What breeds do you recommend? And what breeds do you dislike?

[GoldenFlight]

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[NathanZee]

Aw, great to hear!

And yes 1 Drake per 3-4 hens, but I'm not planning to get Drakes, only females, if I do get any I will sell them because of many reasons, one reason being that my only duck I have right now is crested and during mating she could get her crest ripped off.

That's probably a good idea. As other's said, all duck breeds are wonderful!

 

[PearlTheDuck]

Anconas come in different colors too but my favorite is the original B&W. You'll love them! Plus, it's easy to tell them apart as no two are the same Besides look how cute the ducklings are lol...notice the anconas? I have had Pekins, Cayugas, Khaki's, Mallards, Welsh Harlequins, Muscovies, Buff ducks, Black and also Blue Swedish, Runners, Rouen, and White Crested, and my favorites are these guys...but I liked them all....lol

Maybe you could try a different hatchery like Metzer Farms or Cackle Hatchery if you really want Welsh Harlequins, if not, ive heard Khaki Campbells are a good breed for eggs and can be good pets and only get to about 4-6 lbs.

I'm in Texas and I'm ordering from ideal poultry and they don't carry Anconas and like I said, they don't carry Welsh Harlequins either. I'm too afraid to order out of state, I don't want dead ducklings in the mail.

 

[NathanZee]

I'm in Texas and I'm ordering from ideal poultry and they don't carry Anconas

and like I said, they don't carry Welsh Harlequins either. I'm too afraid to order out of state, I don't want dead ducklings in the mail.

Maybe you could check craigslist for Anconas and Welsh Harlequins?

 

[PearlTheDuck]

Maybe you could check craigslist for Anconas and Welsh Harlequins?

I have, there's none.

 

[NathanZee]

I have, there's none.

That's too bad, maybe this spring there would be some. Otherwise did you ask any fellow BYC Texans if they have some? Here's the Texas thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/44/texas/40690

 

[PearlTheDuck]

That's too bad, maybe this spring there would be some. Otherwise did you ask any fellow BYC Texans if they have some? Here's the Texas thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/44/texas/40690

No I did not, I didn't even know there was a Texas thread. Thanks

 

[slkyldy4evr]

When I ordered my chickens ( and a month after that, my ducks)
I was terrified that they would end up dead but usps has been delivering chicks for years and they do a great job with the chicks, all of mine arrived safe and sound, if I were you I would order online and get the ones you really want, and on the off chance that any do arrive dead, the company will refund you. But as I said, nothing to really worry about.

 

[PearlTheDuck]

When I ordered my chickens ( and a month after that, my ducks)
I was terrified that they would end up dead but usps has been delivering chicks for years and they do a great job with the chicks, all of mine arrived safe and sound, if I were you I would order online and get the ones you really want, and on the off chance that any do arrive dead, the company will refund you. But as I said, nothing to really worry about.

Hmm... I would still want to order from a closer state, isn't metzer farms in California? That's too far for me, and isn't that alot of stress on the ducks travelling that far?

 

[slkyldy4evr]

It can be but they seemed relaxed when they came.
And Cackle Hatchery is in Missouri so maybe that would be a better option.