[Jamboian]

Right I know this sounds nuts, but, we have a large veg garden and are wondering could we viably keep a couple of ducks, not bothered about eggs (but that would be cool) we're into the veg growing thing long term so it's not a fad, just thought ducks would be a great addition to our plot life. Oh! Our veg garden is attached to our house garden so we are always on hand

[snowdrops]

Yes people do but they're quite messy I believe & need access to clean water to bathe/swim in that they then muck up straight away. Someone will be along soon with more info I'm sure, do a search for Kate & her ducks on here.

[Sassy]

I loved my ducks and apart from the messy bit, not a problem if you have enough space, they tend to be less prone to things than chooks. You would need to keep them off your veg beds whilst stuff is growing as they will strip them. When beds are bare let them clear them and manure them!

[joyfull]

plus they will eat all your slugs 

[Jamboian]

Thanks for the replies, we will have give this a lot of thought :Dg

[upert]

They need a lot of clean water and can suffer from problems with their feet on hard ground. I wouldn't have them again unless I had an automatic water source or a secured stream running through the run.

[Springlands]

I have had ducks for about three years now and never had any problems with them. As Sassy said they are less prone to health problems than hens and they are so cute. 

[Sassy]

I used the bottom of an Early Learning Centre sandpit, acquired from Freecycle, for their pond. It was enough water for them to swim in but not too much to change regularly. It was also movable to stop the area around it becoming too muddy. I also (for three ducks) put a small bucket of water out for the daily. This allowed them drinking water and the opportunity to dunk their heads-vital for water fowl.