The Poultry Keeper

purdie · Joined: 21 Nov 2008 Posts: 2

hi i would like some advice on keeping ducks i do not have any experience i have a very large pond and lots of land would like to know what breeds are best for a beginner and how many pairs should i start with i would like to build a floating island and would like to know what type of shelter to build on it any advice appreciated

Sylvia · Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2008 6:20 pm Post subject:

Hello Purdie and welcome to the forum.

With regard to what breed of duck to keep I think from the following recent discussion the Indian Runner seemed to be a firm favourite.

http://forums.thepoultrykeeper.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=19280

I would also like to build a floating island so will be interested in the replies you get.

Welsh Duck · Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2008 8:11 pm Post subject:

Choosing a breed of duck depends on what you want from them. If you want eggs then go for campbells or runners. If you want small birds that can hatch their own eggs then go for call ducks or miniature silver appleyards. Remember that call ducks are very noisy if you have neighbours. Muscovies also hatch and rear their own young.

I'm not convinced that floating Islands are a good thing as foxes can swim. Also when the pond freezes over he just walks across.

Sometimes birds will sleep on the side of the bank etc etc. If a shed for overnight protection is not used the pond should really be surrounded by fox proof fencing to ensure the safety of the birds Very Happy

purdie · Joined: 21 Nov 2008 Posts: 2

thanks for advice" pond " is maybe understating .it is a very exspansive area of water and would be to much to fence off also i do not think it will freeze over also no neighbours to worry about but do not like the thought of a fox getting to them

alyvin · Joined: 14 Jun 2008 Posts: 20

I know this is probably a daft question but don't ducks just fly away? What makes them stay with their owners?

MrMikey · Joined: 13 Nov 2008 Posts: 19

My Time To Be Useful now Very Happy

Many Domectic Ducks Lost there flight abillity years ago.

I think they just sat in cages then the new generations had no need to fly because of them being in a cage.

james419 · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 9:09 pm Post subject:

The meat birds put on weight so quickly that they are unable to fly as they cannot fly they have less exercise and put on weight more quickly -same reason for confining chicken for meat as they grow