thinking about getting a pair of wood duck....

[key west chick]

Was wondering about the basics. I plan on using a 10x10x6 covered chain link dog kennel, the same kind I use for my chicken pens. How often do I need to drain and re fill a kiddie pool? Everyday? Do I need to use some kind of shavings or bedding or can I use the ground like my chickens. I've read that they are fairly quiet, kinda a soft squeaky noise. Do I need a permit to own them? Will the hen go broody often? Thanks for any info. Oh , and what about pinioning?

 

[1lpoock]

I plan on using a 10x10x6 covered chain link dog kennel, the same kind I use for my chicken pens.
This might be okay, remember that their babies are very small and will definetly get out of chain-link fence holes.

How often do I need to drain and re fill a kiddie pool? Everyday?
With two ducks I say maybe once every two weeks or maybe more. We have 3 pairs of exotic ducks and try to drain it every week or so.

Do I need to use some kind of shavings or bedding or can I use the ground like my chickens.
They should be fine, but you might want to put wood chips or straw down in a little shelter for them.

I've read that they are fairly quiet, kinda a soft squeaky noise. Do I need a permit to own them?
You do not need to have a permit to own them, but if you plan on selling anything from them: eggs, babies, feathers, etc. you need to obtain a Waterfowl sale & disposal permit.

Will the hen go broody often?
Usually the hen will lay one or two clutches every spring and sit on them herself.

Oh , and what about pinioning?
I wouldnt buy them pinioned because they like to fly around.


ETA: You can check out my site www.sprucecreekwaterfowl.webs.com to read more on them!

 

[BeckyBird]

1lpoock is right about wood ducks.

I have a permit for my wood ducks, called a Gamebird Propagation Permit. I believe here in NC we need it in order to possess woodies, whether or not we want to sell the ducks. You should check with your state just in case.

Wood ducks are very easy keepers, in my opinion. They are so quiet and much cleaner than my little call ducks. When I bought mine, they were pinioned already

but they can still get away if given the chance. Be prepared for that, because wood ducks can be very skittish and flighty. I've had them for 3 years now, and they hate me just as much today as they did when I first got them lol!!

Good luck with your ducks, and make sure you share pictures when you get them!

 

[geosheets]

Quote:
It's actually federal law... you can read up on it here. http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-200-9.pdf

You should get a form when you buy your birds legally called 'Notice of Waterfowl Sale or Transfer'. You should keep this and be sure to mark any offspring in accordance with the law. If you want to sell eggs or offspring(dead or alive) you will need a Waterfowl Sale and Disposal permit which I think is still 75.00. Also be sure to check with your specific state as additional permitting may be required.

 

[vlapinta]

I just hatched 5 call ducks. I am in NJ. Am I supposed to have a permit? If yes any idea how much it costs?

Vicki