So what about ducks? I go to the farm supply store to pick up my baby peeps and there they are. Just sitting there doing what ducks do and being absolutely adorable. I almost had to bring a few home when I was there and they got to my son as well. Then last weekend my husband comes home from his day and tells me he almost brought me home a couple of little baby ducks. At this point I hadn't entertained the idea of ducks added to the backyard flock. But now, now I have the idea in my head and can't shake it. I have been reading and looking up information on ducks since then. Trying to learn as much as I can. I have learned that they are messy and that they poop a lot. I have also learned that they are very friendly and make your chickens more friendly, that they rarely contract illness'. That the ducks can eat what the chickens eat. And so much more information. I have only touched the surface. There is a lot of positive to go with the ducks. The negatives for me are the messy part and that they get water everywhere. So even if I kept the waterers in the run there would still be a watery mess. Just in the dirt, turning it to mud. But how much mud? Should I just stick with chickens? Or do I get ducks? Am I letting their cuteness get to me? Ducks or no ducks? That is the question. Any of you have experience with ducks? Advice or guidance?
I say go for it! I am more fascinated by ducks than I am with chickens. Start off with a couple. Sounds like DH is on board which is half the battle anyway!
ReplyDeleteAt this point I am leaning towards getting just two ducks. Hopefully just two won't be super messy and I will keep them in the coop but keep the water outside. Thinking on a plan to house them on their own if they start getting the coop and run too messy.
DeleteDucks are higher maintenance than chickens and smell worse if they are penned, but if you can let them roam, even part of the day, they do really well. I know what you mean about seeing them along side the chicks at the feed store. They are the cutest things ever! Another thought, if you do get them, keep in mind that mallards may end up flying away. I had that happen one year. One day, I went out to do chores and the mallards just up and flew off. They made it to the neighbors field and then took off again. That was that.
ReplyDeleteAww that's too bad your ducks flew away. What about clipping their wings? Would that work? My run is fully enclosed and if I move the ducks (if I get them) to their own area I will cover that area as well. Hoping that if I get just two they won't make a huge impact on the mess factor, smell or maintenance??
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