| Registered Member |
Posts:  |
| Joined: 08-27-12 09:05 AM |
|
|
|
 |
 |
| |
 |
|
|
| Reply #: 1 Posted on: 04-03-13 07:41 AM |
  |
| Ducks are very easy to raise. And fun, they all have their own personalities. Well, since you ask what kind of pen, i'll say it depends on where you live, if you have a pond or lake (it's not necessary, they can have a kiddie pool) When i started with my first couple I got 4 ducklings of various kinds at my local feed store. Super easy to raise, they grow really fast. I kept them in a small pen inside with a heat lamp and you feed them Layer feed or chick starter. Go to your feed store, they'll have it. Don't use cedar bedding, it's bad for poultry. I use Pine, and you'll have to change it often as they grow they make quite a mess with their water playing in it and such. After they got big enough in my case, about 6 or 8 weeks they'll be at least mostly feathered and I let mine use the lake that is in my back yard. They are free roaming and come and go as they want..they see my car and come running to me because they know it's time for food. When i'm on the dock they come over and talk to me. Once i got bitten by the duck bug I ordered my first bunch of eggs to try hatching them. I ordered them from efowl because i hadn't yet found this wonderful site. I got cuyogas, runners, buffs, crested. I LOVED my cuyoga, so docile and sweet temperment, and really pretty. Pekins have great personalities too..really they all do. If you're going to hatch my advice is to invest in a decent incubator, you'll have much better results, nothing sucks more than spending 40 or 60 bucks on eggs and having none of them hatch. I have the Brinsea mini..actually i'll get another one so i can hatch more, but it's super easy..it maintains the temperature digitally, it turns the eggs and keeps track of the days. In your case, if you don't have the luxury of a pond or lake for them, then get a pen for them to be in at night, and a little yard..like a large dog run would work depending on how many you have..put a kiddie pool in it and you will be set. you need to make sure though that you make it so the critters can't get in..raccoons, opossums, coyotes, dogs and cats..they'll all be interested in your babies. The more you handle them when they're babies the more they'll hang out with you when they grow. If you have any questions, let me know, i'll answer them if i can, or someone will..this is a great place. This year i'm going to graduate to swans as well...AHHH..the poultry bug has bitten, i'll warn you..it's addicting!! |
|
|
|
|
|
Live Transit Time 
pigeontrader
Quote
