Hello everyone,
I am a new member (though I have already posted a thread in the “managing your flock” section. I originally thought about starting a flock of chickens but thanks to a certain member (*aghem* PirateGirl) I am now researching and considering ducks (using this sights articles and breed reviews). Whether I go all ducks or a portion of ducks I am still undecided.
After doing some research I have found a few reasons why I believe ducks would be perhaps more suited for me. (Please let me know if you do not agree with some of my points or if I have been Miss informed during my research) Here are some reasons.
•I live in a cold climate (our winters are known to dip below -25 degrees Celsius) & we only get about 3 months of steady summer heat (average day being 20-30 degrees Celsius).
•By my research it sounds like the egg laying breeds of ducks gives you more eggs a week(reliably) per bird than chickens. More eggs per bird a week=less birds to keep. Does that math sound right?
• egg production doesn’t go down as fast the older they get. Which would mean less replacing or culling of birds every spring.
• easier on my garden boxes then chickens while free ranging in the summer. Though the grass may take a beating when I provide a pool or if it rains
• egg laying breeds (other than Muscovies) don’t seem to be able to get off the ground very well? I only have a 4ft tall chain link fence around my back yard. I was kinda worried about the chickens free ranging and being able to possibly perch on the fence or glide over the fence completely if I forgot to keep up on clipping wings. I feel like I wouldn’t have to worry too much with ducks. They will have a house and run for security and predator purposes.
• overall breeds can be friendly towards children. I have 2 young boys who I know are going to want to help and interact daily.
I do realize there are some downsides to ducks but so far my positives outway the negatives.
Now here is where I’d like your input. These are the breeds available to me in the spring (at our local critter market event) which do you believe would be best suited for egg laying and quietness factor (ducks aren’t silent I know that. Which do you think are generally quieter breeds for hens). I have put an asterisk by the breeds I believe are best for me.
•Indian Runners*
•Muscovies- pretty much Vetoed due to them liking heights
•Cayugas *
•Welsh Harlequin *
•Pekin-noisy & a lot of poop according to reviews?
•Crested
•Rouen
•Saxony*
•Khaki Campbell- Too noisy?
I am a new member (though I have already posted a thread in the “managing your flock” section. I originally thought about starting a flock of chickens but thanks to a certain member (*aghem* PirateGirl) I am now researching and considering ducks (using this sights articles and breed reviews). Whether I go all ducks or a portion of ducks I am still undecided.
After doing some research I have found a few reasons why I believe ducks would be perhaps more suited for me. (Please let me know if you do not agree with some of my points or if I have been Miss informed during my research) Here are some reasons.
•I live in a cold climate (our winters are known to dip below -25 degrees Celsius) & we only get about 3 months of steady summer heat (average day being 20-30 degrees Celsius).
•By my research it sounds like the egg laying breeds of ducks gives you more eggs a week(reliably) per bird than chickens. More eggs per bird a week=less birds to keep. Does that math sound right?
• egg production doesn’t go down as fast the older they get. Which would mean less replacing or culling of birds every spring.
• easier on my garden boxes then chickens while free ranging in the summer. Though the grass may take a beating when I provide a pool or if it rains
• egg laying breeds (other than Muscovies) don’t seem to be able to get off the ground very well? I only have a 4ft tall chain link fence around my back yard. I was kinda worried about the chickens free ranging and being able to possibly perch on the fence or glide over the fence completely if I forgot to keep up on clipping wings. I feel like I wouldn’t have to worry too much with ducks. They will have a house and run for security and predator purposes.
• overall breeds can be friendly towards children. I have 2 young boys who I know are going to want to help and interact daily.
I do realize there are some downsides to ducks but so far my positives outway the negatives.
Now here is where I’d like your input. These are the breeds available to me in the spring (at our local critter market event) which do you believe would be best suited for egg laying and quietness factor (ducks aren’t silent I know that. Which do you think are generally quieter breeds for hens). I have put an asterisk by the breeds I believe are best for me.
•Indian Runners*
•Muscovies- pretty much Vetoed due to them liking heights
•Cayugas *
•Welsh Harlequin *
•Pekin-noisy & a lot of poop according to reviews?
•Crested
•Rouen
•Saxony*
•Khaki Campbell- Too noisy?
I don't have ducks, and quite frankly don't know much about keeping them in real life. I wanted to get some a while back, but in my research found that they have to have clean water deep enough to clear their nares. For me that meant I didn't need ducks. I have enough of an electric bill keeping chicken water thawed (heated bases and founts) and tank heaters for a few cattle and horses when the ponds freeze in the winter. Plus winter chores just stink...I wouldn't want to dump and clean duck water. I know people must do it, it's just not for me.
