Duck Breeds-whats your experience

[Floof]

I want to suggest appleyards. I got a big batch of ducks from Holderreads this year that included silver appleyards, saxony, golden cascades, and welsh harlequins. Of those breeds, all raised with the same attention and treatment, my silver appleyards are far and away the ideal duck. They forage well, they come up to me just to say hi, they are quiet, they have been extremely hardy, and they are beautiful dual purpose birds. I would never get the saxony again as they have had the most health issues. My female saxony will come running for blackberries when she sees me but they have all had vitamin deficiencies where my other breeds have not and have not been as generally hardy as any of the others.

 

[Teneniel]

My runner is the most friendly and the best slugger by far! If you’re only looking for eggs and not meat, runners are so great for entertainment value.

But, you could always get a dozen or so of every type, just to be sure

 

[Maddog_photog]

Thanks for all the info! Is there a specific duck breed you recommend for beginner duck raisers (other than the 3 I initially mentioned)?

I have heard Swedish Blues are great beginners ducks! I have two myself and their temperament is remarkably docile and friendly. I love my Swedish sweethearts.