Tips for ducks?

[TheReadyBoys]

I am getting a few ducks today, and I was wondering if there are any tips on raising them. Are they mostly like raising chickens? My moms friend was getting rid of them, so she said I would take them. Any suggestions?

 

[DUCKOBSESSED]

How old are they? when they are little you have to keep them dry they will play in there water more. They need deeper water containers to fit their bills in. they might spill there water trying to clean themselves. they will be ok with out a pool but happier with one. I use 2 kids sand boxes and they work great. hope this helps. and enjoy them they are great!

 

[Amiga]

If you are getting ducklings, this sticky is helpful

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

For adults, you want to make sure they are safe, and provide them with fresh water and nutritious food. Water management is key to their health and your sanity, as long as their security is taken care of.

Try a search on "duck house" "duck shelter" "duck pen" and "duck water" and see if some of those archives are useful to you.

And we love to know about flocks - what breed, how many, boys? girls?

 

[TheReadyBoys]

Thanks, and there are 4 ducklings and 3 adults, not sure what age.

 

[Going Quackers]

So perhaps they are a Trio? (a drake, two ducks) basically care is similar, main differences being the water, they need deep enough to clean nares and should have something to bathe in, compare it to a dust bath for chickens. They don't require anything elaborate, a kiddy pool, a large basin etc, ensure ducklings are safe around deep bodies of water too.

Have you made plans for the ducklings? are they all kept together already or have the young and mama been separate. Practices with this vary.

 

[TheReadyBoys]

All the ducks are currently together in a pen. I put some small dishes of water cut from milk jugs, but they aren't bi enough. I am going to get a bucket or two. I also got a small kiddy pool today, so I am going to get that set up tomorrow. The ducks are nervous around me, though, they run away. Is that normal, and will they come around to knowing me?

 

[Amiga]

Yes, it is normal. Take your time, move slowly, they are nervous about anything above their heads.

Find treats they like, and sit with them, gently tossing treats toward them and around yourself, and talk to them quietly.

They may never hop in your lap, but they will become friendlier given the encouragement.

 

[txducklady]

Oh how exciting! I've never had chickens, only ducks so I can't compare the two. I will say that we started out with a day old duckling that one of the neighbors found in the street....I'm THAT lady. If anyone finds a kitten, bird or whatever....they bring it to me. Turns out the duckling was not a mallard or rouen but a Mexican Whistling duck. I went out & got a buff orpington to keep him company & a year later, Whisper (the whisler) is finally eating out of my hand. My bo crawls up in my lap! It's taken lots of patience, but totally worth it. We now have added a khaki Campbell & a Pekin to our flock. The khaki was about 6 months old when we got her, but she was not used to people & was very skittish; however, within about 3 months, she too is eating out of my hand. They come when I call them because I've been consistently using the same sound when I feed them. A kind of clicking like when I had my horse. lol. Great treats for them are freeze dried meal worms, crickets, lizards and my personal favorite...earth worms! The plot that I intended to plant a garden has become our supply of their treats and when they see me with my shovel and the wagon, the all run to me all excited! And I love every second. Even having to push them out of the hole I'm digging! Loudy, my buff orpington, is the friendliest and has learned tricks. Didn't know that was possible. We've become self sufficient as far as eggs go which is my husband's favorite part. I'm actually going out today to pick up two or three more khakis. I hope you enjoy your flock as much as I enjoy mine. Patience & consistency are the keys to happy ducks. They get let out & penned up at the same time each day and if I'm late in the morning they're all standing at the gate watching for me & quacking...as if to say HURRY UP! They bring me joy & make me smile with their antics when I fill up the plastic pool. If I can help, give me a holler.

 

[TheReadyBoys]

Thanks everyone for the tips! I just dug a whole in the ground, put the plastic pool in it and filled it up. The ducks loved it! Even the ducklings went for a quick swim.