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MagicMichealMan Veteran user Vancouver Island, British Columbia 349 Posts |
Hello,
I have been searching around a lot for peking ducks but couldn't find any...until the other day. I walked down to a farmers market that is just around my street corner and there on the lawn was a pen with about 10 peking ducks for $10 a pop. and aparently, the people selling them live about 5 minuets from me. So I am going to be getting a couple, I already have them picked out, but what I need is an outdoor cage. I have looked at some outdoor rabbit cages, but I don't know if they are big enough, how much room do ducks usually need? of course I will let them out every day before and after school. So they get time to run around. But are there any sites or help anyone can give me? thanks, Magic Mike |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Ducks need a lot of room and really should be kept off wire floors. This become a special problem. (Hay on the floor is often the solution.) They are a messy bunch but a lot of fun to have. They are also very trainable!
Good Luck! Bob Sanders Magic By Sander PS --- There are some metal welded wire trash burners that pack flat and can be used as a cage when penned up. |
MagicMichealMan Veteran user Vancouver Island, British Columbia 349 Posts |
Hey bob,
Thanks for the tips! I was kind of thinking metal wire floors might not be good for ducks. I just don't want racoons or them escaping at night. what do you think about the options here: http://www.rabbitcagesource.com/rabbit-h......6884.cfm of course they have wire bottoms, but they would either be taken out, or covered with they hay. quick question, what can you train them to do? Thanks, Magic Mike |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Mike,
Remember that you don't have to protect ducks from rain. (They even love being sprayed with the water hose.) They may need shade. Get someone at the feed store to just build you a cage out of 1"x 2" welded wire. A cage 2'x2'x4' should be less than $50. You should add a piece of 1/2"x1/2" hardware cloth on TOP of the floor. A plastic milk crate makes a "house". (I would also hinge the whole top to make it easy to clean. Ducks are not bad about flying out if they feel safe. It will certainly make your life easier.) The cage is more to protect them (from dogs, cats, etc.) than for holding them captive. Keep plenty of water available. Duck wash their food down when they can. Compared to doves, ducks are smart. They can learn a series of behaviors. Doves do well to learn isolated behaviors. See what you can find from B.F. Skinner, of "Skinner Box" fame as a Psychologist, or his old company I.Q. Zoo (Hot Springs, AR). There they did commercial shows with trained birds and ducks. Also at Disney World in Orlando they train ducks to stay with the person in the Donald Duck costume and parades around the park. (The ducks have Donald caps too. They are held on by duct tape! Really!) The Peabody Hotel in Memphis, TN has ducks that live on the roof of the building but take the elevator down to the lobby and swim in the fountain there daily. (Check them out!) We have ducks at home on Magic Valley Ranch but my wife uses the geese. They can become real spoiled brats for attention. Some love to have audiences! They are real show offs and can be taught to "talk" on command. Life is going to be loud and messy, but you can enjoy it. Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
aboycemagic Regular user 153 Posts |
Sounds like Bob has the right idea
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MagicMichealMan Veteran user Vancouver Island, British Columbia 349 Posts |
I have the perfect spot for them in shade, I remember My mentor Stan Kramien said to me that they climatize, so when its winter, apparently don't have to bring them in? or when its just scortching hot out.
I also got them a kiddie pool to fill with water for them to swin around in when they are out of they're cage. Now as for the cage, I will go to the feed store, but will this cage be good? I know there are racoons around and I have a dog that loves to eat chickens, so she would love ducks too! I want them to be safe. I will keep an big bowl of water for them at all times. that's really cool to hear about the hotel and diseny! that's really cool. I really look foreward to training these guys and doing some fun stuff. and I look foreward to the noise and the mess, its all apart of having a pet. Thanks, Magic Mike |
bwarren3 Special user 518 Posts |
Hey Mike,
Had you thought about using a a Parrot cage because they are steel with powder coated paint which makes them pet safe, especially for parrots that like to chew on the bars. They come in all kind of sizes to fit your budget but you won't have to worry about anything getting inside the cage or getting them. You could put the cage inside of a dog run with a 45 degree angle roof to keep critters out. Just some thoughts. Bill |
Cody Moynihan Regular user 102 Posts |
Mike
I have 2 Ducks rite now and the cage I use is ment for dogs it is 10feet by 15. inside they also have a dog house for colder nights and a pool. I would suggest putting something over the top to keep birds away I use snow fence and just have it zip tied to the cage.If you have any other questions feel free to email me. Cody |
Kevinr Inner circle 1854 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-07-31 01:22, Cody Moynihan wrote: hey Cody what kind of dog cages are you using? Like this? http://www.unobv.nl/image122.gif or this? http://www.uk-dog-cages.com/images/dog_cage_big24.jpg |
Ryan Price Special user winnipeg, MB, Canada 641 Posts |
Hey Magic Mike,
I was just wondering if you are allowed to have poultry in Vancouver. I remember seeing a story on the national news about a lady having her chickens removed from her. I could be mistaken but I'm pretty sure that it was in Vancouver. Just thought I should ask the question as many communities have bylaws about such a thing and if one of your neighbours complains you may be stuck trying to find an alternative location for them. Even if the seller lives 5 minutes from you, it doesn’t mean that its legal so a quick call to the by law office may need to be in order first. |
Gordon Special user Chicago 692 Posts |
How's your relationship with your neighbors, and how close to they live? As Bob said, the noise is going to be noticeable. And while we might think of ducks (or doves, same issue) as pets or assistants, they're livestock to your city, and your home might not be zoned for livestock. You'll likely get away with it until someone complains.
Just something to keep in mind, it comes up occasionally with people who buy my outdoor dove cote plans, so I thought I'd mention it. Good luck! |
MagicMichealMan Veteran user Vancouver Island, British Columbia 349 Posts |
Thanks for the notes on what to consider.
I have about 10 doves, all my neighbours know I have them. also all my neighbours know I do magic. they all have dogs, cats, and a couple have chickens. most of my neighbours are really nice people, I can see a couple getting annoyed. But I checked everything out, there are no restrictions on animals. in fact a few months ago I was about to get a capuchin monkey, it was totally fine, but someone else bought it for more money. on my island a couple cities over we had a large tiger that lived in someones backyard cage. But it was allowed, the cat is moving to the mainland though because the owner said he would do that. I'm pretty sure they'll be ok, and if someone complains...I'll go buy a rooster, some cows, more ducks, and anything else that makes nosie...that will give them something to complain about. Magic Mike |
MagicMichealMan Veteran user Vancouver Island, British Columbia 349 Posts |
I talked to my neighbours and they said they will be fine with it.
and cody if I have any questions I will be sure to ask you. I've herd you recently got a couple ducks too. Magic Mike |
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