I've decided I want to get into ducks. The trouble is I can't decide which breed!
I think I've narrowed it down to 4 breeds. Blue Swedish, Rouen, Cayuga, Welsh Harlequin. I was thinking of just 4 but then maybe 6. Just 1 drake though. Which breed has the most strikeing drake? Would they be ok in a mix of the breeds? I've never had my own ducks but my mother has had pekin and call ducks. I live on a farm and have plenty of room. I was thinking of getting either a calf hutch or building something like that for shelter. Would it need a floor? I could put straw around it for extra insulation in winter. They would be in a fenced area in the horse pasture. There is 3 fences surrounding the area including an electric fence. I am concerned about hawks and owls. My mother has lost some ducks to them in the past. So, I do want to lock them up at night. I was thinking of a kiddie pool for summer but not sure for winter. Maybe a metal water trough with a heater. I live in Northern IL where we do get pretty cold weather. Do they need a place to swim or would a large metal bucket be enough for winter? Any suggestions, comments, or advice on the breeds or shelter or pools is most welcome.
Thanks so much!
I think I've narrowed it down to 4 breeds. Blue Swedish, Rouen, Cayuga, Welsh Harlequin. I was thinking of just 4 but then maybe 6. Just 1 drake though. Which breed has the most strikeing drake? Would they be ok in a mix of the breeds? I've never had my own ducks but my mother has had pekin and call ducks. I live on a farm and have plenty of room. I was thinking of getting either a calf hutch or building something like that for shelter. Would it need a floor? I could put straw around it for extra insulation in winter. They would be in a fenced area in the horse pasture. There is 3 fences surrounding the area including an electric fence. I am concerned about hawks and owls. My mother has lost some ducks to them in the past. So, I do want to lock them up at night. I was thinking of a kiddie pool for summer but not sure for winter. Maybe a metal water trough with a heater. I live in Northern IL where we do get pretty cold weather. Do they need a place to swim or would a large metal bucket be enough for winter? Any suggestions, comments, or advice on the breeds or shelter or pools is most welcome.
Thanks so much!