[Kathie]

Hi there all,
Can anyone tell me what the best bedding for ducks is please.

Thanks in advance
Kathie

[Kathie]

Thanks for that Tomshooter, we're having an absolutely horrendous time, lost 5 ducklings in as many weeks so we are adjusting everything and changing as much as possible.  Through lots of tears I may add

[Kate and her Ducks]

I use hemcore whig is a little pricy but inreally like as it is really absorbant, easy to use, lasts well and composts down really quickly.

Losing 5 ducklings sounds awful. Do you mind me asking what happens as they are such hardy creatures usually and I wouldn't have thought it was the bedding although it is of course possible.

Hope this terrible time is over for you now and no more tears required.

[Kathie]

Thanks Kate,

OH has posted an explanation  using my name.  I'm absolutely gutted about this and guilty

[Caralou]

I too use hemcore/aubiose for my ducks and although cost more to buy need changing less often so balances out. I'm so sorry to hear about your ducklings Kathie 

[Kathie]

Thank you Caralou,
As you can imagine we are very upset and confused.  I just want to bring the remaining babies in and let them have the spare bedroom but I'm sure they would hate it and freak.

[Sassy]

I line the duck house (converted rabbit hutch!) with a thick layer of newspaper with shavings on top. I have found this good and not found the ducks to be as dirty as I had been led to believe. The bottom layer of newspaper means I can roll it up with all the muck and shavings inside, a quick brush out and disinfect. Simples.

Really it is a case of finding what works best for you

[RichardA]

we use straw because we have a good local contact, 6 ducks use about 20 bales a year at £1 each. House is a decent size and they often come in wet from pond and grassy outside run they have. Cleaned out twice a week but good for the garden as used as mixer with green stuff etc to make good compost.
Hope things get better for you and your ducks.
R

[Aunt Sally]

Thanks Kate,

OH has posted an explanation  using my name.  I'm absolutely gutted about this and guilty

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=67253.msg769228#msg769228

[Sassy]

we use straw because we have a good local contact, 6 ducks use about 20 bales a year at £1 each. House is a decent size and they often come in wet from pond and grassy outside run they have. Cleaned out twice a week but good for the garden as used as mixer with green stuff etc to make good compost.
Hope things get better for you and your ducks.
R

you'll be very lucky if you only pay £1 a bale this year !!

[RichardA]

Yes I was lucky and quick off the mark once I saw the bales getting loaded in at the farm. 24 bales already in the shed and under lock and key. Local farmer just bales a few off for contacts locally and his own use.
R

[Sassy]

Very envious