Duck in need of a friend 😊 Boy or girl? Same breed or different?

[HMR83]

Hello! I have a male Rouen who is in need of a friend. My chickens and other duck got killed by some dogs a few months ago. He has been nursed back to health and is doing well but unfortunately he was the sole survivor. Now I have gotten new chicks and I am looking for a friend for him. The ducks for me are just for my enjoyment. Is it important that I get another Rouen or can I get another breed? And also is it recommended that I get him a lady friend? I am having a super hard time finding anywhere that will ship 1 duckling being sexed for a reasonable price. Any advice is more than appreciated!!!!

 

[Ratchnick]

Your best bet is to shop local. You might think about getting a drake. 50/50 chance a hen will work out. I would probably get a larger breed like your rouen, and not a moscovy.

 

[Isaac 0]

You can try Craigslist, Facebook or try looking on the buy/sell forum on BYC. You can also try checking your state thread.

 

[Miss Lydia]

State threads are at "Where am I where are you". Getting just one female won't be good though he'll mate her so much. I'd think about at least 3 females. Also getting another drake may not work out so good. This time of year hormones are raging and can cause fighting or raping of one drake by another. @thumper650 keeps drakes [rescues] and he can tell you how he keeps them.

 

[thumper650]

I'd probably get three females in your case. You can get another boy, but you may have to separate them with a small fence they can see through. Mine are separated late March to August! It's not that bad, but means 2x the food bowls and water bowls to change. You can get any breed you want, and have a nice mixed group.

 

[HMR83]

Is it not a good idea to have just 2? We had the two before this happened and they were great. No issues with over mating BUT I know it may be different with a new female. I truly appreciate everyone's help so I don't want my messages to come across in a bad way. We really don't want more than 2 and I out my heart and soul into helping this guy recoup and I can't see giving him away.

 

[Miss Lydia]

You do what you feel is best for your situation. We’re just here to give advise from our own experience.
Hope you can find him a mate. Wishing you all the best. And very sorry for your losses.

 

[thumper650]

Is it not a good idea to have just 2? We had the two before this happened and they were great. No issues with over mating BUT I know it may be different with a new female. I truly appreciate everyone's help so I don't want my messages to come across in a bad way. We really don't want more than 2 and I out my heart and soul into helping this guy recoup and I can't see giving him away.

One might work, I had a hen, with two drakes at one point and everything was fine. Your message comes across fine, and we totally understand your attachment to him!

I think we are always trying to give the best advice, so people get the best outcome with their ducks. There’s always exceptions to the rule. So much depends on individual duck personalities.
Look around your area for a farm rescue, we have one near us where I got a few of my ducks.

 

[HMR83]

State threads are at "Where am I where are you". Getting just one female won't be good though he'll mate her so much. I'd think about at least 3 females. Also getting another drake may not work out so good. This time of year hormones are raging and can cause fighting or raping of one drake by another. @thumper650 keeps drakes [rescues] and he can tell you how he keeps them.

Thank you for that! I had no idea about the state threads!!!

 

[Matthewstee]

I have two ducks they are fine with just themselves, but they have been with each other since they were born, I really like the Blue Swedish ducks, you could try those.