducklings. just to mention a few.

Yea I've got my hands full with hatching and brooding but I've never been to a poultry party before =) so I'm going, hoping to swap lots of eggs and was looking for ducks =)

 

[attimus]

Yea I've got my hands full with hatching and brooding but I've never been to a poultry party before =) so I'm going, hoping to swap lots of eggs and was looking for ducks =)

We are awfully close. I'm expecting ducklings any day now. And more not far out with two other potential nests en route. Once I figure out the fertility of the eggs I would love to share them. Planning on sending some to @birdman55 at some point if he still wants ducks. Mallard or Swedish black x.
I visit the valley weekly pm me if you want some eggs in the future.