Lesley Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 I know absolutely nothing about ducks (but this time last year I knew nothing about chickens either!) Are all ducks noisy? Can you keep them in close proximity to neighbours? How much water do they need? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motherhen Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 I've had Khaki Cambells, Mandarins and various large mongrels bred for eating. They can all be noisy at times although the Mandarins were the quietest. They definitely do need water for swimming in as well as eating - unlike geese that are grazers ducks in the wild get their food from ponds, rivers etc so like to have lots of water right by their food. They are also, if my memory serves me correctly going back 20 years, a lot messier than hens and their poo smelt more. However things will have changed in 20 years and I'm sure the omlet guys will have sorted out a breed/hybrid that is suited to the ducklu and is quiet and cleanish. But I still think they will need some water to paddle in at least. I think I saw a collapsable duck pond on one of the poulty supply sites so you could investigate that. My ducks and hens free ranged together very happily but did have separate housing. I'll be interested to read the duck section on the omlet site if it is as comprehensive as the hen one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted May 18, 2005 Author Share Posted May 18, 2005 Hmmmmm............ Our neighbour doesn't speak to us now - without ducks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 LSH is out just now, but I've a feeling he said that they trash a garden pond, a bit like chooks in veg.plot. Not sure, but I'd check that 1st if you like the balance of plants & creatures in an existing pond. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motherhen Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Trash is a strong word - my girls just regard themselves as ground clearers - sort of organic agent orange Ducks do eat some (ok all) the plants and weeds in a pond but I don't remember mine eating any of the goldfish. So they might be saving you that awful job of clearing out excess weed. OK they'll muddy up the edges a bit and shred your prize water lilys and leave smelly poops all round the pond, but they are lovely creatures and real characters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 (edited) Trash is a strong word - my girls just regard themselves as ground clearers - sort of organic agent orange Ducks do eat some (ok all) the plants and weeds in a pond. Yes, I meant the weed that you may want to keep in the pond, that after all does support other life. It'll be gone! Didn't intend to sound negative, just thought I should point out any downside before anyone had a dreadful shock! I suppose there are ponds & ponds. I was thinking that we wouldn't want to spoil our existing ponds, much as I'd love ducks. But if someone started out to deliberately provide a duckpond, that would be different! Good idea about the solid edging. Can't wait to hear more about ducks, the mandarins sound lovely. Edited May 19, 2005 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motherhen Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 My girls would deny they 'trash' anything. Regarding cultivated ground I feel the word 'decimate' or total oblivion of anything remotely green or growing would be more appropriate. But they are brilliant at cleaning vine weevils out of compost, so I guess all is forgiven That is one thing about ducks - they don't scratch at flower and veggie beds - in fact I can't remember mine going much after any green bits that weren't in the pond or stream. A newcomer to the forum keeps ducks and geese, so hopefully she'll sort us out with some up to date info on the garden/pond modifying habits of ducks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsnesbitt Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 That's me I think!! Sure fire away with any questions...I have some great pics too but can't work out what to do with them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 LSH is out just now, but I've a feeling he said that they trash a garden pond, a bit like chooks in veg.plot. Not sure, but I'd check that 1st if you like the balance of plants & creatures in an existing pond. ok...I'll amend it to....they decimate, or send to total oblivion anything remotely green or growing...in a garden pond. Wasn't having a go at your lovely girls Jane! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motherhen Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 Hi mrsnesbitt Thanks for taking up position of forum duck expert I note that we don't have a moderator for the ducks yet I think the photoalbum is down at the moment while they upgrade the website. However Kate is brilliant at sorting out photo problems so you could post or pm her. Looking forward to seeing your photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 I think the photoalbum is down at the moment while they upgrade the website. However Kate is brilliant at sorting out photo problems so you could post or pm her. .... ......sorry, I just fell off my chair laughing at that Jane! Brilliant in the gallery? Me? I'm the one who posted 46 empty albums in Louise's photo album ! That's the only reason James gave me admin powers in there - so I can delete myself and save him an afternoon's work ! Seriously though, any problems you have trying to post in the gallery, let me know - I have a wonderful magic wand now . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
