karlotta Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 I've been debating getting some ducks for a while now and after much discussion and web-browsing I decided that while I adore eglus (can you tell from my signature!?) I'm not sure any of them are quite tall enough for the runner ducks that I've set my heart on. So I'm facing the prospect of clearing out the 6x8 shed that is currently full of a load of junk in order to house them! I'm pretty sure it's watertight and will of course check the doors etc are predator proof. Other than that what do I need in there? I'm thinking of replacing the glass with wire mesh for ventilation (maybe with a shutter for the extra cold weather) and some lino on the floor to make it easier to clean out. Any other ideas? I assume I don't need nestboxes (and perches!!) and that they'll just snuggle down in the aubiose (will this be ok?) to go to sleep. Will a shed be ok for just a few (to start with!!! - I know my addictive personality!!) or will they rattle around and get cold in the winter? Sorry for all the questions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miller30 Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 Hi i love my runners everything sounds fine to me no they dont need perches or nestboxes mine sleep on a layer of shavings and then a layer of straw in the winter i just give them some extra straw leanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky1 Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 Hi Karlotta I think you have it pretty well covered. I've never used aubiose (can't even pronounce it ) but I seem to remember someone (may have been Tom) saying that aubiose isn't great as they may try and eat it and it would tend to block their nostrils. I'd stick to shavings or straw. Good Luck - let us know how you get on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlotta Posted August 1, 2010 Author Share Posted August 1, 2010 That's interesting about the aubiose (i still mumble it's name at the feed store because I'm not 100% sure if I'm pronouncing it right!). It transpires that my shed roof is a bit leaky so I've had to speak nicely to my uncle who's 'volunteered' to re-do the felt on top! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted August 2, 2010 Share Posted August 2, 2010 We use Aubiose (or-bee-ose) for our ducks and it is fine for them. Sometimes we use a deep layer of straw. The mesh window would be good, especially if you can cover it in really bad weather - they need ventilation but not a draught. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 A bog standard coop that takes about 6 hens is perfectly fine because they bend down to get in anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blues08 Posted August 8, 2010 Share Posted August 8, 2010 Maybe a light for those winter nights, there are quite cheap solar ones you can get with a remote control, batteries last about a month in the winter and most of the summer without a mains charge, easy to install. Standard chopped straw is quite cheap and there is some available with eucalyptus. Carl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlotta Posted August 8, 2010 Author Share Posted August 8, 2010 Ooh it's Got a light! Eucalyptus straw sound nice! My new shed roof is going on as we speak! Do I need particular feeders for ducks to accommodate bills rather than beaks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 8, 2010 Share Posted August 8, 2010 I just use a big bowl. It doesn't matter if it gets wet because they filter feed anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 Ooh it's Got a light! Eucalyptus straw sound nice! My new shed roof is going on as we speak! Do I need particular feeders for ducks to accommodate bills rather than beaks? You need shallow dishes or bowls for ducks as they scoop their feed rather than peck it up. Use pellets not mash as mash will clog their nostrils. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlotta Posted August 9, 2010 Author Share Posted August 9, 2010 I'm almost disappointed that I can probably find a dish to suit in my collection - I do love buying a nice new feeder. Depending on the age of the ducks, I understand I can feed standard layers/growers to ducks. Or is it better to look for a duck food? Going to crack on with clearing the garage after work today so the bits in the shed that need to stay, have a new home. The outside of the shed was treated as well as a new roof yesterday - the shed is raised up a bit so think I may need to fashion a step/ramp too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 A good ramp will be good - we use marine ply and they are fine with that. I don't bother with duck feed - we use growers and then layers, same as the hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlotta Posted August 21, 2010 Author Share Posted August 21, 2010 I'm sure I saw a great log-roll ramp on here somewhere... but can't find it now. Would runners cope with this? Shed is now treated and I've just been and bought some great hospital grade vinyl for the floor that has a texture to make it un-slippy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henriette Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 I think your ducks are going to have a wonderful life with you I adore Indian Runners, but I can't be greedy - already have the Muscovies which are growing at a fantastic rate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlotta Posted August 28, 2010 Author Share Posted August 28, 2010 So ramp is made (from that stiff log-roll edging stuff) and poultry netting is up! Now to get a nice trug for paddling and find some ducks! Runners? Muscovies? Runners? Muscovies? Decisions, decisions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom123 Posted August 28, 2010 Share Posted August 28, 2010 All sounds good so far! Personally, for your first ducks, I would go for Runners but thats my opinion! Why not go and have a look at both (if poss) and speak to a breeder and see what they think will suit your setup better. I have a feeling Muscovies are good flyers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henriette Posted August 29, 2010 Share Posted August 29, 2010 All sounds good so far! Personally, for your first ducks, I would go for Runners but thats my opinion! . I have a feeling Muscovies are good flyers? I agree, go for Runners, they are wonderful little souls. Muscovies are good flyers, but the last ones I had were happy where they were and didn't fly away. The ones we have at the moment are still very young so haven't made any attempts to escape yet. They are wonderful too though!! As you say, decisions, decisions. Another thought though, Aylesburys are great little characters too and lay loads of scrummy eggs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted August 29, 2010 Share Posted August 29, 2010 As for what breed all I can say is I am looking forward to my Cayuga's. So maybe they could be on your list? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlotta Posted September 4, 2010 Author Share Posted September 4, 2010 Well I've just got back from a lovely breeder not far from me and I'm now the proud owner of 4 lovely runners. I have a pair of White, a khaki and one that's appleyard. They haven't ventured out of the shed yet but have peered round the corner! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted September 4, 2010 Share Posted September 4, 2010 Get that camera out please. Today is a good day for getting ducks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henriette Posted September 5, 2010 Share Posted September 5, 2010 looking forward to seeing some photos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlotta Posted September 5, 2010 Author Share Posted September 5, 2010 Here they are!! They do seem quite nervous and have spent most of the day in the shed! Especially when they saw Martha and Lola (newfies and rather different from the Border Collies they are used to!). They have plenty of space in there (plus food and water) so I guess they'll venture out in their own time! Runner Ducks by *karlotta*, on Flickr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henriette Posted September 5, 2010 Share Posted September 5, 2010 They are just adorable! You must be thrilled to bits Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted September 5, 2010 Share Posted September 5, 2010 Really lovely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlotta Posted September 6, 2010 Author Share Posted September 6, 2010 They're up and having a little swim in the low and wide feed bucket I thought might suit... But they don't like queuing... Think I need some thing bigger! Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
