Weedy Patch Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 Hi all, we have kept chickens for many years now but have always wanted to keep a few ducks in the garden too. So now we're exploring this and trying to decide on a breed as well as doing tons of research about ducks in general. We do like Indian Runners but we're open to suggestions! We have what we'd call a very large prefab shed/garage that's sitting empty, we wondered if this could be used as a duck shelter, with a large walk-in run attached to the outside. Suggestions and advice most welcome, we'd really like to get this right before getting to the next stage! Many thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 Ducks are a LOT messier than chickens, everything is always a bit damp and instead of scratching they filter through wet soil/compost with their beaks. Because of that I'm not sure a garage would work but maybe posting a photo will help? I bought an eglu Go for my ducks 'cos its so easy to wash out the flat tray in the base I love Call Ducks but they're a bit loud - Khaki Campbells (I have 3 really cute ducklings) or Aylesburys would be my next suggestions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddie Posted April 6, 2013 Share Posted April 6, 2013 Hi Lewis, do you think I can get two Khakis in a classic? got everything here, but no ducks... next week, maybe, when I'vesorted out my poorly chicken... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted April 7, 2013 Share Posted April 7, 2013 Hey K, Yeah they'll be fine in the classic - I'd take the roosting bars out which might make the nest box a bit high but they'll be fine. I'd ideally use a Rablu base but chicken version will be ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddie Posted April 7, 2013 Share Posted April 7, 2013 Thank for that ... 2am Lewis!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted April 7, 2013 Share Posted April 7, 2013 Working 17 hour night shifts (2pm-7am) for Lambing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted April 8, 2013 Share Posted April 8, 2013 Weedy Patch what do you want your ducks for? Eggs, feathers, meat, to have cute waddlers about the garden, to mix with your hens? I have Call Ducks as I wanted cute waddlers and they certainly are that. The girlies can be quite loud at first till they settle down (I've had my little girl for about 4 months now and having been quite noisy to start with she is now a quiet little soul) but the boys make no noise at all. Larger ducks can, as said above, be mucky mud spreaders, but my Call Ducks are extremely clean little beings, much cleaner than my chickens both in terms of poo and because they don't scratch. Here they are and getting along with the chickens I found good books on ducks much harder to come by than books on chickens but found these three very helpful: "Starting with Ducks" by Katie Thear "Choosing and Keeping Ducks and Geese" by Liz Wright "Keeping Ducks and Geese" by Chris & Mike Ashton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
