re: Educate Me on Neighborhood Backyard Chicken Coop

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Ducks are easier to keep

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Yes and no. There isn't near as big of a problem with diseases as there is with chickens. And the messier the better as far as ducks are concerned.

But the mess. Dear Lord the mess. I tried keeping ducks with my chickens when I first got them and it was a mistake. Projectile liquid poop everywhere. They made a wreck of the coop and I eventually culled them after a couple of months. Whatever setup you get for the ducks, make sure you can hose out the coop. It will make your life much easier. You also have to make sure they get enough niacin in their diet or they will have leg problems. It isn't a big deal if you are feeding them a duck or wild game food. If you are using chicken feed though you'll have to supplement which isn't hard or expensive, just an extra step.

That being said, I enjoyed the ducks much more than the chickens. Watching those goofy birds waddle around and interact with everything was a lot of fun.

Good topic with the $7.99 prices for 'free range' eggs.

We're allowed to have these in my county with the appropriate sized piece of land.

What would you estimate (for those who have done it) the cost of set up is and monthly 'maintenance' costs?

Thanks for your reply.

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What would you estimate (for those who have done it) the cost of set up is and monthly 'maintenance' costs?

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I would say very little. I haven't had chickens in a couple years but just looked and Laying Pellets are only $14/40# at Tractor Supply. We used to crush up egg shells and mix with them to make sure they were getting enough Calcium to lay hard eggs. They also will eat any leftover food you have. If you let them free range during the day you don't have to feed them as much.

I wouldn't raise them solely because of the price of eggs, but they are fun to have. The eggs are a nice bonus.

What type of duck?

I've been thinking about keeping some Muscovies since they are closer to a goose than any other type of duck (every duck is an offshoot of a Mallard except Muscovy).

There’s not much you can do about the poop. It’s actually a sign of a healthy frick to have watery shits like that. They are a waterfowl after all. They require water deep enough to get their nostril holes underwater to clean them out. They will actually get a bit of food, walk over to the water, dip their bill in and mix it up to eat then repeat.

Yes the eggs are usually bigger, and so are the yolk. It’s actually better for baking but you have to factor that in when following recipes.

Ducks are way more fun than chickens overall. They warm up to people a lot faster than chickens.

Yeah, ducks are much more cold hardy and thrive with water. You still need to watch out for predators though. Getting something like a Muscovy might be better if predators are an issue in your area. They are a bit bigger and can put up a slightly better fight. They also like to roost up in trees.

We have had both. Personally I find ducks stink. Chickens are easier to keep smell
down. Feed is about the same. Need somewhere for them to lay that’s protected. I’d have to beat the crows to the eggs each morning since they would
Lay around the yard.