Pet Supplies & Grooming Store in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Backyard ducks are a fun addition to any family flock!

Here are a few fun facts that you may not know about raising ducks.

1. Ducks can be raised with chickens.
2. Hens begin laying eggs at 24-26 weeks of age.
3. We have baby ducklings for sale at our store this year!

While raising ducks is very similar to raising chickens, there are a few differences.  Here is a run down of everything you need to know to add ducks to your mix!

The first and most important item to note is that ducks will require a steady source of clean water. Water sources for ducks should be deeper than for baby chicks, since ducks will need to dunk their entire heads into the water. Careful though, it shouldn’t be too deep or too challenging for them to get out of the water.  Deep water or hard to traverse water sources could cause tired ducklings to drown.

Top Tips for Raising Ducks

• Keepin’ it fresh and clean. Ducks love to play in their water (they are ducks of course!) so keeping it clean is a priority.
• Note : Ducks’ natural waterproofing oil does not appear until 4 weeks of age.  It’s best to wait until they are at least 4 weeks old before swimming them.  Once they are 4 weeks old or older, set up a small swimming pool for them (a kiddie pool will do!) inside their coop or run and watch them enjoy! That is some of the best entertainment.
• Feed : Some feeds are formulated for use by all types of poultry, but there are feeds that are specifically made for ducks.  Check with us the next time you visit – we’d love to help you choose the right feed (or feeds) for your flock.
• Flight : Most breeds of ducks that you find at feed stores are too large to fly.  We offer breeds that are well known for their egg-laying ability and mild personalities.
• Eggs : Duck eggs are delicious! While you can use them in any recipe that you would use with a chicken egg, they are especially delicious in baking due to their higher protein and fat content.  They are also larger than chicken eggs.
• Bedding : Like your chicks, ducks enjoy straw as their bedding.

Questions?

We are here to help. Stop in to see us anytime!

Save the date for our Purina® Flock Talk™ event during Chick(en) Days on Saturday March 23rd!

At this poultry party, you’ll find everything you need to raise your birds #FlockStrong, including:

1. New baby pullets for sale :
   1. Plymouth Blue
   2. Ameraucana
   3. Isa Brown
   4. Barred Rock
   5. Khaki Ducks (straight run)
      1. * What’s the difference between Pullets & Straight Run? Find out here!
2. Expert advice for both beginner and experienced flock raisers
3. 20% OFF all Chicken supplies!
4. Family fun & networking
5. Feed savings & coupons

–> RSVP Here!

Learn more about caring for your flock with these resources for raising chickens.

Any Questions?  We want to help you with your flock.  You don’t have to wait for a special day or event to speak with a chicken expert at Oak Ridge Feed! We’re always ready to help.

Free Resources on Raising Chickens

Quick Reference

• New Chick Temperature Chart
• New Chick Checklist
• Chicken Feed Selector : Which is best for your flock?

Guides

• My First Year with Chickens [guide]
• First Egg to Retirement [guide]

Blog Posts

• Chicken Chat : What is the difference between Pullets and Straight Run?
• Getting Started : Preparing a Space for Your Backyard Chickens
• What You Need to Know : Chicken Egg Production and Egg Gathering

Feed & Supplies

• Poultry Feed & Supplies

Hello friends!

It’s time for a Chicken Chat!  Our goal is help educate all of our friends about backyard poultry. We’re here today to talk about one of the questions that we hear most frequently at Oak Ridge Feed when it comes to starting or expanding your flock.  And it’s an important one!  The answer can have a big impact on the production and general composition of your flock.

“What is the difference between pullets and straight run?”

Let’s start with Pullets.  What does that mean?

What is a pullet?

Pullets are immature chicks that have already been sexed.  This means that the hatchery has checked the chicks and selected only those that are female.  When you go to your local feed store (hopefully you come see us at Oak Ridge Feed!), you purchase a pullet – you are bringing home a female chick – a hen.  This makes a big difference if your goal is to maximize your flock’s egg production.  The more hens you have, the more eggs your flock will lay, and the more your family can enjoy.  They are typically cost a little more at your feed store.

Now on to Straight Run.

What does straight run mean?

Straight run is a random distribution of chicks.  They have not been sexed to determine the gender.  They are sold ‘as hatched’.  So if you purchase 6 chicks, you could have 0-6 hens and/or 0-6 roosters.  If you get a large number of chicks, they usually even out to approximately 50% hens and 50% roosters.  For smaller backyard poultry orders, the ratio of hens to roosters can vary greatly.  They also typically cost a little less at your feed store.

Now you know!  The next time you call us – or your local feed store – give your new knowledge and terminology a try! We’re excited to chat chickens with you.