Adult layers, ducklings, eggs?!

[Bettacreek]

I think I've finally decided on pekin ducks. I do have two that I reserved from the feed store that will come in on the 23rd. They were the only two that were left on the reservation list. Now, I have several other sources (classifieds, ebay, salebarn, etc), but I'm not sure if I should get more ducklings, try to hatch out some eggs or go with a breeding trio. I really like the idea of getting a breeding trio, but, would this be cost efficient? Will they stop laying soon, only to be free-loaders until next spring? By the end of the year, I want one drake and two or so hens, the rest will be in the freezer. Basically, I really want to get the adults, but want to know if there are any catches to this. My second choice would be ducklings, because of the other eggs in my incubator (chicken and quail). If I get ducklings or laying adults, it will give me a smidgen of time to either build or buy another incubator.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

I do not think a trio would be any more of a "freeloader" than ducklings you raise and care for over the winter until they lay in the spring.


The only thing I worry about, getting adults, is knowing the age (are the ducks really 2 almost 3 or are they 3 almost 4? - sometimes people do not remember) . With ducklings I know their age for sure.

 

[Friend2Fowl]

My pekins lay all year except the really cold months (November-January/February). They did slow down some last summer when it got really hot, but they should lay most of the year for you. So no, it wouldn't be a bad idea to get the trio.

 

[Bettacreek]

If I get one good year out of the ducks, I'll be happy with that. Though, I admit, it would probably irk me a good bit if I keep them through winter only to not have them lay the next spring, lol. I just really enjoy checking everyone for eggs every day, and knowing what time of day to check each pen, etc. Plus, it should be more cost efficient to buy a trio, instead of ducklings.