| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Should I get a duck? |
| Yes |
|
36% |
[ 9 ] |
| No |
|
64% |
[ 16 ] |
|
| Total Votes : 25 |
|
| Author |
Message |
RattieGirl Joined: 14 May 2005 Total posts: 1207 Location: The Land of Oz/With the Flying Monkeys Age: 22 Gender: Female |
 Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 10:15 am
Post subject: Duck, Duck, Goose! |
 |
|
Hello Fellow Petlovers!
Yes, this post is about ducks. I have fallen in love with ducks, and i would like to purchase one or two as pets. These beautiful ducks would stay with my dad at his home. Is this a good idea? I know that they need a water spot, and a pretty big place to run around in. They would need to be in a pen sadly, since there are dogs that run around. Especially when the neighbor has 8 German Sheps! I love ducks, my dad said we can arrange getting one or more ducks, and I'm great at building stuff! I've worked with dad ages with building all kinds of stuff. So, Duck Duck Goose? I have a love for ducks, and I would like one of my own! Yes, I'm weird!
Love all you PF users lots!
RattieGirl
Posted Sun Jun 05, 2005 3:49 pm:
Please, if you are reading this post, answer it! It's really not that hard of a question. please?  I don't like that this post has been viewed, but not answered. I answer almost everyone's posts that a view! Show a little compassion for a 14 year old animal lover, please? |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
| violetlene |
Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 12:27 am
Post subject: |
|
|
I think that its up to you and your dad.
You mentioned that there are dogs running around-I would be very concerned that one would get in the pen.You'd be amazed how they can dig to get in.
I really wanted to get some chickens,but I decided not to,because something could get them. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| audibodiboo |
Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 1:06 am
Post subject: |
|
|
Hi hun!
Sorry I can only *bump* for now but I'll be back later to say hello. ^^ Thanks for dropping a line in my thread! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| RattieGirl Joined: 14 May 2005 Total posts: 1207 Location: The Land of Oz/With the Flying Monkeys Age: 22 Gender: Female |
Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 11:50 am
Post subject: |
|
|
| violetlene wrote: | I think that its up to you and your dad.
You mentioned that there are dogs running around-I would be very concerned that one would get in the pen.You'd be amazed how they can dig to get in.
I really wanted to get some chickens,but I decided not to,because something could get them. |
The German Sheps I mentioned are penned up 24 hours a day. Sadly these people breed them. Most of our neighbors moved, due to jobs and such, so I think the only dog that runs around is our dog. She hasn't ever attacked anything, so I think we'll be good.  Chickens are cool too, but i like ducks! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| kimbot |
Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 12:10 pm
Post subject: |
|
|
I have a trio of ducks right now, and I also had some when I was younger. You need to have a look see if you have raccoons in the area. When I had my ducks as a kid, we had raccoons break into the pen one night and eat our ducks- which is something we just never thought of!
Does your father live in the country? What is his property like? The ducks I have right now are in their own pen for their safety, but it's large enough that they can run around and have lots of room to play. They have a tree in the pen, a kiddie swimming pool, a seperate water dish, a food dish, a large crate and some grasses. If you can provide all these things to your ducks and believe that there isn't predators around and you are willing to take the time and effort to care for them- I'd say try a couple ducks and see how you like it.
I'd recommend doing a search on what type of duck you'd like to own (I have 3 Cayuga ducks), and see what their specific requirements would be, and look for any tips on keeping them. Also keep in mind that your ducks might lay eggs and have ducklings- what will you do with those?
I hope you have fun with your ducks if you do get them, I love watching mineplay in their pool- goodluck! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| Ilana Location: Central New Jersey Age: 28 Gender: Female |
Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 1:16 pm
Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: | | They would need to be in a pen sadly, since there are dogs that run around. |
[quote="RattieGirl"] | violetlene wrote: | I think that its up to you and your dad.
so I think the only dog that runs around is our dog. |
???
I would also be concerned about your dog "running around"--that doesn't sound too safe for him...
_________________
Don't say goodbye
We'll never be apart
We'll see the same stars
Just close your eyes
And I'll be where you are |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| RattieGirl Joined: 14 May 2005 Total posts: 1207 Location: The Land of Oz/With the Flying Monkeys Age: 22 Gender: Female |
Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 6:34 pm
Post subject: |
|
|
Ilana-
| Quote: | | I would also be concerned about your dog "running around"--that doesn't sound too safe for him... |
1) My FATHER's dog is a FEMALE.
2) I have no control over this dog because I live half way across the country from Java, and my father.
3) My father is not going to chain my dog to a tree because she has 7 1/2 acres of woods all to herself. Wouldn't that be cruel if she had space to run and not be able to use it?
4) It's impossible to fence our yard. That'd be too much work for my dad, especially since he has an artifical hip and can't get around that much. It hurts him sometimes!
5) Java, our dog, is almost 10 or 11! She also, (like my father) has bad hips. Why take away her happiness of roaming in her old age? She's never once went out on the street, or attacked anything. She's the neighborhood dog, everyone enjoys her! So, I see no reason why it is a problem to have Java run around as she pleases. Besides, my father and i would make our duck pen safe enough to be dog-free! I'll check about the raccoons. They might have them around there....o.o I personally have never seen them. When our trash was eaten, it was always the neighbors dogs because we caught them in the act!
Thanks for answering!
Kimbot-
Yes, my father lives in the country. His property is almost all woods. We can provide all these things for these ducks. I have looked up the possible ducks that i could own. I have found quite alot of information on them. The ducklings would be taken care of my my father, because i will only be at my fathers house for a month and a half. I will visit, and get updates on my ducks daily from my father, and I will teach him how to check for eggs.
Thank you all for answering!
Duck n' Rat Lover,
RattieGirl |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| Ilana Location: Central New Jersey Age: 28 Gender: Female |
Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 8:51 pm
Post subject: |
|
|
| RattieGirl wrote: |
1) My FATHER's dog is a FEMALE. |
I apoligize for the error.
| Quote: | | 3) My father is not going to chain my dog to a tree because she has 7 1/2 acres of woods all to herself. Wouldn't that be cruel if she had space to run and not be able to use it? |
Why chain her? How bout bringing her inside? Especially in her senior years...
| Quote: | | 4) It's impossible to fence our yard. That'd be too much work for my dad, especially since he has an artifical hip and can't get around that much. It hurts him sometimes! |
It wouldn't be necessary to fence the entire "yard"... a small portion would suffice for her outside time.
In addition--since they would only be "your" ducks for a short period of time, why are you making more work for him? He would have to be the one to feed them, clean up after them, vet them if necessary, etc, which could definately become a hardship on the days when he is hurting.
| Quote: | 5) Java, our dog, is almost 10 or 11! She also, (like my father) has bad hips. Why take away her happiness of roaming in her old age?
|
With her bad hips, she should be inside, where she can stay at a comfortable temperature, rest safely when she needs to, stay out of bad weather, etc, etc
| Quote: | | She's never once went out on the street, or attacked anything. She's the neighborhood dog, everyone enjoys her! So, I see no reason why it is a problem to have Java run around as she pleases. |
Because accidents happen. And accidents like that, it only takes one time, could kill her.
| Quote: | | When our trash was eaten, it was always the neighbors dogs because we caught them in the act! |
I thought you said the neighbors' dogs don't roam?
_________________
Don't say goodbye
We'll never be apart
We'll see the same stars
Just close your eyes
And I'll be where you are |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| kimbot |
Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 9:44 pm
Post subject: |
|
|
I'd have to agree with Ilana(I do that a lot don't I?).
If you won't be around often to care for the ducks and your father has problems getting around- then why have the extra burden for him. Cleaning out a duck pool takes a lot of work- bailing all the water out, spraying it down, scrubbin git and refilling it. My boyfriend is young and fit and by the end of it, he's ready to sit down for a while! Also you need to scoop all the poop out of the pen, do any repairs that are needed, and haul them to the vet- also physical jobs.
I also worry about your dog- she'd probably leave the ducks alone, but you never know. I wouldn't want any dogs having access to the duck pen, just in case. Speaking of your dog- I also agree that if Java is in her senior years and also has hip trouble, she should not be allowed to run anywhere she pleases (the country also poses dangers a city doesn't) and should spend some time indoors. When my dog was having the same problems, he was allowed to sleep in the garage. My parents were also farm people and thought it was insane to let any animals live indoors, but they softened up for him.
I'm sure you and your father would take god care of the ducks- but it just doesn't seem like the right time to have them. Perhaps if you lived with your dad or had more time to help him out it'd be a better idea. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| smedley5000 |
Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 11:21 am
Post subject: |
|
|
| I'm not an expert and I dont pretend to be, but it seems that you only want ducks because you think that they are cute. This isnt the way to get an animal, from what I have read about other posters that is how alot of animals end up at the pound. I did make that mistake with my first ferret not really knowing what I was getting into but i ended up loving it. Ive learned more about them and I would reccomend not going this way. You should learn more about the animal before you get it. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| RattieGirl Joined: 14 May 2005 Total posts: 1207 Location: The Land of Oz/With the Flying Monkeys Age: 22 Gender: Female |
Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 3:46 pm
Post subject: |
|
|
Look, I know you guys are concerned about my dog, but there is really not much i can do about her. She DOES have an inside place to sleep, my father lets her in whenever she needs, and she sleeps inside in front of the fireplace! She happy where she is, believe me! She doesn't go very far off our property, and because of her hips she can't get very far anyways!
Smedley-
No, I'm not just getting a duck because they are cute. Ducks are socialable, nice, animals that I would like to purchase for those reasons. Also, it is because I can't have them here at my "step-fathers" house.  The --heck---hole where i Don't wanna be. And it's not just because of living in a subdivision, it's because if my "step-father" doesn't agree to it, my mom isn't going to say yes! I can't have rats because my mom and "s-father" think they stink, I can't have cats because my step brother is allergic to them, i can't even get a mouse! I'm entirely tired of hamsters because that's the only animal that i've been able to have for the past 4 years, not including my rats, which MY mother wouldn't even take me to a shelter to get because it's TOO FAR AWAY and more money. Living in Missouri, after being toted from Washington, where I've lived for the past 13 years has been an extremely hard move. That's why I got my dog. I've been researching animals, all breeds, sizes, and possible animals that i could own. So far, NONE OF THESE HAVE HAPPENED! All due to my stupid mother! I do know about the animal pound posters. I've been owning animals since I was 7 or younger! I HAVE done research on ducks, I've found 7 different breeds of duck i could own, i know which ones are less territorial out of male and female, i know what to feed them, what kind of enviorment they need, and more!
Regardless of what you all say, I'm going to get ducks anyways. I know my share of information about animals, how to make pens to keep them out, and so does my father. We have owned ducks before, with the same problems. We've owned pigs, chickens, geese, ducks, dogs, cats, turkeys, and everything! The knowledge I know, and the knowledge of my father's experience with ducks should get us somewhere! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| Ilana Location: Central New Jersey Age: 28 Gender: Female |
Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 4:12 pm
Post subject: |
|
|
| RattieGirl wrote: |
Regardless of what you all say, I'm going to get ducks anyways. |
Bingo!
You're getting ducks because you want them for a month and a half. Regardless of the extra work it will be for your poor dad when you're not there. Regardless of whether they will be safe or not. You want them right? You'll get them, even if you know it's not the right thing to do for you, your dad or the animals, right? Even if advice from the very people you asked for help tells you it's not a good situation, right? Because you WANT them.
So long as we're clear.
_________________
Don't say goodbye
We'll never be apart
We'll see the same stars
Just close your eyes
And I'll be where you are |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| RattieGirl Joined: 14 May 2005 Total posts: 1207 Location: The Land of Oz/With the Flying Monkeys Age: 22 Gender: Female |
Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 4:32 pm
Post subject: |
|
|
I now remember why I quit coming here! Nobody ever listened to me about animals because I'm a measly 14 year old. Everyone here tries to talk me out of what makes me happy! Just because they've had more experience with animals or whatever else. Maybe just because they're superior to little teenagers that want to learn more about animals!
My father likes ducks as well, he's not too old to still enjoy the pleasures of them as well! He doesn't live alone either, so my brother could help with the cleaning, feeding and caring of ducks! We also have very giving neighbors, I took care of their rabbits while they were gone, so they would most likely help with the care of ducks if they needed to. They understand my situation and would help. If all goes to worse, my father can still find them a new home. It's not that big of a problem! I'm sure if we do have to come to that, the owners would be happy to put the ducks in a home. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| Ilana Location: Central New Jersey Age: 28 Gender: Female |
Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 4:42 pm
Post subject: |
|
|
| RattieGirl wrote: | | I now remember why I quit coming here! Nobody ever listened to me about animals because I'm a measly 14 year old. Everyone here tries to talk me out of what makes me happy! Just because they've had more experience with animals or whatever else. Maybe just because they're superior to little teenagers that want to learn more about animals! |
Regardless of your age, given the situation, all advice would have the same. You learn as you grow, however, that even if something makes you happy, it isn't always the best thing to do. It would make me happy to adopt a beagle puppy--however, I know that, at this point, it is not fair to a puppy to be in my home given my schedule. So I don't adopt right now, because I want to do what is right, not just what I WANT to do.
| Quote: | | He doesn't live alone either, so my brother could help with the cleaning, feeding and caring of ducks! |
But he can't help build a fence to keep your dog safe?
| Quote: | | If all goes to worse, my father can still find them a new home. It's not that big of a problem! I'm sure if we do have to come to that, the owners would be happy to put the ducks in a home. |
And you are going to ensure that it is a great home where they will safe forever how? And it is ok that it will be hard on them to be uprooted---they do get stressed easily..
_________________
Don't say goodbye
We'll never be apart
We'll see the same stars
Just close your eyes
And I'll be where you are |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| kimbot |
Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:49 pm
Post subject: |
|
|
| I'm not sold on the idea, but I can't stop you. I don't know why you'd ask for advice, get good advice, and then completely ignore it. You can't always get what you want either. If you do get them anyways- I still wish you goodluck in caring for them. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
Calendar
Profile
FAQ
Search
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
Register
Calendar
