The Duck Thread

[kalibus330]

You are right to protect your chickens, absolutely.  But you write that he was your last duck.   Were there others?  And while living with the goats and pigs is probably fine, apparently something got him, if I read your message.

I would not bring ducks into a situation where they would be killed by predators.

He was the last of my original batch of 4 (2 dying from a freeze a few years ago when I first got birds and the other dying from when my roosters from my first batch of chickens went crazy) I got 2 more from tractor supply hoping they were girls but they weren't so I gave them away because they also tried to rape my chicken. I have no idea what got the duck he was gone when we woke up. Even if he got out of the pen he couldn't have ran away he has a messed up leg (by that I mean he has a little hobble because he hurt his leg when he was younger) so most likely a hawk got him. (Coyotes don't come near because of the horses we have)

 

[needlessjunk]

He was the last of my original batch of 4 (2 dying from a freeze a few years ago when I first got birds and the other dying from when my roosters from my first batch of chickens went crazy) I got 2 more from tractor supply hoping they were girls but they weren't so I gave them away because they also tried to rape my chicken. I have no idea what got the duck he was gone when we woke up. Even if he got out of the pen he couldn't have ran away he has a messed up leg (by that I mean he has a little hobble because he hurt his leg when he was younger) so most likely a hawk got him. (Coyotes don't come near because of the horses we have)

A lonely drake will mount chickens. That is just what they do. Even a drake that has enough females may mount a chicken. You will need to introduce your ducks and chickens slowly because there can be problems. You are getting just females this time, correct? Also a single duck is never a good idea because they get very lonely and depressed. If anything happens to one you need to get another. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[kalibus330]

A lonely drake will mount chickens. That is just what they do. Even a drake that has enough females may mount a chicken. You will need to introduce your ducks and chickens slowly because there can be problems. You are getting just females this time, correct? Also a single duck is never a good idea because they get very lonely and depressed. If anything happens to one you need to get another.

Yes just females

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes just females

Are you talking ducklings and goslings? saw you posted in the goose thread too. Please read this
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

and PLEASE make sure you have secure housing and pen for your new babies WHEN they are old enough to be outside because they won't last long if you don't.

 

[Nikki816]

Cute, its a huge size difference with the pekin mix, are they all the same age?

There is 6 days difference. Ducky surprise hatched on a Wednesday and the others hatched/shipped the following Tuesday afternoon.

 

[Lizzy456]

I'm wondering if ducks and geese can eat carambola(starfruit) leaves , as we have two trees that aren't producing.
I've heard the fruit contains oxalic acid but I wanted to know about the leaves.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'm wondering if ducks and geese can eat carambola(starfruit) leaves , as we have two trees that aren't producing.
I've heard the fruit contains oxalic acid but I wanted to know about the leaves.

I don't see it listed here. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/242460/the-ultimate-list-of-duck-treats-and-supplements you might can google it and get some info.

Welcome to BYC

 

[Lizzy456]

Thanks !
I'll try , but I'm inclined to assume the leaves might have a little oxatic acid if the fruit do.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks !
I'll try , but I'm inclined to assume the leaves might have a little oxatic acid if the fruit do.

Seems it may, if in doubt keep them from them.

 

[City farm]