What do ducks REQUIRE?

[Cindiloohoo]

I have never had ducks. I have a person that wants to give me 10 mixed breed ducks, a mom and 9 babies(2-3 months old), or they will just slaughter them. I have been thinking about raising ducks for eggs and can't really pass up a free flock if I have all the requirements to makes sure they have an adequate place to stay. I have a stall they can be kept in at night that is predator proof, and has bedding already down. What are their HAVE TO HAVE items, and what else is recommended. I have 2 weeks to make a final decision of whether or not to take them. I do not have a pond, but I do have a pool I could use, and we are wanting to dig a pond this summer. So would a pool be sufficient as a temporary water supply for them to swim in?

 

[TennesseeTruly]

We use kiddie pools for our ducks and geese. As long as you have a safe place to keep them at night, that's the most important thing. I have runs for mine. They have a large run that is uncovered and a smaller run that is covered. We absolutely adore our ducks. We have Pekins, Calls and Runners.

Good luck, I would definitely take them. And btw, duck eggs are absolutely wonderful for baking!!! YUM!!

Laurie

 

[ChickenToes]

They don't really need anything different than chickens need. The only thing I can think of is that they need a different type of waterer, because ducks need to be able to submerge their heads completely to clean out their nostrils. In the summer I use a kiddie pool, in the winter I use a 3 gallon black rubber bowl. I feed mine layer feed, but if you want you can feed ducks game bird feed or waterfowl feed.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

Yeah, I like duck eggs too. The only other question I guess I have is will they fly off? They will be ranging with my chickens, goats, and turkeys...they are all compatible and will get along, right?

 

[jacyjones]

Ducks need water they can get their head into. Of course they love to swim but it is not vital they can get in completely! They make a lot of mess - they chuck water about and poo in it and their poo is very messy and smelly. I am not trying to put you off - they are fantastic and their eggs are amazing. My ducks share a shed with the chickens and eat the layers pellets I feed them. They have few other requirements really, they are happy rootling about and chatting to each other. You will need to get rid of drakes tho if you turn out to have a few - 1 for that number of ducks should be ok if you want a drake.
Good luck with it!

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

Quote:
Air Freshener....

 

[Cindiloohoo]

Quote:
Air Freshener....

EWWW...LOL! Good to know they don't have that many requirements! I think I can manage with what I have already here. I should be able to set them up pretty easily which is good for the budget

Thanks folks! That's what I needed to know! If ya have any tips for a happy healthy flock please share! I want to make them feel at home

 

[redhen]

Most domestic ducks wont fly off.. (muscovys will though)
they will need a pond or a kiddie pool with steps/rocks so they can get into the water...(i use 2 kiddie pools)
they need a water bowl..something that can submerge their WHOLE bill into when eating..or they can choke on the food...
they will need shelter at night..(dog house//or something like that will do)

 

[axtin125]

I think ducks are a good thing to have if you have chickens

 

[toletiquesbysam]

Here's a good site to go to....
http://www.backyardpoultrymag.com/issues/2/2-5/Dave_Holderread.html