Calmest duck breed?

[Rileedale]

This summer I’m going to order ducklings from metzer farms. I read online that Pekins and Welsh Harlequins are the calmest duck breeds. I want birds that don’t freak out when humans come around, and are kind to eachother. What are some duck breeds that have calm temperaments?

 

[Ducksandchickens]

Yes, pekins are good! Mine would sit on my lap and “purr” when I pet her under her bill

 

[Brahmachicken240]

All my heavier breeds seem to be on the calmer side.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

This summer I’m going to order ducklings from metzer farms. I read online that Pekins and Welsh Harlequins are the calmest duck breeds. I want birds that don’t freak out when humans come around, and are kind to eachother. What are some duck breeds that have calm temperaments?

It mostly depends on how you raise your ducks!
If you are a lot around them, pick them up, cuddle and give them treats, they associate »human = good«.
If you throw them into a brooder in the barn, go there every three days to clean and fill up food and water, they will not bond to you and shout »murder death crime« whenever you go near them.
The heavier breeds are calmer than the light birds, quieter they might not be, i remember a very talkative Pekin duck… I have read good things about Buff-Orpington ducks, regarding their friendliness. Also heavier breeds are more likely to develop foot and leg issues (like overweight people!) and the lighter breeds lay more eggs.
Have fun with your decision…

 

[Kkrista123]

 

[Cayuga momma]

It mostly depends on how you raise your ducks!
If you are a lot around them, pick them up, cuddle and give them treats, they associate »human = good«.
If you throw them into a brooder in the barn, go there every three days to clean and fill up food and water, they will not bond to you and shout »murder death crime« whenever you go near them.
The heavier breeds are calmer than the light birds, quieter they might not be, i remember a very talkative Pekin duck… I have read good things about Buff-Orpington ducks, regarding their friendliness. Also heavier breeds are more likely to develop foot and leg issues (like overweight people!) and the lighter breeds lay more eggs.
Have fun with your decision…

Brutal honesty police...
... just kidding. Great advice. How's your leg?

 

[sylviethecochin]

Muscovies are the calmest duck breed.

Large, meat-type Pekins are the calmest Mallard-type duck I have ever owned. Their lighter egg-layer focused sub-type are less so, IME.

 

[chickens really]

Call Ducks. Very calm and sweet. Not flighty scared little ducks.

 

[PirateGirl]

I would say Khaki Campbells are NOT calm.
My Blue Swedish are calm by comparison.

 

[Ducksandchickens]

I would say Khaki Campbells are NOT calm.
My Blue Swedish are calm by comparison.

Yes khaki Campbells aren’t calm. I have some and they hate when people come by and hate being picked up