Completely new to Ducks - help!

[AAcres]

So, I have decided to get a couple ducks for my yard. I have never ever owned a duck before or any other outdoor bird. Before I dive head first into this, I want to make sure I have everything lined up for them and hopefully get as much knowledge about them as I can so they can lead happy health lives.
I would love to get a couple duckings to start out. If I were to get three would you recommend 2 females and 1 male? Is there any preference?
I am also unsure of what breed to get. Maybe some suggestions? I'm looking for good layers, generally quiet (I know they all quack and I'm totally okay with that, but if there are any breeds that are screamers - no thanks lol), and then I'm concerned with them flying/wandering away (is that a thing?).

I live on about 1.5 acres of land so lots of room for a few ducks. I plan on having them free range. How do you keep them in your yard? One of my neighbours is a bit away from me but has a horse and I wouldn't want them waddling over there and potentially getting kicked.

I also have a 6x6x6 chain link outdoor dog pen that my dogs don't use and I was thinking of using that for their coop area (is it called a coop for ducks? lol), I was planning on putting something on top for a roof and then setting up a few A-frame shelters for them in there. Is that enough room for 3 ducks? As I said before, I'd want them to free range but put them in here at night or when I am not home so that nothing gets them.

I have a million other questions but this post is already SO LONG. Thank you to anyone who fully reads this.
Any, and I mean any, thoughts, tips, guidance for anything duck related you may have for me, please let me know!! I want to learn and be prepared!

Thanks!

 

[Lady Shawn]

I love ancona ducks, they dont fly, good weight, good foragers, lay about 200 eggs a year, friendly. I could go on all day
Some of mine lay green eggs too.
Here's some of the babies in the kiddie pool from this morning. They will be 6 weeks tomorrow

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

I would recommend that you get Storeys guide to raising ducks by Dave Holderread. It is a good introduction to what you need to know. Also, spend a lot of time on this site and the sticky duck thread.

 

[Texag87]

Runners, Runners, and more Runners.

 

[Jbum]

They grow fast!

Same turkey in each pic. They went from this:

To this in like 10 minutes!!!!

 

[casportpony]

I would recommend that you get Storeys guide to raising ducks by Dave Holderread. It is a good introduction to what you need to know. Also, spend a lot of time on this site and the sticky duck thread.

I agree, great book, and here is the sticky link mentioned:

• https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/ducks-sticky-topics-index.256233/

Also good reading here:

• https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/ducks.30/
• https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/other-fowl-housing.35/

 

[AAcres]

Thanks so much!!!!

 

[Jpat]

I always say goofy pekins to start with!
Big fluffly and cuddly sometimes

Not that runners arent amazing either.

Ide like one of every breed. they are all awesome

 

[Kkrista123]

• If I were to get three would you recommend 2 females and 1 male? 2 hens (females) and 1 drake (male) would be fine. You could also go with all hens or all drakes if you get them sexed. If you have a flock larger than 3, there is a general rule of 1 drake to every 3 or 4 hens.

• I am also unsure of what breed to get. Runners! They lay 200-300 eggs a year! They can't fly! They are goofy!

• How do you keep them in your yard? It is good to keep the ducks in the coop at home for a little while at first so they can establish where home is. This is a great time for treats and creating a feeding schedule to encourage them to naturally come at feeding time everyday. It is good practice to lock the ducks in the coop at night because that is when a lot predators hunt. Get them familiar with a certain sound like shaking of a treats jar. This will help to recall the flock. Make a certain call to go along with the sound that they are learning. Consider using chicken wire to make a perimeter around their free ranging area.

• I also have a 6x6x6 chain link outdoor dog pen that my dogs don't use and I was thinking of using that for their coop area (is it called a coop for ducks? lol), Yes

• Is that enough room for 3 ducks? If they are free ranging this should be enough space for them to sleep.

Good luck picking out ducklings!!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I still say runners come closest to your conditions you posted. However, I do not have any female runners. Our K/C is the smallest duck, loudest duck, and best layer. One Rouen is loud but the other is not. Our runner drake is not exactly affectionate but he does not resist once caught and actually enjoys strokes on top of the head or his neck.Our Pekin is not a good layer but I believe that is stress from the drake we had to rehome. She is kinda friendly and makes strange soft quacks compared to the other hens.

You need some female Runners