The Migratory/Ornamental Waterfowl INFO Thread

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

I got 'em I got 'em!!! Beautiful European Shelducks!!!

Here they are!!!

Future Aviary site...

 

[phikhanhs123]

nice how much for those ??

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

yep, they are pretty arent they. Is it just the pic or is the hen blind in her right eye?

to the price question, they average $80 - $140 a pair depending on who you get them from

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

I traded them for chickens and quail.

 

[kangababy]

Question on feed...

We have been feeding our birds 1/2 feed wheat and 1/2 laying pellets..

Several of the feed stores here are out of wheat.... and it is on back order..

What else can we feed them?

Thanks

 

[destinduck]

.You could feed them all just layer pellets.This is the month Ill bump up my protien for laying. I also splurge and buy Mazuri waterfowl freeder. Or you can use Purina flockraiser. Raining cats and dogs here.

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

been nasty here all week too, and dont look any better for next one.

And yes, I agree Shawn, this time of year it's best to cut the grains out totally and go with just a good layer for them.

I do the grain stuff all winter myself on everything here. I can buy it at about 1/4 of what bagged feed cost and it's good to get them threw the winter months with.
But come breeding season, they really need all the addatives in the feed to stay heathy and produce well for you.

 

[kangababy]

Ok so next question...

Will installing lights to come on I'm the mornig help some of the species??
Artifical Daylight??

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

it can help throw them all out of whack for sure. I wouldnt recommend it. Can get their molt cycles and all mixed up. I've heard of people doing it with peafowl and completely ruin their breeding season. The males grow their train based off all that, are only fertile during certain parts of their annual cycle, etc, basically they ended up making their hens and cocks come into season at different times.
I have heard of a couple that do it for baikals, but personally wouldnt worry with it, the day is plenty long and the temps are right for them to breed then when their season naturally comes in.

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

Quote:
You know I was wondering about that... the eye looks normal, except the center is sort of milky (a little) ... do you think that means she is blind? (ETA: the other eye is completely normal)


Also, today I moved them into a much bigger pen until I can finish the aviary... so I finally got the nerve to get my hands ON them and it looks like the right wing of each bird is tipped? Does this sound normal?

I guess that means they can't fly away?


I've been feeding mine straight Purina Gamebird Chow.... that's good right?