Help me get my "homestead" started - Chickens, Ducks, and Bees

LittleBittyBigJohn · Apr 18, 2022

Ducks are pretty much full size now. The got released to the wild this weekend. They were not fans, spent just a few min in the pond then high tailed it back to their old pen.

Chickens are getting bigger.

And I may have gotten just a touch too close to the pond mowing. I think I get stuck almost every time I mow...

EddieWalker · Apr 18, 2022

Don't feel bad about getting stuck mowing. I've had my pond for 15 years and I still get stuck a few times every year.

Jstpssng · Apr 18, 2022

LittleBittyBigJohn said:
Ducks are pretty much full size now. The got released to the wild this weekend. They were not fans, spent just a few min in the pond then high tailed it back to their old pen.

That'll change. Will you try to keep them from predators, or just let the chips fall as they may?

LittleBittyBigJohn · Apr 18, 2022

I tried to get them to use a house at night. They fought so bad i decided it was not worth it. I *could* get them in it to sleep but it was such a fight i know they won't do it on their own. Did it for 4 weeks every night and it got worse every night.

Aside from keeping them in a pen i don't think there is any way to keep them safe. I don't want that amount of work. They are mostly going to be on their own.

LittleBittyBigJohn · Apr 18, 2022

Newest addition tonight.

Bees will be ready to pick up the 7th of next month.

LittleBittyBigJohn · Apr 19, 2022

I found a friend last night while I was trying to net snapping turtles.

LittleBittyBigJohn · May 21, 2022

I think everything is sorted out for a bit. Chickens, ducks, and bees are all settled in.

Jstpssng · May 21, 2022

Good deal! It's a bit of a challenge at first, trying to keep all of those day old birds alive. Amazing how quickly they grow though.

EddieWalker · May 22, 2022

Looks good!!!

bindian · May 25, 2022

First off, glad you got cinder blocks on top of the hives.

I only raise Mallard ducks. I got two ponds and love to watch them fly back and forth. That also allows them to get away from predators. They overnight on the water.

Tractor Supply Mallard ducks (at least down here) don't fly. They are bigger than Mallards and really are Rouens (sp) or crosses. My first ducks were from TSC. From then on, I purchased from Ideal Poultry. They ship them over night via USPS.

Ducks only need cover (to stay dry) until their feathers come in. I had an island for them, but they only laid eggs there. It was too easy for snakes to get the eggs and harder for me to get them, so I took the island out.

Nice coop and duck house. How big is your pond?
hugs, Brandi