Duck breed recommendations

[The chicken nurd]

Hi
I’m getting ducks probably later this summer and I was curious if anyone had any breed recommendations they would live with my flock of backyard chickens and would probably get a couple hours a free range time a day
Thanks

 

[lost-duckling]

muscovys do fine with my chickens and emus

 

[DucksAreBest]

Hi
I’m getting ducks probably later this summer and I was curious if anyone had any breed recommendations they would live with my flock of backyard chickens and would probably get a couple hours a free range time a day
Thanks

Do you want meat ducks, prolific laying ducks, or dual purpose?

 

[lost-duckling]

muscovys do fine with my chickens and emus

they are all 100% free range tho no coop or cages involved unless one gets hurt.

 

[The chicken nurd]

Do you want meat ducks, prolific laying ducks, or dual purpose?

I will be keeping them for pets and eggs

 

[lost-duckling]

maybe no

I will be keeping them for pets and eggs

maybe not muscovys then cause of the sharp back claw and lower egg count

 

[DucksAreBest]

I will be keeping them for pets and eggs

Ok, then Indian Runners is the best breed for you. They are excellent egg layers and make great pets.

 

[fatty and friends]

i have pekins, khakis, and a rouen! ducks are all super friendly if they are raised right, no breed is really friendlier than another. khaki campbell are a “timid” breed according to basically every online website. my two love people (will literally let random people pet and hold them) and love to go on “walkies” and adventures.

 

[KaleIAm]

I'm not sure it matters much which breed, I feel like the time you spend with them will shape them into social pets or not. I've had multiple different breeds and they've all been delightful. The only breed who is extra personable, in my experience, is pekins, but they have a lot of health issues and so I can't recommend them.

In case you aren't aware, you might want to get only females. Drakes have a penis and chicken hen's anatomy isn't compatible for mating. Because of this drakes can seriously injure or kill chicken hens.

 

[AHoags]

Over the years, I have had Welsh Harlequins (which are my favorite personalities), White Layers, Buff, and Blue Swedish. All have been pretty good layers (White Layer is best) and have all had pleasant, social temperaments. I socialize with them a lot, though, especially when they are young, which I think helps the situation. They have been fine with my children and my chickens. In fact, they were all afraid of one tyrannical hen I had; she was their boss! If you are going to let them free range, which I do during the day, and you have airborne predators, I'd stay away from the White Layers; they are very visible from the sky, and an eagle or big hawk may grab one.