Thinking about getting ducks... Advice please!

[fishandchix1]

I am seriously considering getting some call ducks or runner ducks. I have two chickens and five more on the way! They walk around in the yard during the day and will come back to the coop every night, I was wondering if ducks are the same way because I have a pond in my backyard and it would save a lot of time if I could just let them swim in the pond all day and they will come to the coop at night, instead of putting a kiddie pool near the coop or run and letting them swim in that because I've noticed a lot of people do that. Also I was wondering what kind of runner ducks I should get. What are the best layers out of runner ducks also? What are better layers call ducks (preferably Cayugas) or runner ducks. Thanks! Any advice or info appreciated!

 

[Apachis]

Yes they will return to the coop and their food but you need to train them to do so. Most ppl have the chickens with the ducks and have no problem. Our ducks as we are just finishing off their new coop and the bath tub is there also go up there during the day at night as they are only 5 weeks old although quite big still have the lamp so they are under the patio at night and are quite happy there. but they know where to run if they have too. I love the pekin I cant comment on the others as I have not had them but mine are just so loveable.

I have heard the Indian runner ducks can be tames and timid. I think all of them can as long as you handle them a lot especially when they are little so they are use to you. I have also read that they are the best layers too. Have you googled the duck breeds.

I think it is really your own choice as to which you think. I don't think that it matters as long as you are happy. Pekin is the fat duck good for eating but I can not kill anything that is my own pet, let alone eat it.

The pool idea is great when they have had enough they will get out and rest on the grass or go looking for snails like mine are doing right now in the plants but definitely need to be locked up at night. I am I the suburbs so no foxes here but need to make sure they are protected at night.

The Cayugas are a popular USA duck for laying and meat they all do around the same with eggs about 150 to 200 eggs a year.

Im not the expert in ducks but im learning but if I can help in anyway please ask will do my best. good luck I have a page on face book called Animal Farm Aussieland https://www.facebook.com/groups/AnimalfarmAussieland/

which I have just started and have put up some files about duck keeping etc

best of luck

 

[buff goose guy]

I am seriously considering getting some call ducks or runner ducks. I have two chickens and five more on the way! They walk around in the yard during the day and will come back to the coop every night, I was wondering if ducks are the same way because I have a pond in my backyard and it would save a lot of time if I could just let them swim in the pond all day and they will come to the coop at night, instead of putting a kiddie pool near the coop or run and letting them swim in that because I've noticed a lot of people do that. Also I was wondering what kind of runner ducks I should get. What are the best layers out of runner ducks also? What are better layers call ducks (preferably Cayugas) or runner ducks. Thanks! Any advice or info appreciated!

call ducks are there own breed of duck and do not lay many eggs. so when you say preferably cayuga that is also a different breed of duck , so im just alittle confused on what your asking.

you can train ducks to go into a coop but you do have to show them what to do for a few weeks, by just herding them into the run. and even then i you still may have to walk down to the pond to let them know its time to get in the coop.

 

[JadeComputerGal]

I am seriously considering getting some call ducks or runner ducks. I have two chickens and five more on the way! They walk around in the yard during the day and will come back to the coop every night, I was wondering if ducks are the same way because I have a pond in my backyard and it would save a lot of time if I could just let them swim in the pond all day and they will come to the coop at night, instead of putting a kiddie pool near the coop or run and letting them swim in that because I've noticed a lot of people do that. Also I was wondering what kind of runner ducks I should get. What are the best layers out of runner ducks also? What are better layers call ducks (preferably Cayugas) or runner ducks. Thanks! Any advice or info appreciated!

Pasting this from a post I did yesterday because it answers part of your question:

If you want a decent-to-good layer, just about anything mentioned here other than Calls would be a fit. If you want a great layer, Campbells, Pekins, and Welsh Harlequin are among the best layers of the more common domestic ducks. Depending where you live, you might also want to take noise level into account and various other things like what size ducks you want, whether they tend to want to set on their eggs, what their temperament is like, etc. If you factor in all the things that are important to you in addition to what they look like, you're more likely to be satisfied with them in the long term.

Another thing you want to consider is predators. Ducks would love to have a pond to swim in all day as they chose, but that would make them vulnerable to predators if they don't have any protection.

Also, if you do get a flying breed like Calls, which I doubt you'll decide on since you want good layers, you need to keep them penned for a few weeks until they know where home is. If you have fully feathered flying ducks that are turned loose in your yard, it's very possible that they will fly off your property until they get settled in.