The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: jameslindsay on July 30, 2009, 11:04:01 pm
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As sone of you know I added 5 ducks to my collection last Saturday and since they arrived I have kept all the ducks together in their paddock. How long do you think I should keep the ducks in their paddock before letting out to use the river? The "old gang" (13 of them) all know the routine and that when they go off for the day - they come back home! I was thinking about 2 weeks anyone with any thoughts?
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I would say two weeks too, James. Your original ones know the routine and the new ones will have bonded and become part of the flock by that time I should think. If the Indian runners keep themselves separate in the run near the house though I'd leave it a bit longer.
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Thanks Annie, I will wait and see how things go. I am a bit worried that the 3 Call Ducks are a bit small to let out but I am sure they will stick with the group and be fine. Boy do these wee things know how to make a noise! They are so very cute though.
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Sorry, thought it was runners you'd bought. Yes the call ducks might be better staying in a bit longer.
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Oh I love Call ducks! What colour did you get James? I think I like the apricot ones best, but there are lots of lovely colours. We used to have call duck free range and never had any problem with them wandering, but I would be careful with them when they have access to the river.
Beth
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Beth, here is a picture of the 3 Call Ducks. For being so small they are quite fearless, they take no nonsense from the bigger ducks. At the Poultry sale the wee black one was in a cage of her own so I felt sorry for her. The Black Indian Runners that I really wanted had 1, possibly 2 drakes out of the 3 so that's why I didn't buy them. Still would like some Runners though.
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Today I have let all the ducks out to access the river and they are having a great time. Earlier when I went down to check on them 2 of the Call Ducks left the water and came running over to see me which is a great sign. The tide is very, very low for their first outting. Fingers crossed all stays well.