Ducks - advice/discussion

Optimisticpair

I have searched for a thread about duck keeping but didn't find one. I would like to keep a few in my garden if possible. So several questions spring to mind....if anyone can answer or just likes ducks, has anecdotes or pictures to share feel free to use this thread for that. I'd be interested in hearing about experiences with these lovely birds.

Which breed would you choose and why?

How much space do ducks need for a hutch and run?

Should it be a permanent house and run or a movable ark?

What feed is economical?

Is three, two ducks and a drake, a minimum number?

Mojisola

We looked after a friend's ducks while she went on holiday. Some problems we found were that their mess is much worse than chickens and they trampled a lot of plants down. We were glad when they went home and we were back to having just our chickens around.

Smaller ducks might not be such a problem but they will need access to a pond. Land around a permanent house would soon be a real mess. They would need to be free ranging or in a mobile run.

COOLTRIKERCHICK

ideally they should have a pond, but as long as you have a large container so they can wash and duck their heads into, this should be fine..

personally i love ducks, they are soooooooooooo comical, BUT!!!!!!!!!! THEY ARE EXTREMELY MESSY, dont mind where they poo, which is like a watery type mess:eek:,

if you are having them in your back garden, be realistic....with space, and what the neighbours will say...

they def need more room than chickens,

Optimisticpair

My neighbour across the road would like a few hens and ran the idea past me to see if I'd mind, I don't mind at all. We live on the outskirts of the village where there are sheep and chickens close enough to us both for us to hear them so I don't think anyone else would be disturbed by a bit more clucking, crowing from hers and a bit of squeaking and quacking. I'd check first with my other neighbours though.

I've looked after ducks before and yes a disadvantage is that they are messy little blighters. I'd like to know how to deal with that best to see if keeping them is viable.