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Frequently Asked Questions
Here we answer the most commonly-asked questions about ordering, chicken care, and more.
At what age do ducks and geese start laying eggs?
Assuming that they have had proper care, lighter-weight duck breeds mature sexually at 17-24 weeks of age and begin laying eggs at that time. Heavier duck breeds usually start laying between 20-30 weeks of age. However, if they reach maturity during winter--just like chickens--ducks may delay laying until the days begin to lengthen and it warms up in the spring. Just before and during production, ducks may exhibit swollen abdomens, large, moist vents, and widely-spread pubic bones. In some breeds, you may see a darkening in feather color, and in others, the bill color may lighten. Normally, geese start laying...
Read MoreHow do you pick up a duck?
Ducks are particularly prone to injuries to their legs and wings, so whenever you attempt to pick one up, make sure that you move deliberately and slowly, preferably not over rocky terrain. Ideally, you can slowly back them into a corner in their run area. If you have to, you can gently stop them using their necks as a "catching handle"--without squeezing--and once you've slowed them down, use one of these techniques: Lightweight and Bantam Ducks - Hook the base of their wings together behind their back with your thumb holding one wing and fingers holding the other. Then place...
Read MoreHow can I have a successful classroom hatching project?
Hatching eggs at school can be a rewarding and enlightening school project! In fact, the founder of My Pet Chicken was first charmed by chickens during a hatching project in grade school. After that project, she was a changed person! In her eight-year-old heart, she knew for a fact that she would keep chickens herself and help others adopt chickens when she grew up. And now, years later, you can see from our website how that turned out! So, at My Pet Chicken, we have a definite soft spot for schools who want to organize hatching projects. That said, though,...
Read MoreDo ducks and geese make good pets?
Yes, ducks and geese make good pets! But it's important to remember that they are not dogs or cats - or even chickens! And that's some of the fun of keeping them--learning and loving their awesome quirkiness. Here are some reasons ducks and geese make great pets: Ducks and geese are entertaining! In addition to their natural charm, ducks and geese can be trained to play with toys, play games, do tricks, sit in your lap, and more. They may learn to enjoy a good stroke on the back or neck, and some will even pursue you, demanding to be...
Read MoreCan I keep just one duck or goose?
Having a cute duck follow you around the house or a goose fly along beside your car as you run errands--it's a fun idea, right? After all, it's not every day that to see a duck in a truck or a pet goose on the loose. Wouldn't keeping just one waterfowl like this be fun? Well, yes...maybe. It's possible to keep just one duck or goose--especially if it has not grown up with other waterfowl--since on some level, it thinks it is human. Because ducks and geese are very social animals that can imprint on anyone that shows them attention...
Read MoreCan different waterfowl breeds cross-breed?
Yes, it is genetically possible for any breed of duck to cross with any other breed of duck, and any goose breed can also cross with other breeds of geese. We are not aware of any verified, viable crosses between ducks and geese, however. Sometimes a goose will attempt to mate with a duck, or vice-versa, but even if they mate successfully, the resulting eggs would not be fertile. Each breed will likely prefer to mate with other breeds of similar size, but not always. It can be difficult for a larger bird to catch a smaller breed or for...
Read MoreCan ducks and geese be outside during the winter?
Yes! Ducks and geese can be outside during winter! They have a wonderful fluffy undercoating beneath their feathers called "down." Ever had a down jacket? It kept you toasty-warm, right? Ducks and geese get to wear that jacket all the time. Lucky birds, I know!In addition to their down feathers, ducks and geese have a layer of fat beneath the skin that provides even more insulation.  Tips for Managing your Ducks and Geese Outside During Winter Shelter: When conditions are the harshest, even the best winter coat may not be enough. If the temperature is going to be below...
Read MoreHow do I introduce new ducks into my flock?
With ducks, the process is usually simpler than when introducing chickens to each other. Normally, you can simply put ducks together and within a few days, they are fully integrated. That being said, make sure you watch them carefully at first. The alpha duck may be aggressive, especially during the spring and summer mating season. If possible, you may want to avoid adding new waterfowl during that time of year. "Welcome to the flock!" If the fighting is excessive, separate the newcomer, but keep the pens beside each other for a few days so they can see each other and...
Read More"The Clubhouse" Coop
Easy to assemble and built to last, the Clubhouse Coop is the perfect starter coop for a small flock.