Best starter duck?

[Baralak]

I would say... Get the Cute ones!!!.. oh.. that's all the ducks.. lol.

I have Rouens, Welsh Harlequins, Blue Swedish. I would have to say that my Welsh Harlequin is the most people friendly. But that is of course how soon they bond with you and how much time you have to devote to them.

 

[veronicasmom]

My first were Blue Swedish, and they were wonderful. Didn't get ducklings, but the grown ducks were so sweet and cute.

 

[wistlindixie]

They'll have about 5 acres to roam free on. I have an old dog house that is about 4x6 and about 3 ft high that will be their house. I'm still debating the swimming hole. I only want them as pets, eggs are a plus as I give pretty much all my chicken eggs away to friends and family. Noise level isn't really a problem. Now, I have to find a hatchery where I can get ducklings without having to spend a fortune. Checking craigslist now for local.

 

[duck&chickencrazy]

Quote:
I would check out holderreads and look at their website. they have really nice birds at decent prices

 

[MissusDee]

It would really depend on you and what you have as to what would be best. I live in the country, noise isn't so much a problem for me, and I like the noises the ducks made and started with Mallards because they were small, easily available, very pretty and full of personality. If you live in a suburban area, you might want something quieter. You might like the colors or patterns on another breed. You might want more eggs, etc. Read up on a bunch of them and on ducks in general. Having all hens is ok, and some people do ok with say, having two drakes and no other ducks if they were raised together, but ideally 1 drake for 3-4 hens is good.

 

[Duck Mad]

I would say .. Females are more gentle, Males can be a bit much join breeding times etc....
Don't get me wrong I love my drakes loads, they need certin kind of attention that females don't need,
The breed, well its to do with how you raise them, that gets results
I dont mean to sound big headed, but its all to common facts like drakes are aggressive, ducks smell, they make a mess etc..BUT I don't suffer with any of these issues, regular cleaning! gravel around the duck pond, saves the muddy mess, and Play with the drakes!!!!!!! Bored drakes are aggressive. I play this game with mine.... I'M gonna Get ya! basically when it appears as if they are in a randy mood, and they are full of themselves, I say im gonna get ya, they know that means im gonna pick em up and play rough an tumble

and done gentle

Muscovys are brill!

 

[cw]

do you have children if so get ducklings they are fun to raise, but as far as a duck breed you cant go wrong, we love all are ducks, they make chickens seem so dull. we will probably go to strictly ducks,

 

[Duckchick2011]

I would say nothing tiny or fancy, some thing sensible, medium sized, and even tempered. Mallards are the only ducks I have ever owned, they are a medium sized even tempered duck that doesn't make too much noise. They are attractive and all existing domestic ducks (aside from muscovies) are decended from them. I would suggest purchasing some mallards, they are tough for one, very fertile for two, and generally enjoyable from my experience...but then again, I could be completely wrong. Do some research.

To be honest, I've never met a duck I didn't like.