O.K.,started on duck house,plenty of water sorted now looking for yet more advice for this duck novice.First,will the ducks mix O.K. with my dozen + free range hens,second,to avoid problems with[so far very tolerant]neighbours what breed is recommended as being quietest?Also any special preps. with winter in mind?thanks.
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- Thread starter Martdog3
- Start date
foxy
Active member
I am not sure how much space you have, but a quiet and lovely breed, once you get over their features have to be Muscovies, they are my all time favourite, intelligent with a GSOH. I have runners too, but they actually can be quite noisy in the morning or they just quack for no reason at all. Trying to get them to bed at night will possibly drive you to distraction..bit like trying to herd manic skittles who are convinced you are trying to kill them! 
Avoid call ducks at all cost if you want to continue to enjoy your tolerant neighbours.
I am sure others will be along to give you the low down on other duck breeds, I only keep runners and mussies..have dabbled(dabbled? ) with cuyagas but found them quite boring after the fun and games with my lot.
Avoid call ducks at all cost if you want to continue to enjoy your tolerant neighbours. I am sure others will be along to give you the low down on other duck breeds, I only keep runners and mussies..have dabbled(dabbled?
) with cuyagas but found them quite boring after the fun and games with my lot.NEWTODUCKS
New member
Having only got and only ever having had runners I can echo what Foxy says which I must admit I find abit reassuring cos I thought mine must have some mental incapacity! At night you'd think they had no idea where they were meant to go and I'm up and down the garden sometimes several times trying to herd them in.They can be heard quacking and carrying on from about 7am wanting to be let out and they then tumble out falling over each other like lunatics.They do however mix very well with both the hens and the dogs!.
I know others with Muscovies who love them to bits and one who tells me hers comes in the house-very easy to tame apparently-but not in my opinion very attractive.But looks aren't everything are they?
I know others with Muscovies who love them to bits and one who tells me hers comes in the house-very easy to tame apparently-but not in my opinion very attractive.But looks aren't everything are they?
Morning..
I agree with foxy, I have 27 runners and yes they are noisy. 2 muscovies but not sure yet as they are shy and very very powerfull birds. But my saxon's are great. One thing is that they do not turn up the ground they are in closed in. Alybury's well..... loads of food, nessy and bully's due to there size.
Also runners need to run and graze a large area or its a bit wrong, in the day time.
Im I about right foxy or you found yours differant....
I have just started by the way putting them on strew in there in pen as all the rain and there feet are turning up the ground. Its a bit early but I find it helps them keep dry and clean. I buy a full bale off a farmer nearby at £15. Thats the big ones you see in the fields and it will last all winter normally if you keep it dry.
Have you got the feeder's and drinker's sorted as this can be funn to sort. Ducks need a bigger feeder, not to do with the amount it holds but there bill size. I have found a new supply which I will post if you need...?
Also build a feed hanger, dead easy or you will get rats and mice very fast, will post plan of if needed ?
Another thing to make sure is to leave a tray of grit out or you will end up with loads of bill size holes and mud every where.
Any problem's just ask at this site and you will get the best advice, every body is really helpfull. Its great. I dont known what I would do with out it
Good luck with sorting it all out...
Cheers off now to do animales
Matthew
I agree with foxy, I have 27 runners and yes they are noisy. 2 muscovies but not sure yet as they are shy and very very powerfull birds. But my saxon's are great. One thing is that they do not turn up the ground they are in closed in. Alybury's well..... loads of food, nessy and bully's due to there size.
Also runners need to run and graze a large area or its a bit wrong, in the day time.
Im I about right foxy or you found yours differant....
I have just started by the way putting them on strew in there in pen as all the rain and there feet are turning up the ground. Its a bit early but I find it helps them keep dry and clean. I buy a full bale off a farmer nearby at £15. Thats the big ones you see in the fields and it will last all winter normally if you keep it dry.
Have you got the feeder's and drinker's sorted as this can be funn to sort. Ducks need a bigger feeder, not to do with the amount it holds but there bill size. I have found a new supply which I will post if you need...?
Also build a feed hanger, dead easy or you will get rats and mice very fast, will post plan of if needed ?
Another thing to make sure is to leave a tray of grit out or you will end up with loads of bill size holes and mud every where.
Any problem's just ask at this site and you will get the best advice, every body is really helpfull. Its great. I dont known what I would do with out it
Good luck with sorting it all out...
Cheers off now to do animales
Matthew
Feed hanger photos/plans would be very handy Matt as I find most of the chicken feeders don't work well for ducks.
I have renewed my acquaintance with Muscovies in the last year and am very pleased I did. Such a range of colours and patterns available now for this quiet breed. They can be friendly and inquisitive, very easy to train with a bit of mixed corn and are also quite easily driven. The biggest problem is the flying and they will leave home if the wings are not clipped which I am always very reluctant to do and with chickens too as it spoils their looks. Virtually noise free and are pleased to roost off the floor given the chance.
I have renewed my acquaintance with Muscovies in the last year and am very pleased I did. Such a range of colours and patterns available now for this quiet breed. They can be friendly and inquisitive, very easy to train with a bit of mixed corn and are also quite easily driven. The biggest problem is the flying and they will leave home if the wings are not clipped which I am always very reluctant to do and with chickens too as it spoils their looks. Virtually noise free and are pleased to roost off the floor given the chance.
Evening
Will get you photo's tomorrow and down load them tomorrow evening....
I have make a few now all differant designs so will do all of them. All are light weight so my girl friend can lift them by herself to fresh ground but
you could add wheels really easy. Anyway have a look, then make one even better than mine and send me your plan's. ---Thats a great plan hay!
Cheers
Matthew
Will get you photo's tomorrow and down load them tomorrow evening....
I have make a few now all differant designs so will do all of them. All are light weight so my girl friend can lift them by herself to fresh ground but
you could add wheels really easy. Anyway have a look, then make one even better than mine and send me your plan's. ---Thats a great plan hay!
Cheers
Matthew