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Barnyard Buddies:  I got my ducks!!  |
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 17 2007 : 10:00:34 AM
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I'm so excited and will post a photo as soon as I can get my DD to bring over her camera.
So...a lady farmer not far from us had two Muscovy's adopt HER and proudly presented her with 11 ducklings a month later. She didn't want to have ducks so ask me to take them all...<ahem>, no, but I'll take four of the babies! So I now have Ty, (a beautiful black drake with a green sheen), Tweed (another drake who has a white collar under the most expensive tweed suit!!), Fawn (the prettiest little tan colored girl) and Abby (she's brown and white and has the sweetest little face).
They love their pond (I thought Muscovy's weren't partial to water???) and have really calmed down.
So here's a couple of questions for all you duck fanciers out there...
1. Will my two drakes eventually fight, and worse yet will they breed their sisters? Should I make the effort to get rid of one of the drakes (or both) and bring in a new drake for a new blood line?
2. I've read mixed ideas about calcium for ducks, particularly the females if/when the begin to lay. Needed??
3. Because they are young, I have them on a duck grower ration. Is this like chicken grower that is maybe too high in protein? These are pets, not for the table. Should I change feed, and at what point?
There are tons of books out there on ducks and I have read a couple that contradicted each other. Any ideas on a GOOD commonsense book?
Di - happy duck mommy!!
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
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UrbanFarmGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
57 Posts
Megan
Surprise
AZ
USA
57 Posts |
Posted - Jul 17 2007 : 10:14:41 AM
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Oh how I love ducks! (Since I don't have a farm and no farm animals, ducks are all I get to enjoy!)
I would read Barnyard in Your Backyard and also Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks. Both are consistent in their information. Storey's is VERY detailed about food rations (both commercial and homemade mixes).
Calcium is a must for your females, especially if they are good layers. The calcium % in your laying feed should be increased or give them supplemental grit/crushed egg shells. This should be started 2-3 weeks prior to laying and throughout the laying season. The calcium will help replace what the hen looses when she lays. If the body does not replace what is lost, then you end up with fragile bones. Not good. Girls, anyone else have imput on the calcium issue?
As for the drakes fighting, they might not fight if there are enough hens for the both of them to service. Maybe keep one drake? As for inbreeding, I will have to read about that. I don't think it would be an issue as long as the eggs are not fertilized.
Married to my hubby & the Army, my Siamese, Jake the Drake and my birdies! |
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Phils Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
1095 Posts
Ann
Parsonsburg
Maryland
USA
1095 Posts |
Posted - Jul 17 2007 : 1:40:12 PM
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Diane, congratulations! Mosgovys are so pretty. I remember my MIL's female duck, Alvin, who loved spaghetti... and MOM! It was such fun to watch. I can just imagine all four of them following you in a line.
Ann
Sairy Hill Thicket
There is a Redeemer. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jul 17 2007 : 6:42:25 PM
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Your ducks sound great! It seems like lots of farmgirls are getting ducks lately! How fun! I wish I could have one, but I think Sky might get mad if I brought another critter home! LOL
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
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Barnyard Buddies: I got my ducks!! |
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I got my ducks!!
