Duck Breed Questions

[DuckyBabies]

I like the idea of getting exactly what I want if I went with a place that ships them. I’ve just never done that before, so it’s new to me. Does the post office deliver them or would I need to pick them up once they get to my local post office? I’m terrified if I order online they may not be in good health by the time they reach me.

 

[SolarDuck]

You usually pick them up from the post office

 

[DuckyBabies]

You usually pick them up from the post office

Thank you! I think I will check locally first to see what is out there and then go with shipping some in if needed!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I like the idea of getting exactly what I want if I went with a place that ships them. I’ve just never done that before, so it’s new to me. Does the post office deliver them or would I need to pick them up once they get to my local post office? I’m terrified if I order online they may not be in good health by the time they reach me.

The PO is supposed to hold them at the office and call you to pick them up.

 

[SolarDuck]

I'd see what you can find on your local Craigslist in the farm & garden section, and in the for sale section. Most people don't think to check for ducks but there are always ducks o plenty for sale near me on there so it's worth a look.

 

[HomesteaderWife]

I have had Khaki Campbells over the years, so that would naturally be my suggestion. I have purchased them from a local poultry auction, as well as from a local Tractor Supply. I bet you'll get lots of good breed suggestions.

 

[Ratchnick]

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!

Pekins often have leg problems other heavy breeds not as much. I think you will be happy with rouens. Pretty much any breed should do you well except pekins.

 

[DuckyBabies]

Pekins often have leg problems other heavy breeds not as much. I think you will be happy with rouens. Pretty much any breed should do you well except pekins.

I have wanted rouens for a while now, I just assumed they would be heavy like him. I need them somewhat heavy though so they don’t fly away. I bought a duck a long time ago that I thought was a Rouen, he turned out to be a mallard and flew away within 5 minutes of bringing him home. I need something that won’t fly out of my backyard.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Pretty much all domesticated ducks cannot fly.
My welsh flap like crazy but only get MABE 18" off the ground.

 

[Ratchnick]

I have wanted rouens for a while now, I just assumed they would be heavy like him. I need them somewhat heavy though so they don’t fly away. I bought a duck a long time ago that I thought was a Rouen, he turned out to be a mallard and flew away within 5 minutes of bringing him home. I need something that won’t fly out of my backyard.

Heavy does not equal leg problems, it just seems to be a pekin thing. There are two types of rouens. Exhibition and production. Production birds are smaller (but not small) with a normal duck shape. Exhibitions are like bowling balls with feathers!