Advice about breeds...

[dunnmom]

I originally considered runners, but I was concerned that their flightlessness might put them at a disadvantage if being chased.

 

[Emmaxx]

They do make me laugh when they run tho but nicer to see them running towards some treats and not away from being chased
We have some pekins at our local duck moat, one that was up until recently domestic so no problem with coming right up and eating food right from your hand, and I must say it hurts! Not in a serious way, but enough to make me avoid feeding the little so and so! Maybe that is something to consider with your son as to what his reaction would be?
How local is your duck chap? Could taking your son along to have a look what he has be an option? That way you could see what appeals to you and also him and avoid the ones he gets too excited over/nervous of maybe (obviously I don't know his disabilities so don't mean to cause offence if I have)

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Interesting. I have a list of what this guy says he has besides wood ducks. Maybe that would help us narrow it down. I want to buy local, I'm paranoid about shipping living things, even eggs.

Ancona
Call duck eggs
Rouens
Black/ blue swedish
Welsh harlequin
Khaki campbell
Cayuga
Pekin
Flying mallard
Silver mallard
Buffs
Runners
Saxony
Muscovy

He says he knows he's forgetting some other varieties he has. They are all free range on his land.

I think all of the ducks you listed are considered domestic ducks. Except, the mallards might not be considered domestic. I don't know much about true mallards. Muscovies kept in backyards are domestic, just the true wild ones are not.
Your best bet for your situation, would be a duck that could fly to escape predators. Not all muscovy males are aggressive though. The male muscovies tend to get a bad rap.

 

[dunnmom]

Ok, so here's another question. If I end up with some ducklings after a hatch, and they happen to be brothers and sisters, is it bad for them to breed with each other? I've heard drakes will try to mate anything, but would inbreeding cause the offspring to be defective?

 

[Emmaxx]

It might do but maybe not be too obvious in the first generation, but each generation would further compound any defects. Based on what I've read, albeit regarding rabbits, inbreeding isn't as much of an issue in the animal world as it would be for humans, and some even deem it necessary when trying to improve show stock etc.
I was thinking that if this guy has all his ducks free ranging there may be a chance of some cross breeding going on, and if you can get some of those eggs that might be your best bet. When I first thought of them all free ranging like you said, I stupidly pictured them all waddling about together which would have meant high change you could get some cross breed eggs from different nest and then inbreeding wouldn't be an issue, but I realise they are probably semi-free ranging in breed specific pens.... Still I'm sure accidents can happen and would be worth asking.

 

[dunnmom]

It might do but maybe not be too obvious in the first generation, but each generation would further compound any defects. Based on what I've read, albeit regarding rabbits, inbreeding isn't as much of an issue in the animal world as it would be for humans, and some even deem it necessary when trying to improve show stock etc.
I was thinking that if this guy has all his ducks free ranging there may be a chance of some cross breeding going on, and if you can get some of those eggs that might be your best bet. When I first thought of them all free ranging like you said, I stupidly pictured them all waddling about together which would have meant high change you could get some cross breed eggs from different nest and then inbreeding wouldn't be an issue, but I realise they are probably semi-free ranging in breed specific pens.... Still I'm sure accidents can happen and would be worth asking.

He advertises that he sells hatching eggs for $8/doz. as barnyard mix. I'm not as concerned with his stock being inbred as much as what could happen on my lot, because I wasn't thinking of keeping many of the ducks. I would have no way of knowing which, if any were siblings. He's not so much a breeder, as he just runs a family farm.

 

[Emmaxx]

That's what I meant too, although you can ask, for whichever breed you choose, to be unrelated eggs. Then if whatever you do end up hatching breeds there won't be any problems for you!
If he sells a barnyard mix I'd give that a go, you may end up with a cross more suited for what you're after than a pure bred if you can't decide, won't be greatly out of pocket and your hens will have something to hatch. If it proves a success you could get something more specific next time round

 

[Emmaxx]

You could even get a muscovy cross cos then anything you hatch would be sterile and you wouldn't end up with more ducklings!

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Ok, so here's another question. If I end up with some ducklings after a hatch, and they happen to be brothers and sisters, is it bad for them to breed with each other? I've heard drakes will try to mate anything, but would inbreeding cause the offspring to be defective?

From what I was told it is ok up to 3 generations. After that, you need to introduce new bloodlines if you haven't already.

 

[dunnmom]

All of my experience thus far has been with chickens, so I really appreciate the guidance. I actually live across a busy street from a huge city park that has a giant koi and duck pond. There are many different breeds and species of water fowl. I suppose it's possible my ducks could end up wandering over there, and might like it better than my place. Lol!