Sloppy's Domestic Ducks: Need Care Tips & Advice

[Scott Kirsch]

The mean, cold winter has set in and I have noticed that my 3 "mutt mallard" ducks ($2.37 per duck at Tractor Supply) are looking for shelter/food on a regular basis. I have a 1-acre pond (frozen currently) that they live in but fox and coyote predators abound.

What are the proper shelter, protection, pond aerator, etc. maintenance/preparations that I should be doing for my 1 hen and 2 drakes?

Only thing I do right now is to give them 32 ounces of poultry feed every other day. Thanks. -Sloppy

[goosereaper]

waht i would say is give em a little more feed every other day(like 40ounces), and break a hole in the middle of that pond, and o=put a 750gph(i think its gph) bilge pump in there, that should keep a good sized hole open for em.

Adam M

[Scott Kirsch]

goosereaper said:

waht i would say is give em a little more feed every other day(like 40ounces), and break a hole in the middle of that pond, and o=put a 750gph(i think its gph) bilge pump in there, that should keep a good sized hole open for em.

Adam M

Thanks Adam. Do I need to build them a shelter house maybe with some hay in it? My reservation is that a racoon or fox will trap them in the shelter. What do you think (anyone)? -Sloppy

[goosereaper]

just let em roost in the opening on the pond, a fox, raccoon or coyote dont have the cahones to walk out there if it sees open water... the only time ive seen mark have his tamies in a house thing is when they are just little ducklings and cant fly yet. after that they stayed on his pond, it was airated and always had at least 1 open spot. if u want u can set up a nest type thing made outta hay without a shelter around it, maybe beside a building or something. they would probably set up on that

Adam M