Mallard

I can't say I have a ton of experience, but I do have a nine day old Mallard duckling named Pyrrhos(getting her some companions on Friday or Saturday). She is very talkative, but I don't mind the talking very much. In fact, it's pretty refreshing, as my dog is a very quiet animal. I quite enjoy noise, lol. I've heard from a lot of people that Mallards aren't cuddly, but Pyrrhos has been very clingy and cuddly. That may change once she's out and free ranging, though. She doesn't follow me around like a lot of people talk about, but she does hate to be alone, and will definitely pitch a fit if I leave the room(even if my partner is with her). She is MESSY! But I think that's to be expected with all ducks. I probably wash her bed stuff once a day, and whenever she has companions, that will probably turn into two or three times a day(not that I mind, though). One thing I'm really not looking forward to, is her learning how to fly. I would definitely count flying as a con, lol.

Overall, I'm really quite happy with Pyrrhos. (: Her mates will be Magpies, which I'm hoping will prove just as rewarding.

Malards are sweet.My gran had some pure.I have some cross breeds.Wild ones are on our river.They are cute and soo sweet.But can be flighty or tame

I love love love her!!! She's sooo sweet!! 

We originally picked up a pair of Mallards for my daughter to use for 4-H. We got them from Tractor Supply during chick days. They are very loud as babies but as they grow they get quiter. Now the oldest pair is 5 weeks old and I rarely hear them quack. They get along great with our Pekin and chickens, and like to lay in the sun. My husband enjoyed watching my daughters pair so much he went out and picked up 5 more. His little flock is now almost 3 weeks old. They are just adorable. The follow the other ducks in a line and love love love the water. I personally prefer the larger breed ducks like the Pekin and Rouen but if you ask my daughter and husband they would have no other duck than the Mallard. They are not very social, so they are hard to catch, but that is to be expected from a duck with wild instincts.

My favorite duck.  I have had these guys, depending on the time spent with them, either being very bonded with me, or not so much.  I have one that is really a great funny friend and follows me around like  puppy.    They are lightweight if you need to tend or pick them up, but if  you plan to eat them, they have a more wild taste and not as much meat.  I have heard they aren't great layers, but I found with two hens we had eggs just about everyday all summer. They don't seem to lay much in the darker months.   They are very chatty ducks.  I have different breeds, and these guys are always the loudest (and they are my smallest ones).