Pongoid, ducks are harder to pluck than chickens. Mostly because it is very difficult to actually get the scalding water down to the skin. Ducks are waterproof.
There are discussions about butchering ducks over in the meat bird section.
I've had Runners. I wouldn't call them nervous, but they are high energy.
My ducks aren't terribly messy. Their water is set over a drainage pit so there is no mud. Wooden frame, set down into the ground, filled with gravel and toped with rabbit cage floor wire, which is heavier guage and...