Waterfowl project 2010

[Anonymous]

Howdy everybody,thought that I would get that out of the way with first off. I am one of your few members from the states so hi :lol: . Now it is time to get down to buisness. I am looking for some waterfowl but I don't really know all that much about them. I have had chickens for a l o n g time so I have a little bit of poultry experience. Anyway I will give you all a run down of my situation. I am looking to expand my poultry "arsenal" because they do so many wonderful things around the farm. The guineas eat bugs,the chickens keep the bugs down too. The peafowl are keeping the lizard population in check. So everybody is doing their job. What I plan on doing is buying some ducks(around 5 or so ducklings) to cut down the bug population. I would also like something to roam the yard to keep the grass down. I am not expecting a miracle to take place and never have to mow the grass again,but I would like to have something that will nibble on it. Will ducks do that or is that the goose's area of expertise? Well that brings me to another problem,my neighbor (who happens to be my mother) is afraid of geese. She seems to think that they are wretched animals bent on killing people. Is that true? Are they really all very agressive? They would have 5 acres to roam on with the chickens and guineas. So my question is, what are my options for poultry powered grass removal?

I will get ducks regardless but I want to know if I should get geese too.

Thanks

~~poultry farmer

 

[Davidd]

Hi, hello and welcome- ducks will not keep your grass down- they will turn it to mud if they can Muskovies graze a little and don't make too much mess.
if you want something to graze the grass then geese are the answer- as long as the grass is short to start with they will keep it down ( if you have enough )
As for aggression- some breeds are more docile than others- and most can be a little naughty in the breeding season- but they are lovely creatures and get to know you and your family - some breeds to consider- ( although i don't know what's available where you are)
Toulouse- large, docile, placid birds- not the best grazers but dont wander far from home and not too aggressive
chinese- none aggressive, good layers/sitters but can be very, very, vocal :shock: especially with strangers -good gaurd dogs!
embden- large white birds- good for meat and can be very aggressive
American Buff- lovely big, buff coloured birds- not too aggressive and good mowers
there are loads of others- West of England, Pilgrim, Steinbachers, roman, sebastopol etc- you need to do some research and find a breed you like the look of
let us know how you go,
regards, David

 

[steeple ducks]

Hi, Pilgrim geese are great grazers, wanting or needing little else to eat. Goslings are pretty much the cutest, dearest little beasts there are, they will run up to greet you, sit with you, walk with you and share a chat and a cuddle. If you could get some goslings, as you might be lucky enough to do in the States, and leave them with your mother, 10 minutes should be enough for them to win her over! Pilgrims are known for their gentle nature but other breeds can be also.