Duck help please. New to this

[JE1279]

Good evening, we acquired a baby duck about a month ago. Her name is Ruby but I am starting to think she may be a male. Does anyone know he breed or sex or approximate age? What is the best type of duck food to feed her. Right now she is on crumbles. She is very sweet and loves to follow us around and sit in our laps. She's a little mouthy(meaning she pecks at us) I have done research but could definitely use some help. Thanks.

 

[Pyxis]

!

Cute little duck, looks like a welsh harlequin? I couldn't really say her gender at this point from this picture. What kind of crumbles are you feeding? Does she have a friend? Ducks should always have a duck friend

 

[JE1279]

!

Cute little duck, looks like a welsh harlequin? I couldn't really say her gender at this point from this picture. What kind of crumbles are you feeding? Does she have a friend? Ducks should always have a duck friend

Thank you. She does not have a friend. I tried to talk my husband into getting another but he said no. We have 3 kids and she seems pretty content with just hanging out with them. I did read that you should have 2. It's called country house road meat bird. It's the only thing the store we went to had in stock. It was really cheap so I doubt it's decent food.

 

[Pyxis]

What's the protein content? Niacin content? It's probably okay for her

Try to get another one if at all possible. Two are no more work than one and she will be much happier with a ducky friend. Hopefully you can convince your husband, or just sneak one in, because they really really need to have a pal.

 

[JE1279]

What's the protein content? Niacin content? It's probably okay for her

Try to get another one if at all possible. Two are no more work than one and she will be much happier with a ducky friend. Hopefully you can convince your husband, or just sneak one in, because they really really need to have a pal.

It does not say. Is there a better brand you would recommend? This is for meat birds. I don't want her to eat a cruddy brand. Ha he would notice she seems fairly happy and content but how would I know if she was not?

 

[Pyxis]

I like Purina Flock Raiser for my ducks

Well, in a flock she would be with her flockmates 24 hours a day 7 days a week. They would sleep together, eat together, swim together, etc. They also wouldn't take vacations away from her or disappear for eight hours a day, etc. So a true flock experience is just something that most humans can't provide for a duck. That's why a friend is better. Plus then she has someone that can speak her 'language' and she can fully communicate with.

 

[JE1279]

I like Purina Flock Raiser for my ducks

Well, in a flock she would be with her flockmates 24 hours a day 7 days a week. They would sleep together, eat together, swim together, etc. They also wouldn't take vacations away from her or disappear for eight hours a day, etc. So a true flock experience is just something that most humans can't provide for a duck. That's why a friend is better. Plus then she has someone that can speak her 'language' and she can fully communicate with.

Thank you for all the info. I will keep working on my husband. I would love a pekin. I have read they make good duck pets.

 

[JE1279]

I like Purina Flock Raiser for my ducks

Well, in a flock she would be with her flockmates 24 hours a day 7 days a week. They would sleep together, eat together, swim together, etc. They also wouldn't take vacations away from her or disappear for eight hours a day, etc. So a true flock experience is just something that most humans can't provide for a duck. That's why a friend is better. Plus then she has someone that can speak her 'language' and she can fully communicate with.

Thank you for all the info. I will keep working on my husband. I would love a pekin. I have read they make good duck pets.

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. I hope you can convince your husband. Maybe he is worried about having baby ducklets. If you could get the same gender as the one you have now - that wouldn't be a problem.