Duck Breed Questions

[DuckyBabies]

I recently had to say goodbye to my Pekin drake. I am thinking about getting some new babies this spring, but I have questions about different breeds of ducks. My pekin was only 3 years old and he had leg problems most of his life which I managed to keep at bay, but his legs just ended up giving out on him. I have been looking at getting rouens, but everything I’ve read says they are a heavy breed as well. I want to avoid the same thing happening again, so I’m not sure if that breed is right for me. Could anyone point me in the direction of what breed I should get? I have a male cayuga as well if that makes a difference in what I should get. Thank you!

 

[21hens-incharge]

If you want light colored ducks silver welsh are very pretty.
If you like cayuga maybe get your drake some cayuga females.

Of course there is a WIDE variety available.

 

[DuckyBabies]

Thank you! Follow up question: where does everyone get their ducks from? Our local feed store has some, but they are typically pekins. Is there a good hatchery to order from?

 

[21hens-incharge]

I got mine as sexed ducklings from Cackle.

 

[riss]

Thank you! Follow up question: where does everyone get their ducks from? Our local feed store has some, but they are typically pekins. Is there a good hatchery to order from?

A good place to get them from is Metzer Farms. They are doing free shipping the entire year of 2021!!

 

[DuckyBabies]

A good place to get them from is Metzer Farms. They are doing free shipping the entire year of 2021!!

I actually just looked at them, I only want to get 2 more ducklings to add to my existing duck. The price isn’t terribly bad, I’m just worried about having them shipped out. I’m all the way in Tennessee. Do you think they would make it here safely?

 

[NY Coturnix]

Have you checked Tractor Supply. I was just at the one where I live in NY State and they had a couple different kinds. I think Khaki and Pekin. Not sure if you have one in your area.

 

[DuckyBabies]

Have you checked Tractor Supply. I was just at the one where I live in NY State and they had a couple different kinds. I think Khaki and Pekin. Not sure if you have one in your area.

I do have a local tractor supply. I thought about looking there first to see what they had, because I would rather buy local instead of shipping. I do like the idea of having sexed ducklings though which my local tractor supply doesn’t do.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I do have a local tractor supply. I thought about looking there first to see what they had, because I would rather buy local instead of shipping. I do like the idea of having sexed ducklings though which my local tractor supply doesn’t do.

Any duckies TSC has will have been shipped. I know that doesn't help.

Maybe try craigslist for someone within driving distance that has hatchlings from their flock?

 

[NY Coturnix]

I do have a local tractor supply. I thought about looking there first to see what they had, because I would rather buy local instead of shipping. I do like the idea of having sexed ducklings though which my local tractor supply doesn’t do.

That's true didn't think about that. Ours doesn't sex any of the birds either.