Urban ducks?

[Angelight]

I've tried and tried to google (and searched through here) the mess out of urban, backyard, etc. ducks. I've gathered that they WILL fly away (unless you have runners), even with clipped wings they can get pretty far, and that they don't need a huge swimming area. Apparently, they are quite messy, though. What else does one need to know about ducks before diving in? I have 3 chicks and I plan to go to tractor supply on chick day. Before I go, I want to know whether I'm making a DUMB decision to bring a duckling home or not. Thanks!

 

[Kevin565]

Domestic ducks will most likely NOT fly away. Almost all of the breeds are much too heavy. You have to be careful if you end up with a drake that he doesn't try to breed your hens. Also I wouldn't advise getting just 1 duck. They are flock creatures.

 

[jdywntr]

A single duckling won't be happy, 2 ducklings may. Buying at TSC, you will most likely end up with unseded which means you could get a male and that can be dangerous/deadly for your chickens.

Very few domestic breeds fly, with the exception of mallards, muscovy and a number of the small breeds.

I would suggest getting a book and reading up on it first. Just borrowing from the library would be good. Storey's Guide to Ducks is a good one. Read through the stickies at the top of the duck forum (a link in the blue section of the page)

Ducks have their own needs and shouldn't be jumped into spontaniously. Ducks are loud and there is no mistaking what the sound is. Make sure they are legal first. Far too many waterfowl get dumped at parks after people get them on the spur of the moment, for Easter etc. (not saying thats what you'd do but it is a reality.

 

[Amiga]

Speaking of dumping Easter ducks, I promote the idea of adopting a rescued duck or one that needs to be rehomed. If you wish, feel free to pm me and we can "talk." BYC has its policies that frown on publicizing information about certain organizations, and that includes rescue shelters. But they are out there. It is one option. That would take care of knowing you could get a girl duck, but she won't necessarily be real cuddly.

Or perhaps you can find someone else who will be buying sexed ducklings and you can put in an order with that person (in the case of a hatchery with a minimum order), or you can order just two females from somewhere.

 

[duckins]

Great suggestions on here. I was where you are a year ago except i have no chicks. I researched a lot Tsc had min of six my sis got 3 chicks I got 3 ducks my theory if 1 passed 2 would have each other unless you have all day to spend with one because its going to get lonely 2 I assure is not much more work I'm a mom of 4 kids now 15 ducks 3 dogs 1 cat a wife and we own 2 business so I'm very busy but the 3 was not hard they are messy but it must be worth it to go from 3 to 15 lol and fighting erge to get more. I am not bashing Tsc that's where I got my first 3 but they are drakes I've read they get 90-95% drakes knowing it but pass them off as a mix I believe it bc I was standing there out of 100 ducklings she grabbed my 3 from differ spots I recommend metzers or ducks for backyards it's easy get them when you want and sexed if you choose. Please take my advice my 3 drakes love me very much but are extremely mean to my hens they can't be out at same time there are stories on here of drakes killing hens and chickens not sure if all drakes or certain breeds I have pekin boys. I don't use mine for meat but if I didn't love them so much they would be gone. It's your choice on hen vs drake but please no what your getting into as I did not with drakes. Finally if you get them plan on having a lot of laughter they are comedians.

 

[Haunted55]

I've tried and tried to google (and searched through here) the mess out of urban, backyard, etc. ducks. I've gathered that they WILL fly away (unless you have runners), even with clipped wings they can get pretty far, and that they don't need a huge swimming area. Apparently, they are quite messy, though. What else does one need to know about ducks before diving in? I have 3 chicks and I plan to go to tractor supply on chick day. Before I go, I want to know whether I'm making a DUMB decision to bring a duckling home or not. Thanks!

I have Mallards in my flock, the most likely to fly away. I have never clipped their wings, I allow them to free range with the rest of my flock of geese, and Pekin ducks. Not once have they offered to fly anywhere but in the yard. If they have plenty of food and water for drinking and bathing, why would they want to?

Ducks are awesome little creatures guaranteed to make you smile even when they are bad. They will steal your heart and never give it back! Before you go, you need to make sure you have thought about housing for them, a safe covered pen when you can't be with them and finally how much time you can spend with them free ranging. Ducks are a bird that will give you everything if you provide their basic needs. Messy? In my opinion, no where near as a child would be and their messes are easily removed with a garden hose. The 'duck poop soup', from the pool, as one member has called it, is an awesome fertilizer for vegetables and flowers. No composting needed and if you have a slug problem....you won't with ducks. They actively hunt them while free ranging and gobble them up like candy. Another thing about ducks....although they can get sick, most of the diseases that affect chickens and other poultry, have no effect on ducks. Their little bodies run hot enough to protect them from most of the nasties that can affect the others.

 

[Haunted55]

Speaking of dumping Easter ducks, I promote the idea of adopting a rescued duck or one that needs to be rehomed. If you wish, feel free to pm me and we can "talk." BYC has its policies that frown on publicizing information about certain organizations, and that includes rescue shelters. But they are out there. It is one option. That would take care of knowing you could get a girl duck, but she won't necessarily be real cuddly.

Or perhaps you can find someone else who will be buying sexed ducklings and you can put in an order with that person (in the case of a hatchery with a minimum order), or you can order just two females from somewhere.

I really wish I had that option here Amiga, but so far haven't been able to find a group who does this kind of thing up here.

 

[Haunted55]

Domestic ducks will most likely NOT fly away. Almost all of the breeds are much too heavy. You have to be careful if you end up with a drake that he doesn't try to breed your hens. Also I wouldn't advise getting just 1 duck. They are flock creatures.

Truth! Ducks are very social creatures and need more than one of their own to make things work correctly. Even with the flock I have, I would never consider getting just one of a kind. They need the interaction of their own kind to be able to develop properly. One duck, uh-uh, two duck, better.

 

[Peeko]

I strongly second Amiga's suggestion, especially because you'll know the sex of the duckling if you get it once it starts to feather out. Ending up with a drake could be lethal to the chicks.

There are soooooo many abandoned ducks after Easter each year. I'm planning on checking our local shelter for another female to give our drake a new girlfriend to harass, I mean, love.

For one duck, though she'd love a big pool, something just large enough to sit in will make her happy. Make sure her water source is constant and always deep enough to dunk her whole head under.

You don't have to clip her wings too often. When you get her, see if someone there can show you how.

As to one duck being lonely, if she grows up with the chicks, they'll probably giver her all the company she needs. I'm not sure though, as I haven't ever mixed the two. But I've seen all kinds of strange pet friendships, cat with bird, dog with iguana...don't let social norms stop you, lol.

 

[Angelight]

Thanks, everyone! I had planned on at least 2 so they wouldn't be lonely. Should have stated that, eh? I hadn't heard of this after Easter issue. It makes sense, though, considering the same thing happens with rabbits. And puppies after Christmas. I'll definitely consider that but it is important to me that the poultry I have be pretty and friendly as we do live in a subdivision. I want to be able to show my neighbors that the birds don't pose any issues for them as far as noise and smell go, but I also want them to WANT them enough to not try to cause a problem for me when they see that the are not only interesting to watch but they are cuddly, too.