Recent content by JStark

Although it's politically understandable, I think it's ridiculous that roosters (and other fowl, like my ducks!) are left out of this. On our street in West Sac., we have ducks, quail, and roosters, and BY FAR the loudest things are two yappy dogs a couple houses over.

I have no idea about this concept, just that Holderread's book recommends it. If this is an offensive topic, I apologize. I just want to make sure my ducks are treated right, and they are about 15 months old now, and I get 2-3 eggs a day from my three. So, what's best for them? Force molt...

Like Wifezilla, I bought welshies last year (three hens) and got what I wanted. However, it's easier for me - we drove down, had Easter on Monterey Bay, and picked up our birds in person.

Welsh harlequins are from Campbells - I have three, they lay like crazy (three eggs per day, every day), and they are very calm and not worried at all about the local traffic, train, or dogs.

If you are bothered by quacking, then don't get it. However, I'm guessing you aren't, but you are worried about neighbors. If that is the case, then don't worry, so long as you are following city laws. Ducks are no louder nor more consistent than dogs, just different. We have four welsh...

I have to say I found this so cute that I had to link to it at my blog.

Peachie, I'm guessing you are Australian? I ask because I googled "builders film" and that's what I got... I've tried the builders film, but only the really thin stuff. Does "200" refer to the mil. rating they use in the states? Because mine was 4 mil., and the EPDM liners I've seen...

I tried the cheapo way - 4 mil. plastic - and it worked about as expected: for about 8 hours. Then, the ferocious claws of my monster Welsh Harlequins (the name strikes fear into the hearts of worms everywhere) tore it to ribbons. Or, they at least popped a couple of holes in, and my pond...

My three welshies give me three eggs every morning, like clockwork. Are your birds in a largely stress-free environment? With so many layers, it seems odd to me that you don't get even one egg every two days or so.

Another vote for wifezilla (it's too bad about the hawks)! I've got a kiddie pool that I empty and refill every two days or so. I use a cheap sump that uses water pressure from a garden hose, and I pump it all into the garden. I would ask that you build a marsh section for the drain, if you...

My three grew up on chopped straw for the first week or two, and then just regular straw. By 'chopped', I mean that I would grab a handful and tear them in half or thirds. That way, they don't slip around so much. After a couple of weeks, though, just regular straw works fine. Pads are too...

Oh! In their kiddie pool, for the ducks. I change out the water every day or two. It wasn't the swimming pool.

I know this is a gross question, but, is it edible? It wasn't in the pool five minutes, so can I still bake with it? Be honest, I get a lot of eggs, so I'm not fiending for this one in particular, I'm just curious.

Great stuff! I'll be putting in a more permanent pond very soon, and I feel like I'm cheating by using a $20 sump pump. I've just been pumping my ducks' kiddie pool water into the garden every couple of days.

Great, great stuff, 'zilla! I wanted to add that I use a very, very cheap sump pump for my pool. It was $20 and plugs into my garden hose. I turn on the hose, and it sucks everything out and into my garden. Here's a link to my blog: http://agrarianista.blogspot.com/ Although it reads too...