- Jul 31, 2014
- 100
- 4
- 61
Hello, I am new here. Several weeks ago the neighbor girls brought me 2 tiny ducklings--the mama had been attacked, along with the babies. One baby was killed outright, mama took off with one, and these were left. They spent the first few nights in a small cat carrier--sadly, one, which had been very quiet where the other one was not, passed away. However, we rigged a brooder box, and the other one has survived to be a very feisty mallard girl.
Miss Mallard does not love us, and I think can't wait to get back outside. I will release her when she is fully feathered and can get away from predators etc.
However, I think I have a touch of duck fever now. After doing some research, I have discovered that I would be allowed to have up to 3 ducks on my property (we have a decent backyard, but not acreage by any means). I am looking for ducks that would be calm and friendly, and be decent to good layers. I'm thinking of ordering from Metzer farms, since they have a small order minimum. I am looking into Welsh Harlequins, Cayugas, and possibly Swedish Black/Blue or a Buff, although my 9 year old daughter was pretty entranced by the Hybrid 300's egg production.
I would love to hear from anyone who has a small backyard flock in suburbia. We will build a pen for them at night, and I have been researching plans for one--if anyone has some helpful links or pics that would be great. I have read that ducks can get along with cats and dogs--we have a dog and two cats, although the kitties stay indoors. Any advice on how to introduce them safely?
I noticed that many of the ducks have temperament ratings from very calm to nervous. Clearly I need to stay away from the nervous ones--but what does "average" mean, vs. calm or very calm when one is discussing duck temperament? I can't imagine that even the very calm ones are lap-type animals?
Sorry for so many questions. Nice to meet you all! This looks like a fantastic little community.
Miss Mallard does not love us, and I think can't wait to get back outside. I will release her when she is fully feathered and can get away from predators etc.
However, I think I have a touch of duck fever now. After doing some research, I have discovered that I would be allowed to have up to 3 ducks on my property (we have a decent backyard, but not acreage by any means). I am looking for ducks that would be calm and friendly, and be decent to good layers. I'm thinking of ordering from Metzer farms, since they have a small order minimum. I am looking into Welsh Harlequins, Cayugas, and possibly Swedish Black/Blue or a Buff, although my 9 year old daughter was pretty entranced by the Hybrid 300's egg production.
I would love to hear from anyone who has a small backyard flock in suburbia. We will build a pen for them at night, and I have been researching plans for one--if anyone has some helpful links or pics that would be great. I have read that ducks can get along with cats and dogs--we have a dog and two cats, although the kitties stay indoors. Any advice on how to introduce them safely?
I noticed that many of the ducks have temperament ratings from very calm to nervous. Clearly I need to stay away from the nervous ones--but what does "average" mean, vs. calm or very calm when one is discussing duck temperament? I can't imagine that even the very calm ones are lap-type animals?
Sorry for so many questions. Nice to meet you all! This looks like a fantastic little community.
and Welcome To BYC!
