Ducks!

[madzena]

Hi, I am a newbie to this forum.

I have a five week old Mallard that I am hoping to get a mate for.

Can anyone offer any advice as to whether I should get a similar aged duck or get a two week old duckling? (I was hoping to get a duckling approx 2week old... subject to advice!)

Can anyone reccommend a good book on raising ducks that incorporates a section for ailments as I wouldnt know what to look out for on a duck - healthwise.

Also, how can I find where to buy ducklings in my local area?

Apologies for so many questions
Heidi
(I know about dogs, cats and kids but ducks are a new thing for me!)

[Shirley]

Hello - and welcome to the forum!!

I'm not an expert but have kept ducks before - and have some in the incubator hopefully due to hatch in a couple of weeks

I truly don't know whether the age difference of just 3 weeks would matter that much... hopefully someone more knowledgable will know that.

A good book - we have Ducks and Geese At Home - by Michael Roberts (The Gold Cockerel Series) - it's a practical guide to rearing and keeping domestic waterfowl (www.goldcockerelbooks.co.uk) - try having a look on ebay or at your local libary to see if they have a copy of this.. or similar.

[madzena]

thank you very much

I will take a look for the book!

Im sure the age wont matter that much but Im worried about the size difference iykwim

I shall look forward to being on this forum regularly!


Heidi

[Shirley]

I guess you could keep them separate... but within sight of each other... until they catch up with each other....

Glad to hear you'll become a regular Look forward to hearing more from you Heidi!

[ina]

Welcome to the forum, Heidi! I'm still hoping to get some ducks, too - whenever I get round to digging out that pond in the front garden...

Anyway, judging from experience with other livestock, I would do as Shirley suggests - keep them separate, but within sight (and maybe even touch, through a wiremesh) of each other. And if they don't seem to be trying to poeck each other's eyes out, put them together under supervision, at first. I'm sure they'll be ok, anyway.

Btw, what kind of kids are you experienced with - the four-legged or two-legged kind?

[madzena]

two legged variety! (I think the four legged would be easier tho!)




Heidi

[Millie]

Hello Heidi, great to see you here

Have no idea about ducks Im afraid, just wanted to say hullo 8)

[ina]

two legged variety! (I think the four legged would be easier tho!)

You are probably right - at least you can chuck them a bit of hay and shut the door on them occasionally...

[madzena]

Thanks for the lovely welcome everyone!


Heidi