BBS Swedish questions

[aestus_lux]

I just got 4 swedish duckling, they will winter with my chickens until spring when I can set their pond up. I was wondering, when would i expect maturity, mating, laying, etc? They are a week and a half old. Also anyone have any helpful hints about the breed? One of my blacks is crested. How much do they lay a year?

 

[aestus_lux]

nyone?

 

[Goat_Walker]

My Black swede started laying at 5 months old. My blue swede drake was the SWEETEST duck I have ever had. We even "Launched the skittles". That is we would place him on my shoulder and take him out into the feild , launch him and let hm fly all the way home. I miss my baby boy, R.I.P.

 

[newchickmom09]

I was given two ducks one a black swed and the other a swed mix I think. They are now 8 and 6 weeks old. They grew so fast.

Mine do not like being handled or touched. If I have some treats and go and sit down with them they will walk all over you and not mind touching you. But if you try to touch them then they will run out of your reach. They like having people around, I go out everyday and do the same whistle at them now they know it and come running. I can whistle and quack at them and they chime back. Treats were the key to there heart.

My female started doing her quack at 5 weeks old. My male still has the raspy hiss noise at 8 weeks old. Now that they are getting older they are becoming louder. They are both great swimmers and can dive and actualy be under water for a while.

I asked the same thing once I got my ducks, here is the link from when I asked: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=221188

From what I gathered they lay really well and start laying around 20 weeks. So if yours are around 2 weeks old now then spring you will probably be getting eggs. I think they start mating around that same age or before, not to sure on that though. They are one of the hardiest of breeds and can forage very well. They are a medium duck, drakes can weigh up to 8 lbs.

Hope some of that helps.

 

[aestus_lux]

Thanks newchickmom, your thread answered everthing I think.

 

[newchickmom09]

Your welcome thought it might help.