On the whole the same basic chicken care applies, food, water and predator proof housing. Main differences are duck use water to bathe vs chickens using dirt, so that means water tends to get everywhere which means there is mud lol Ducks are messier than chickens for sure, that can turn some people off, the level of cleanup is more, that said ducks have less health issues, great foragers and tend to be pretty self reliant when provided with basics.
Breed wise? depends, and that depends on where you live ducks can be loud, some can fly.. also if your after pets, or a purpose.
I have some pet call ducks, teeny little bantams so they are the least for space, mess and feed BUT they fly and are known for being loud. I am rural though, so noise doesn't matter. I also keep Muscovy, but their for pest control and eggs, they are a very quiet duck, i think one of the most if not the most but their bigger so require more room, definitely eat more and they still fly lol at least the ladies can.
Can you get a hold of a copy of Storey's guide to ducks? great basic info there, good breed info too.
