[POLLY35]

Can anyone advise me , i have acuired another allotment plot(half plot ) next to my original plot and im thinking of getting maybe three ducks for eggs( already have three hens). Now im  wanting to know as the ducks will have to be confined all the time how bigger space they,ll need ,pool size  and whats the best type etc. So many questions,,,, . Thanks in advance. Rachel.

[Hensington]

Not much help but as big as possible for the pen, pool needs to be big enough for them to bathe in, deep enough so they can dip right under and get water over the head onto the back.
Unless it;s a big pond you will need to change the water quite often too as it gets smelly and dirty V quickly.

[Kate and her Ducks]

Ducks need a bit more space than hens from what I hear (never had hens). 2m2 each is really an absolute minimum and if they are going to be confined all the time more or you will end up with a stinking muddy mess. They need a pool to splash in a keep clean. Many of us use a childens paddling pool or plastic sandpit as they are easier to empty and clean out. The water needs changing regularly as it gets filthy in minutes! My ducks are more than happy with their paddling pool and the garden loves the water and diluted duck poo on the veg! Everything grows like wildfire.

As to what type to get that really depends. Campbells are always quotes as the best layers although the ones I have have been no better than my Silver Appleyard who is by far a nicer animal, much prettier, less noisy, less nervous and has been a great broody this year. Would recommend Silver Appleyards to anyone, my Sally is great. Lots of people love Runners which are also very good layers, come in all different colours but are pretty nervous ducks but very amusing. I have just got some Welsh Harlequins which I think are beautiful. They are only 5 weeks old but are definately less nervy than the Campbells and much prettier. They have an excellent reputation as layers and better mothers than Campbells.

Have a look round and see what takes your fancy.

[POLLY35]

Thanks for the replys, lots to think about there.

[janet12000]

The garden does indeed love the duck poo water from the pool.......everything grows really well.......then the ducks eat everything in their path!

[two webbed feet]

Hi Rachel - don't thinkabout ducks - get them!!!!

I've got a runner, streicher, crested silver appleyard and 2 aylesbury ducklings.  Out of all of them I would definitely recommend getting runners - they are extremely comical to watch (walking wine bottles  ) and our runner is the most tame of all the bunch, taking food from our hands and following us all around, as well as being a good layer.

Let us know what you decide and don't forget to post piccies when you get them!
Jo

[matilda duck]

I had ducks first then chickens!!!   Ducks are the best!!!
We have 3 runners one is so tame he will eat out of our hands and come when we call his name!!!  We have crested they are very skitty as they are cambells!! But fantastic layers!!
  Then of corse there is Kate and Sarah ,they are Cayuga crosses, now there's a duck to have.  These are so laid back i'm sure they're lying down   Both are as tame as you can get and ............don't know about laying they are only babies.

 Just watch on an alotment as they will eat all your veg/greens if they can!!!!!!