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Post by painter on Nov 21, 2008 17:01:57 GMT 8
I would like to get some ducks when we move, some I would like to keep penned at night near the house as 'pets' but I would also like to have some free range type ones for the dam - will these survive if they are not locked up at night?
I know nothing about ducks...LOL other than indian runners would be good for working with my border collies;) I would like friendly ducks, but I love the look of mandarins (not sure if they will go ok with runners?) but then I was also thinking that maybe I could get some native australian ducks for the dam?
Its a fairly large dam and used for watering stock, but I can't imagine that a few ducks would damage the water supply - or would they?
LOL can someone start my duck education please?
Michelle
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Post by Cluck N Waddle on Nov 21, 2008 19:00:09 GMT 8
I havent had much experience with free ranging ducks as all my ducks are penned most of the time, only let out to roam during winter/spring (when theres some green grass!). I've seen quite a lot of free ranging ducks and geese on and around dams so obviously I guess they do survive. It probably depends on where they sleep at night, if its just on the bank of the dam then I'd imagine you probably would lose a few. Some people have islands in their dams, then the ducks can sleep on the island so the fox would have to swim out to get them. Maybe you could put some sort of fixed floating pontoon in the dam as a safe place for the ducks to sleep. Always see muscovies on dams but not all people like the look of them. Mandarin ducks have to be penned in an enclosed run because theyre a wild type duck, they would just fly away otherwise. Thats why you see them alot in mixed aviaries. A few ducks arent going to damage the water supply, especially not for stock water, it'd be a different story if you wanted to drink it. I havent had any experience with breeds other than Black East Indies, Saxonies and Muscovies so cant help much on recommending breeds. Fluffychook, what about Campbells?
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Post by fluffychook on Nov 22, 2008 7:47:57 GMT 8
Hi Michelle, I thought it best to get info off the net, so..... (I have dark campbells and they lay regularly, they also do not fly)
Brief History of Khaki Campbell Ducks
The most recognizable characteristic of the Khaki Campbell duck is their impressive egg laying capabilities. Widely considered the most productive egg laying duck, hens have often been recorded to lay more than 300 eggs per year. Not all strains are equally prolific, indeed ducks bred as show birds are frequently unimpressive layers. But ducks from strains selected for egg laying require no special care and will continue to lay eggs long after chickens have ceased for the year. Their eggs are large, have smooth white shells and have a very pleasent, mild flavor.
Khaki Campbells are dual purpose birds. Not only are they tremendous egg layers, the are also very good meat birds, providing 3 to 4 pound roasters at 20 weeks of age.
The breed was developed in England, back in the late 1800s or very, very early 1900s. Their origin is attributed to a Mrs. Adele Campbell who crossed an Indian Runner duck with a Rouen duck. The Indian Runner contibuted egg laying ability, and the Rouen size.
Kacki's are excellent foragers and love to snuffle around in the loose dirt looking for tastey grubs and insects. While they do not require swimming water, they definitely enjoy it. Provide them with a child's wading pool full of fresh water from the hose and they will happily trash around in it playing, bathing, chortling and quacking for hours.
Their brown plumage gives them their khaki moniker, and provides good camouflage. While not particularly good natural parents, their eggs are easy to brood and can be hatched by chickens, turkeys, or in an incubator.
The traits of the Khaki Campbell are numerous and practical. It is easy to see why so many watefowl authorities consider them the ideal duck for the home for the home flock
I really like the idea of a floating pontoon, but if that is where they lay their eggs, might make it difficult to collect. Or you might be getting some smelly explosions on a regular basis. YUK
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Yam
Junior Member
Posts: 67
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Post by Yam on Nov 25, 2008 10:44:16 GMT 8
Hey Michelle, i have had geese and muscovies and they have both proved themselves to be great birds when left to fend for themselves! My muscovies tend to be a little aggro towards dogs and the drake is wonderful at protecting his crew! The islands (or pontoon) sound like a wonderful idea!! But yeah, as fluffy said; be aware that the fowl will probable lay where they feel most protected, and that may cause difficulty when (if) you collect the pontoon eggs... Ducks are fab!
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Post by Duck Diva on Nov 25, 2008 16:45:28 GMT 8
I just had this vision of you rowing out to collect the eggs in a little rowboat every morning lol
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Post by Cluck N Waddle on Nov 25, 2008 19:32:42 GMT 8
lol wendy. Although if I was lucky enough to have a big dam with an island I wouldnt mind rowing out to collect eggs each day
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Post by painter on Dec 8, 2008 10:09:35 GMT 8
LOL, well its a pretty big dam, but I don't know if I would bother collecting the eggs, I'd rather see little duckies on the pond!
My parents have a family of wooducks on their pond at the moment, so cute!
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Post by fluffychook on Dec 8, 2008 11:07:55 GMT 8
Depending on the breed, some ducks lay more eggs than chickens, you might want to think twice about not collecting. Or else make sure you stay upwind...lol
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