I'll look forward to some more experienced people weighing in on this one. However, I can tell you that we've had Muscovies and Indian Runner Ducks. I presently have only Indian Runners. I believe all ducks make a mess. In our family we joke that when a duck spots clean water it is compulsively driven to go and dirty it!

The Muscovy is a WONDERFUL bird, especially if you want meat. I do believe that was the best meat I've ever eaten! We haven't eaten an Indian Runner yet. The one we had, years ago, died of old age, laying yet one more egg as she expired. Indian Runners are really good egg producers. My observation on the Indian Runner is that it is a very flighty bird and does not tame in easily, if at all. The Muscovy is much more laid back. There are many breeds out there.

We've tried keeping ducks in with our chickens and have concluded that everyone (us included) is happier when they are separated. Our chickens tended to pick on smaller ducks. The ducks spoiled the chickens' water, etc. Ducks do not require lots of water. But they should have at least a bucket deep enough for them to immerse their heads and clean their nostrils, every day. We use a little kiddie pool with about 10 gallons of water in it for our 10 Indian Runners. That seems to do them very well.

I hope someone with experience can weigh in on ducks and in ground ponds.

George
Tahlequah, OK

They will make a BIG mess in your ponds, not to mention munching your pond plants. But they love to swim. My 2 have a kiddie pool that I dump out and refill, sometimes several times a day in the summer. When they do get in my real pond, it gets pooped up. You need to be able to drain the water. I have 2 pekins-oops, now a duckling too- and the male is VERY aggressive and nasty during mating season, which lasts a long time. They do need to be able to submerge their heads...that's a must.

sounds like alot of mess. possibly fun??? but mabye i'll stick to my chickens ans such. i give everyone who has ducks alot of credit!!!!!!!!!! enjoy but for now i think i'll pass on them.

I have 4 Khaki Campbell ducklings, just about ready to live outside. If it's any indiction, the ducklings are much messier than chicks of the same age. These ducks are supposed to be fairly mellow in disposition, and not prone to fly much, as well as good egg layers. We plan on giving them a bus tub for water, and they will not live with the chickens.

I just read your first post, do I don't know what everyone else has told ya, but I think about every duck goes to the bathroom whenever it pleases, and that's always nearly all the time because they like to eat and peck around all day.

I have muscovies mostly so I have 5 kid sized pools for them to swim in. I've always heard that muscovies don't need a pond..and they seem happy anyway so as long as they're happy....

What kind do you already have?? I love LOVE my muscovies! They seem to have the most character and personality and they're awesome....my mallard is always scared and never lets me touch her, but my muscovies are so precious and I can hold them. I recommend that kind of duck, BUT they are larger than most so they might be a little messier--not really sure?? :)

Good Luck!
Genny

i have white pekins and they are the sweetest tamest things. i sit in my chair outside and one in particular comes and sits in my lap. i pet its neck and it falls right to sleep. on the porch in the evening, i will sometimes fall asleep tired. i wake up and the duck is sitting on my chest with his beak tucked behind my neck. seriously.

they are messy but so what. very sweet. much more personality and intelligence than chickens. i never name my chickens ever. (as in don't name your supper) but i always name my ducks. can't help it. i have even taken that specific one in the car in a cardboard box out on rides with us. it sits in there as pretty as you please. it goes on walks with me and the dogs. lol. okay, i'm a nut. :)

Pickles....Please tell me that lovable one of yours is female. My male is downright mean and vicious. He even bit his own duckling today.

actually, it's a boy. i keep him drugged. that's why he's so sweet. lol.

he hasn't had babies yet (but he's getting a new sweetheart next week) so we'll see if he cannibalizes it. who knows?

hmmmm. if he is a pekin duck, maybe you could threaten to make him a peking duck.