We Started With Four Ducklings
Right after we moved into our home in 2012, we bought four ducklings from the local feed store. We started with four ducklings on our farm. We only planned on having four ducks, but we learned quickly that ducks are prolific layers and hide their nests really well. In fact, they are so good at hiding their nests that we now have eighteen ducks!
Water! Water! Water!
Ducks are fun to watch and really easy to please. They love water! As long as they have a puddle, pool, or water bowl, they are happy. They are little clowns and when we feed them and give them water they excitedly run around in circles quacking at us. Their little legs can’t keep up with their excitement!
The only downside to raising ducks is they are messy! Their water dishes have to be cleaned out at least once a day because they constantly get mud in them. Not to mention the fact that they use all of their water sources as their personal bathroom. Yuck! We dug a huge pond for them that they loved, but after a year, we had to fill it in because we couldn’t keep it clean enough. So now they have small swimming pools that are easier to dump out, clean, and refill every week.
Housing
Each group of ducks has a large heated house. We use straw as the bedding because it’s easier to clean than wood shavings and it doesn’t stick to the ducks’ wet feet.
Bringing Peace To The Flock
Like with chicken roosters, male ducks (drakes) fight with each other. We’ve had some get into fights and rip the webbing off of each other’s feet. Because of their fighting, we had to separate the drakes into groups of two and three per house and yard. We paired up the ones that get along with each other so they won’t be lonely. The hens are together in one house with two drakes.
Food
The ducks are allowed to free range only when we can keep an eye on them. Compared to the chickens, they don’t seem to be able to fly very well (unless a gust of wind picks them up and helps them). If a predator came onto the property, we’re afraid they wouldn’t be able to get to safety. We feed them a high protein gamebird food and supplement with grains, mealworms, and fruits/vegetables. The hens also get a calcium supplement.