Duck happiness

[RhodysMom]

Is two ducks too few? I have my heart set on getting two female ducklings (Welsh Harlequins) for pets and eggs. I really don't have the space for any more ducks, plus my husband may have a heart attack if I show up with a whole bunch! But I really want my ducks to be happy and healthy. I contacted a local breeder and was told that two ducks is too few and that they won't be truly happy because they're flock animals. Now I feel badly. I love animals and want all of my pets to be happy. I know dogs are pack animals, but that doesn't mean I need to have 8 of them, right? I had assumed that the 2 ducks would keep each other company and that the humans in the household would be their defacto flock. Am I naive for thinking this? Also, I was told that they will be healthier if they have a drake around. I really don't want a drake right now. In the future when I'm ready to breed ducks, sure. But not right now when I am so limited on space. I really just want a couple of girls to lay eggs - no babies, no meat - just productive pets. Is this wrong? I'm new to all of this and want to do the right thing.

 

[Mum]

Welcome to the forums

One on its own would be lonely and will not thrive. Two together would be company and better than a lone duck. A trio would be best (2 female, one drake) but, if you don't have the space, then yes, in my opinion two would be ok.

The only concern I may have in keeping just 2 is, what will you do if something happened to one of them and you were left with a lone duck?

If you only have space for two, then that is all you should keep. They can live a good few years and give you a lot of pleasure.

 

[Tahai]

Another concern is being sure you get 2 girls. 1 boy and one girl would not be good. Unless they are adults, you won't know for sure till they start quacking.

 

[RhodysMom]

The only concern I may have in keeping just 2 is, what will you do if something happened to one of them and you were left with a lone duck?

Thank you for the welcome and for the reply. I've thought about this myself and I would definitely get another one to keep her company asap if that were to happen. But maybe it would be better to have three to begin with just in case?? I mean, I'd obviously take every precaution to avoid a loss but I know nothing in life is certain. Aargh, the decisions!!

 

[RhodysMom]

Another concern is being sure you get 2 girls. 1 boy and one girl would not be good. Unless they are adults, you won't know for sure till they start quacking.

This is one of the (many) reasons that I am interested in getting Welsh Harlequins since, if I understand correctly, it is fairly easy to sex them by bill color when they're very young. If I go through a hatchery, I am willing to pay extra to have them sexed. I am also learning all I can about venting, etc. I have a veterinary background (small animal - dogs and cats) so I'm fairly familiar with the concept. I know it's not exactly the same, but the concept isn't too different.

I really appreciate the replies! You all are a wealth of knowledge. Thanks everyone!

 

[veronicasmom]

Definitely, three is better than just two! And is really no more care, doesn't cost a lot more and does not take up much more room. I honestly would opt for three just in case one had a problem. (HA! This is coming from a woman that started with two and now has eight!!)

 

[Apyl]

9 is a good number

. We started with 2 and I told myself thats all we needed. Well then DD decided to do poultry for 4H so we picked up 2 more. Then DH decided he liked DD's mallard and wanted some so we added 5 more. Then I decided to try to hatch some rouen eggs but ended up with a Jumbo Pekin/Rouen mix hatch and be the only one. Now we have 9 total lol. Good thing we have the space and live in the country lol. Good luck with your ducklings

 

[LilMissChz]

I had 10 eggs... 1 hatched. So I got a second duck. I HAD to. I know that ducks are social animals and need companionship. A dog or a cat is fine on it's own, but not ducks. I picked up the second duck today and already the first duck is adjusting to having a new friend and companion. I think 2 is good for someone who wants ducks but either doesn't want a bunch or doesn't have the room.

Here are Cinnamon & Sugar.

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[RhodysMom]

Cinnamon and Sugar are absolutely adorable!!! I'm glad to hear that others are doing fine with just 2. I know once I start making excuses for 3 or 4, it will be all over! I think I'm going to start with 2 and hope for the best. Or maybe 3

Veronicasmom, you sound like you could be a bad influence...just one more...