Preparing To Add Waterfowl To Your Flock

Waterfowl are fun and exciting additions to your flock. Let’s discuss everything needed to prepare for their arrival! Most things are the same as what you would need for chickens, but there are also a few differences. One important thing to remember is that waterfowl take longer to feather out than chickens do. 7-9 weeks is more average for them to be fully feathered than the 6 weeks it takes a chicken.

Brooder- Heat/Bedding

Pine shavings are a great choice for bedding in your brooder. It is very absorbent, and that is something you NEED when brooding waterfowl. They love the water and can make a mess pretty quickly! Pine pellets are another great option if you prefer not to use the shavings. Waterfowl require the same general temperature guidelines as poultry, such as chickens. You want to start at 95 degrees the first week and decrease by 5 degrees per week.

Feed and Water

Waterfowl starter feed is best, but chick starter can be used as long as niacin is being supplemented. Brewers’ Yeast is a good source of niacin. If you are raising your waterfowl alongside your chickens, make sure to go with an all-flock feed to ensure all of your flock’s nutritional needs are met. Waterfowl need constant access to a waterer that they can dunk their head into to ensure proper health, but also require more frequent cleaning. Wet bedding equals cold bedding. There are some wonderful tips on waterers here. 

Outdoor Space

Ducks and geese require far more outdoor space than chickens. We recommend 16 square feet of space per adult duck and 20 square feet per goose. A large water source is also something waterfowl will need. Whether it is a large bucket with water deep enough to submerge their entire head, or a small pond in your backyard, water is a necessity in their daily life, so be sure to keep this in mind. A kiddie pool often works great and can be quite fun to watch your birds enjoy as well! As long as you provide enough space, waterfowl and chickens can happily live side by side. 

Coop Space

We recommend 4-6 square feet of floor space per bird. Waterfowl don’t use nesting boxes, nor do most breeds roost like chickens do, so floor space is very important inside your coop.  Muscovy ducks do enjoy roosting. Ensuring your coop has fresh, clean bedding regularly is a must when you have waterfowl. Dirty, wet bedding is cold bedding in the coop, just like in the brooder, and it can spread disease, so make sure to change it often! 

With just a few adjustments in your setup, adding waterfowl to your flock is simple and easy!