Flock additions and subtractions -- questions

[Duckie doodle]

After acquiring mutt ducks with their own pros and cons, I want to grow my flock with quality birds. I considered the White Layers from Metzer because egg laying is important to me, but then thought.... I live in Oregon, driving distance to Holderread's. I grow heirloom vegetables and try to do things the natural and healthy way when possible. Why not get quality heritage breeds from one of the best duck farms in the country, if not world?

So, I've contacted them and put my name on their interested list for yearling Welsh Harlequins. I am hoping for 3 females and possible a drake, but the likelihood of that becoming available is slim. I will probably end up driving over for day olds in the early spring. They sell their day olds straight run.

If I end up with too many drakes I will have to decide whether to rehome or cull. If I cannot rehome then I will definitely have to cull. I'm not terribly excited at that prospect. Does anyone have tips on how to humanely do this, or link to a guide? I have never done anything like this before. I would also love tips or a link to a guide on how to process a duck carcass. I've bought whole chickens before from the store but never had to deal with feathers or organs.

It is a dream of mine to have a small homestead so maybe this is a good practice run. The circle of life....it can be harsh, but it does not have to be inhumane.

So my grandfather likes duck and he wants to eat my pekin drake in the worst way which isn't gonna happen, anyway, the way he has told me to slaughter duck is to slit their throat pretty much like a pig. Then put the body in warm bucket of water to help the feathers loosen up and peel them off and take out the organs like you would a turkey if you ever been turkey hunting. I'm surprised I know some of this, since I could never slaughter or end the life of my duck friends but I totally understand the circle of life, but I hope you find your duck friends new, nice homes so you don't have to resort to slaughter.

 

[MerryMeridional]

Here is a link to a duck butchering guide:
https://ladyleeshome.com/how-to-butcher-a-duck/

Thank you! That was really helpful. There's a link in the comments to the parafin wax technique too.

 

[MerryMeridional]

So my grandfather likes duck and he wants to eat my pekin drake in the worst way which isn't gonna happen, anyway, the way he has told me to slaughter duck is to slit their throat pretty much like a pig. Then put the body in warm bucket of water to help the feathers loosen up and peel them off and take out the organs like you would a turkey if you ever been turkey hunting. I'm surprised I know some of this, since I could never slaughter or end the life of my duck friends but I totally understand the circle of life, but I hope you find your duck friends new, nice homes so you don't have to resort to slaughter.

Thanks for the tips.

I understand that your bird is a pet but that is not the only purpose of a domestic duck. I think humanely slaughtering your own animals is more ethical and sustainable than a grocery store carcass. I do eat meat regularly.