Calling all Runner Duck folks! Help me decide...

[KYTinpusher]

I have 8 runner ducks that are about 9-1/2 weeks old. I believe there are 3 ducks and 5 drakes. I plan on keeping the 3 ducks and 1 or 2 of the drakes, but I am having a hard time deciding which drake to keep. Here are some pictures:



Drake 1 has a partial crest on the left side of his head. Drake 2 is black/brown laced - is that a runner duck color or might it be a mixed breed? Drake 3 is the largest drake. Drake 5 is the smallest and is also lame at the moment; I'm not sure if it is permanent I think he injured it getting out of their water tub). Here is another picture of a few of them:



Which one would you keep?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I can't help you decide but you might try adding Brewers yeast of Niacin to their drinking water to help the one get over it's lameness. they are sure pretty. And rest will help him too.

 

[Amiga]

Ooh, tough decision, they are all lovely!

Ditto on the niacin/brewer's yeast for lameness, won't hurt.

As far as which ones to keep, are you planning a breeding program?

If not, one approach might be to start a thread with a title like, "need homes for three 10 week old drakes" and find out which ones get spoken for.

 

[country_girl011]

i like drake #4

 

[country_girl011]

i like drake #4
and you dont want to keep #1. its bad to breed crested Xcrested. it can create skull deformities. so just keep that in mind.

 

[QueenDuck]

i like drake #4

I second that!

 

[cskotek]

i LOVE the creasted one! Im looking into getting a runner thats creasted. And i would go with drake 2.

 

[KYTinpusher]

I can't help you decide but you might try adding Brewers yeast of Niacin to their drinking water to help the one get over it's lameness. they are sure pretty. And rest will help him too.

Ooh, tough decision, they are all lovely!

Ditto on the niacin/brewer's yeast for lameness, won't hurt.

As far as which ones to keep, are you planning a breeding program?

If not, one approach might be to start a thread with a title like, "need homes for three 10 week old drakes" and find out which ones get spoken for.

Thank you for the advice. I'll try that. I'm not planning a breeding program, except to keep a few aroung for eggs and bug control.

Quote:

Quote: #4 is my favorite, too! Good to know about the crests - one down, two to go!

i LOVE the creasted one! Im looking into getting a runner thats creasted. And i would go with drake 2.

Isn't she cute! #2 is my kids' favorite!

 

[zooweemama]

If you keep 2 drakes will you have more than 3 female ducks total? Two drakes to three ladies isn't good duck math. The drakes will over mate them. But you might have other ladies already so that might be moot. Drake 4 is my top pick then drake 2.

 

[jessiduck]

They're all exquisite! I love all of them, but drake number four stands out to me!!! He's just gorgeous!