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[QuackedUp]

actually this is a great post, it is educating people on the difference between quality stock, and hatchery stock. They are in no way the same thing, and unfortunately many buy from hatcheries thinking they will be getting birds who look just like the pictures of the breed standard. most dont understand that hatcheries are culling large numbers of breeders and setting up breeding pens of 3-6 birds to produce off spring to meet the standard. they run large pastures and pens with 100's of a breed together. so you can get genetic oddities and color mutations. there is also such a thing as a white mallard. You yourself said you arent a duck expert, so by posting here you are helping others who are buying pets understand that there is a chance for non breed standard birds to come when purchasing from a hatchery. It happens, most are happy with their pets.

You never mentioned what you fed, but a vet is specialized in fixing and curing, dont know many who also specialize in dietary needs. I would trust the word of one of this countries largest QUALITY breeders concerning protein levels over a Dr. Because sadly even a Dr who graduates last of their class is still called Dr. Dont know the one you goto, dont know their focus of study in avian medicine so dont get offended by blanket statements. Doctors dont always know best when all they do is practice medicine and not spend decades breeding as some of the more well respected breeders in the country have.

P.S. Thanks for your positives.

 

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[CelticOaksFarm]

You just said it he is a Top Medical Mind. does not make him an expert on diet or breeding or genetics, just the medicine.

Your feed was a very high protein diet, high protein does lead to angel wing in many cases. So the AW is most likely from diet, ducks are picky, but you have to cut the feed and rolled or crimped oats, millet, black oil sunflower seeds and wheat are good choices to do so with. The ducks are very cute, and very typical of hatchery stock. they might not be as tiny, and may have a genetic color oddity. Both to be expected and acceptable of a hatchery.

Instead of demanding others respect the vet, listen to what they are bringing to the table for information. Doctors aren't breeders and breeders aren't normally doctors, so both have their expertise and valuable information to offer to a new pet duck owner.

Now if your Dr hasnt already warned you, free ranging mallards can lead to them flying away for good on you. rather you be warned and informed than heart broke down the road.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

its ok to be wrong and its ok to have a Dr not know everything. Money doesnt buy smarts, it buys shiny cars and houses and vacations. I just ask you be willing to accept that although he is a Top Medical mind, he doesnt know all to end all about feeds, genetics, and breeding.

 

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[CelticOaksFarm]

And you do?

? this makes no sense to the conversation

 

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[desertdarlene]

The people you are debating with have a lot of experience with owning and breeding ducks, many of them show quality blue ribbon winners. Some of them have a lot of experience and knowledge about genetics. Metzer Farms is a pet/farm duck hatchery, though it is possible to get great quality ducks there. But, their aim is to breed healthy and strong ducklings for pets, for eggs or for food. If you want show quality ducks that are superior representatives of a particular breed, then it's best to try a private breeder or a place like Holderreads where their aim is to breed the perfect duck for any breed. Of course, the price is going to be much higher.