1. Good Organic Gardening - January-February 2016

Bantam ducks | FEATHERED FRIENDS
either be pinioned (part of one wing is
surgically modified to prevent flying),
have the flight feathers on one wing
trimmed regularly to unbalance flight or
be kept in a fully covered pen.
Sexual excess can be an issue. Some
drakes are very sexually active and may
hound ducks incessantly. Extra ducks
may lessen the stress, but if space won’t
allow you to expand numbers then a pen
of females only will be a sounder choice.
Remember, too, that mini ducks will
produce small eggs but they are likely to
be larger than most bantam hen eggs.
Housing needs
Predators as well as the likelihood of
escape and flight have to be considered
when setting up. Allow around 2m² per
two birds when designing the pen, more
room if possible.
A 2m-high mesh-covered yard will
allow most people easy movement in the
pen. You might consider running a sheet
of Colorbond horizontally at ground level
to separate ducks from inquisitive dogs and
kiddies and allow birds a sense of security.
Sand or gravel on the base of the pen
(15cm) will facilitate drainage; you cannot
imagine the happy mess a couple of busy
ducks can create if drainage is poor.
Ducks need to have
water deep enough to
immerse their heads
and maintain eye
health and, while
they enjoy swimming,
a pond is not
obligatory.
An open-fronted shelter will protect
from weather extremes and provide
corners for ducks to lay in. Woodchips on
the floor covered with straw in spring will
offer a dry and comfy base for sleeping
and laying.
Ducks need to have water deep
enough to immerse their heads and
maintain eye health and, while they
enjoy swimming, a pond is not obligatory.
However, most people settle for a clam
shell or similar shallow container that can
be emptied easily.
Elevating the “pond” so it sits on a
slatted platform or a low, strong mesh
cage reduces the amount of dirt and
organic matter carried into the water.
Whatever container is chosen, it should
be stable and unable to flip over and
suffocate the birds. It must be shallow
enough for easy access, too. A ramp in
the pond will allow exiting if the container
is deep. Never ever use an old bath; it not
only uses too much water but is difficult
for ducks to get out of.
It makes sense to locate the duck
enclosure in a leafy part of the backyard.
The ducks will keep cooler in hot weather
while greenery will absorb noise and filter
any odours.
Rewarding your
ducks
Collect snails at night and offer the ducks
a gastropod treat — they will devour
them. You may be able to hang greens
for the birds to nibble on; they will
trample leaves and weeds if dumped
on the ground.
You’ll find this species hardy and long
living and for just a little mixed grain and
pellets daily you’ll be rewarded with
fresh eggs. Set up the deckchairs and
enjoy summer evenings watching the
ducks’ antics.
Feathered World Pty Ltd Trading as Planet Poultry
Ph: 0437 542 422 www.planetpoultry.com.au
Suppliers of a large range of natural
products for poultry including
Diatomaceous Earth, Garlic, Kelp,
Apple Cider Vinegar & Molodri.
Stockists of River/Covina Incubators (Manual & Automatic models available). Sizes: 12, 24 or 49 hen egg. All digital. Approved for Australian Standards.
Good Organic Gardening | 69