Advice on getting more ducks (or not).

[jobyducks]

I teach high school (Memphis area) and several of my students have gotten ducks from Tractor supply, they seem to always end up with a lot of boys.

I totally love my boys, it's just so sad to have to separate them from my chickens as they are so attached That, and not having any eggs... but I couldn't give them up. They are too cute! Wish I could have all of the ducks.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Yeah, pick the ones that aren't as bold or super active. At least your chances of getting girls might be higher.

 

[jobyducks]

Yeah, pick the ones that aren't as bold or super active. At least your chances of getting girls might be higher.

That's what I did with all my 6 chicks and the 2 ducklings... went for the shyest, most chill ones in the mix. All the chickens were hens, at least! lol

 

[jobyducks]

Ratios for ducks to drake really depend on the drake. Most recommend 3-4 females per drake so that the female is not overmated.
You can pair up, have a higher or lower ratio, etc as long as it works for your flock.
Also, it is common practice to separate naughty drakes if needed. Look up drake jail.
Some just have drake flocks too or just all duck flocks. Really it depends on your goals for your flock.

Thanks! I looked up Drake jail.. that's so funny. lol. I hope they'd be good boys if I got them some ducks...

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

That's what I did with all my 6 chicks and the 2 ducklings... went for the shyest, most chill ones in the mix. All the chickens were hens, at least! lol

A byc member I know picked 3 pekins and they went for the ones that were the most active - she got 2 boys and a girl.

 

[jobyducks]

A byc member I know picked 3 pekins and they went for the ones that were the most active - she got 2 boys and a girl.

what a horrible ratio

 

[CayugaJana]

If you aren’t going to buy sexed ducklings from a hatchery, go to TSC on the first day they have ducklings. Ask what day they are going to arrive. And pick the absolute smallest ones you can find. They are more likely to be females. The larger ones in the bin are almost always males.

 

[jobyducks]

If you aren’t going to buy sexed ducklings from a hatchery, go to TSC on the first day they have ducklings. Ask what day they are going to arrive. And pick the absolute smallest ones you can find. They are more likely to be females. The larger ones in the bin are almost always males.

Good to know! I might try this! I looked at just getting sexed ducks online- 4 females, and it was $90 after shipping! So insane. I might go that route next year if need be.
I stoped into TSC today and there weren't any ducks left- they told me they were getting more this week. They didn't have a specific day, so I'll try to stop in each day after work and see if there are any that are particularly smaller than the rest. thanks for the info!

 

[CayugaJana]

Good to know! I might try this! I looked at just getting sexed ducks online- 4 females, and it was $90 after shipping! So insane. I might go that route next year if need be.
I stoped into TSC today and there weren't any ducks left- they told me they were getting more this week. They didn't have a specific day, so I'll try to stop in each day after work and see if there are any that are particularly smaller than the rest. thanks for the info!

Not that you have to, but all ducks that are shipped have tracking numbers on the packages. So they could find out for you if they wanted. But they may not want to go to that much effort.

As for hatcheries, yes 6 females was the same price for me as like 2-4. So I just bought 6. Because I didn’t know if all of them would make it or not. Growing up as prey can be tough.

 

[jobyducks]

Not that you have to, but all ducks that are shipped have tracking numbers on the packages. So they could find out for you if they wanted. But they may not want to go to that much effort.

As for hatcheries, yes 6 females was the same price for me as like 2-4. So I just bought 6. Because I didn’t know if all of them would make it or not. Growing up as prey can be tough.

I'm still debating either way on if I can handle the noise level of a ton more ducks. I live in the city and I really don't want my neighbors complaining! Are the females THAT much louder? I swear my boys make sooo much noise sometimes lol especially when I let them out in the morning or feed them! They are a hoot.