VERY NEW to ducks

[cow whisperer]

My hubby and I are taking ducks our friends have seeing how our friends are moving to Florida very soon. I have never in my life tended to ducks so I'm out of my element here but I have tended to chickens. I do know they come with a pen and pool plus 3 weeks worth feed and I have to feed/water them plus make sure their pool has water but other than that nothing about ducks. I don't know what kind they are all I know is they are white and I don't think they make lots of noise like other ducks do. Any advice for first time duck owners is greatly appreciated and helpful.

 

[Muscovy Duck Chronicles]

Niacin makes the world move under a ducks feet. One of the most important nutrients and solves a ton of problems. Brewers Yeast seems to be winner in terms of delivery of niacin.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to BYC. This is a great place to explore and hang out.

 

[Papaye]

Hi.

My hubby and I are taking ducks our friends have seeing how our friends are moving to Florida very soon.

That's kind of you.

Did you want ducks, before deciding to take your friends'?

I have never in my life tended to ducks so I'm out of my element here but I have tended to chickens. I do know they come with a pen and pool plus 3 weeks worth feed and I have to feed/water them plus make sure their pool has water but other than that nothing about ducks. I don't know what kind they are all I know is they are white and I don't think they make lots of noise like other ducks do.

...What do you mean, by telling they don't make a lot of noise?
Do they quack, or is their voice raspy?
Because if they don't quack, then that means they are boys...!

You should ask your friends :
• How old are the ducks?
• What breed are they?
• Are they boys, or girls?

It would be great to ask these 3 questions at least...!

...But can you already tell if the ducks are big or small?
And how many are they?

If they are White coloured, my first thought is they could be Pekin ducks : they are the big, white duck with yellow bill and orange feet.
But they also could be White coloured Duclair ducks...? I have learned you have them in America - not the actual, real French ones... but whatever...!
(...Or are they from another breed...?)

Any advice for first time duck owners is greatly appreciated and helpful.

• They need water to not choke on their food, so NEVER give them an access to their food if they don't have water to drink.

• Also : they need waterers big enough so they can dip their head in - because they really need to be able to clean their nostrils.
(That's why ducks' waterers are always dirty; ah, ah!)

• You also will have to give them Oyster Shells Grit, in a different feeder than the one you use to feed them.

• And of course, as you already know, they should, preferably, be able to swim.
Not only to have beautiful feathers : indeed, swimming actually prevent them to be infested by lice/mites...
(I think the water just... drow lice and mites to death?)

• Also : you can give them corn, but NOT too much.
Corn can negatively affect their health... it is especially not good for their heart!

•...What else...?
Do ask your questions if you have them.

 

[Blue Andalusian]

My hubby and I are taking ducks our friends have seeing how our friends are moving to Florida very soon. I have never in my life tended to ducks so I'm out of my element here but I have tended to chickens. I do know they come with a pen and pool plus 3 weeks worth feed and I have to feed/water them plus make sure their pool has water but other than that nothing about ducks. I don't know what kind they are all I know is they are white and I don't think they make lots of noise like other ducks do. Any advice for first time duck owners is greatly appreciated and helpful.

1. Ducks are very Messy, so if your putting them in a big metal water tank (or something). You'll have to clean out the Bedding EVERYDAY, twice a day. Maybe. 2. Ducks need to have at least 2 other ducks with them (so 3 in total). 3. Ducks shouldn't be on a slippery surface. I'm not sure what age your getting your ducks at, so just keep this stuff in mind. 4. Ducks Do NEED to Swim, so make sure you have them in a Pond. A big Kiddiepool would work too, or a plastic water bucket/tank