The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: r+lchick on September 30, 2009, 02:29:04 pm

Title: Oh, you don't want to keep ducks.
Post by: r+lchick on September 30, 2009, 02:29:04 pm

I contemplated having a few ducks.  Have a spare bath, thought ducks (as you do).  I recently met someone who very kindly gave me something.  They have geese.  I said "I'm thinking of having ducks".  (Sharp intake of breath) "Oh, you don't want ducks or geese for that matter.  We have had geese for years.  They are dirty, they make everything muddy and they poo is not nice.  No you, don't want ducks".  SO WHY THE B.... H.... HAVE YOU BEEN KEEPING THEM FOR YEARS.   Why do people do that!  Say not to keep an animal even though they have kept them themselves for years.

Title: Re: Oh, you don't want to keep ducks.
Post by: ukag0972 on September 30, 2009, 02:41:56 pm

Maybe they just can't part with them..........

Poultry is for life, not just for christmas!! (obviuosly except turkeys) :chook:

Title: Re: Oh, you don't want to keep ducks.
Post by: carl on September 30, 2009, 03:16:42 pm

Ducks and geese are very messy, but also very very entertaining. Beautiful to look at and let you know when people are about. Given enough space and plenty of water they almost look after themselves. :&>

Title: Re: Oh, you don't want to keep ducks.
Post by: jameslindsay on September 30, 2009, 03:31:50 pm

I have 17 ducks, 12 hens and 2 geese and I wouldn't be without any of them...

Title: Re: Oh, you don't want to keep ducks.
Post by: doganjo on September 30, 2009, 04:16:34 pm

Quote from: jameslindsay on September 30, 2009, 03:31:50 pm

I have 17 ducks, 12 hens and 2 geese and I wouldn't be without any of them...

Yes, but your land is extremely well organised! ;)  Not smelly, not dirty.

Title: Re: Oh, you don't want to keep ducks.
Post by: marigold on September 30, 2009, 08:44:13 pm

I have 4 ducks and 11 chickens
The chickens poo lots but I think it is improving our very poor soil. The ducks house is quite clean and they seem to poo in the burn - (well field drain is a more accurate description) last week I gave them a huge tub filled with water for fun and they pooed(is that a word?)  in that. So now i have more liquid feed to put on my garden - I'm happy. And i love them all.
We had an business meeting here last week and my husband got a little anxious about cleaning the step and the wooden bridge over the burn so that it all looked respectable - I guess its all a question of perspective. I'm proud of our poultry and their poo I'm not sure that our teenage daughters agree though

Title: Re: Oh, you don't want to keep ducks.
Post by: northfifeduckling on September 30, 2009, 11:34:53 pm

We have 10 ducks and they are simply irresistable - despite the mess, which is annoying, but so what. changing nappies isn't pleasant either , doesn't stop many people having kids ;D :&>