I have 3 Rouen ducklings. I am fairly certain they are production Rouens, not show. We purchased them Blain's Farm & Fleet. They are just over 2 weeks old now. We have been feeding them duckling grower feed. They have access to water as well. We used a clean garbage can lid that's about 2'x2' as a tray and have a bell waterer on it. They garbage can lid fills up from their splashing and dribbling and creates a nice puddle for the ducklings to play in. They are currently housed in a large (4'x2.5') dog crate with 1 chicken pal that's 4-5 weeks old now. The dog crate is located in our chicken coop built into our shed. It stays warm, but not too hot. We've been in the mid 70's outside mostly which has been perfect for the ducklings as it's in the upper 70's to low 80's in the coop generally. We have used a heat lamp on occasion as needed also.
Am I doing things right so far?
When the ducklings feather out, I intend to give them access to our 1500 gallon ornamental pond, which is just next to the shed. I'm going to build their duck house into the shed in a ~4'x4' area under the chicken's roosts and poop board. The board prevents any poop from actually falling bellow. I went to block off the area anyway so my chickens stop laying in the corner under there, which forces us to crawl under the poop board (about 3.5' off the ground) to get 4' back to collect the eggs. The ducks will have a sliding door that will give them access to the pond when open during the day. The pond is fenced in with a 3' fence to keep kids and dogs out. The fenced in area is roughly 15'x12' with a 10'x5' pond in it. Will a 3' fence keep Rouens in though? I have read that they are very poor fliers and that tall fencing is not necessary. Just wondering if 3' is tall enough... I could put netting over the fenced in area if necessary. I would like to not have to though as it would restrict access to the area and predators are very limited in my area.
Am I doing things right so far?
When the ducklings feather out, I intend to give them access to our 1500 gallon ornamental pond, which is just next to the shed. I'm going to build their duck house into the shed in a ~4'x4' area under the chicken's roosts and poop board. The board prevents any poop from actually falling bellow. I went to block off the area anyway so my chickens stop laying in the corner under there, which forces us to crawl under the poop board (about 3.5' off the ground) to get 4' back to collect the eggs. The ducks will have a sliding door that will give them access to the pond when open during the day. The pond is fenced in with a 3' fence to keep kids and dogs out. The fenced in area is roughly 15'x12' with a 10'x5' pond in it. Will a 3' fence keep Rouens in though? I have read that they are very poor fliers and that tall fencing is not necessary. Just wondering if 3' is tall enough... I could put netting over the fenced in area if necessary. I would like to not have to though as it would restrict access to the area and predators are very limited in my area.
