Friendliest Duck Breeds?

[SilkiesInSuburb]

Hey, guys! Chickens are such a gateway animal. My mom and I have been thinking about adding ducks to our growing collection of critters, and I wanted to know from you guys what good breeds there are.
I'm looking for friendliness (can be held/cuddled, people friendly) mostly but I also love exotic looking ducks. Can you guys give some of your favorite breeds? Also, laying is nice but not a big factor.

 

[CarleeAnn]

I think cuddles is really determined by how the ducks are raised. I got my two ducks when they were about three days old and I would let them sleep in my lap and their brooder was right next to our bed- if I didn’t sleep with my hand hanging off into the lid they would cry. They think I’m their mom and they love me! But we had to wean them off of me and now they just get excited to see us but not lonely without us.

I find my Cayuga to be a bit friendlier than my Swedish. But she is also much more active and does not tolerate being held as much as my Swedish does.

 

[MagpieDucks]

Many people like and recommend Welsh Harlequins. I'm sure somebody that has them will pop in.

Gotta love a Magpie duck though!

I also love my Calls! Cute, funny and friendly.

 

[BantyChooks]

I'll be "that welshie person", lol. They're lovely ducks. Their colour pattern is intricate and they are fantastic layers. Personality-wise they are docile, receptive to snuggles, and fairly active.

Another favourite of mine is Silver Appleyards. My girlie is the most outgoing sweet fatty I have ever met. Everyone loves her!

Calls are cute too but I have little experience with them. In general, you can't go wrong with any breed. Mallards and mallard crosses are more spazzy in my experience, but the domestic breeds are all huggable.

 

[SimplyLivinthatFarmLife]

Many people like and recommend Welsh Harlequins. I'm sure somebody that has them will pop in.

Gotta love a Magpie duck though! View attachment 1272347

I also love my Calls! Cute, funny and friendly. View attachment 1272348View attachment 1272349

I am so in love with the Calls. They are just the cutest...they're on my wish list!!!

 

[MatthewsHomestead]

Just brought home our first ducks today! Five Peking and two Mallard/Rouen (? Was told Khaki Campbell, but looked up and they DO Not resemble). So far I have one super cuddler Mallard and one chill Peking. We shall see as they settle in. If your looking for egg production, Peking will lay 98% year round (given good conditions/care/climate).

Your right though, chickens are a gateway. We have rabbits and soon goats as well! Have fun!

 

[Conan]

I am also a Welshie person! I only have one pair, but they are just beautiful and friendly birds. My hen is a good layer and they are always first at the garden gate for treats. I have too many ducks to really have them be cuddly, per say, but they're still some of my faves. I also have a Rouen hen that is super duper friendly and a very sweet Magpie hen that is the quietest bird I have and a good layer as well. I have several Cayuga, but they are the flightiest and least friendly of the group and oh, boy are they freaking LOUD!
Choosing ducks is just so fun! Enjoy
ViolenPlayer - those call ducks look almost too darn cute to be real. Feeling a little jealous...

 

[The Phantom]

Many people like and recommend Welsh Harlequins. I'm sure somebody that has them will pop in.

Gotta love a Magpie duck though! View attachment 1272347

I also love my Calls! Cute, funny and friendly. View attachment 1272348View attachment 1272349

I was looking into getting some ducks. How would these do with my chickens and a kitty pool? The call ducks.
If I raised a wood duck with the chicks would they all get along?

 

[MagpieDucks]

I'll be "that welshie person", lol. They're lovely ducks. Their colour pattern is intricate and they are fantastic layers. Personality-wise they are docile, receptive to snuggles, and fairly active.

Another favourite of mine is Silver Appleyards. My girlie is the most outgoing sweet fatty I have ever met. Everyone loves her!

Calls are cute too but I have little experience with them. In general, you can't go wrong with any breed. Mallards and mallard crosses are more spazzy in my experience, but the domestic breeds are all huggable.

Thanks for popping in.

I am also a Welshie person! I only have one pair, but they are just beautiful and friendly birds. My hen is a good layer and they are always first at the garden gate for treats. I have too many ducks to really have them be cuddly, per say, but they're still some of my faves. I also have a Rouen hen that is super duper friendly and a very sweet Magpie hen that is the quietest bird I have and a good layer as well. I have several Cayuga, but they are the flightiest and least friendly of the group and oh, boy are they freaking LOUD!
Choosing ducks is just so fun! Enjoy
ViolenPlayer - those call ducks look almost too darn cute to be real. Feeling a little jealous...

They are quite cute and funny! They always feel the need to splash all the water out of the dish and then complain for more. Silly dux.

I was looking into getting some ducks. How would these do with my chickens and a kitty pool? The call ducks.
If I raised a wood duck with the chicks would they all get along?

@Spyderk117 or @BarbHicken17 could probably help you there. . I know they had or have a wood duck in with their calls. I raise my chickens and ducks separately so can't really answer you there.

 

[The Phantom]

Thanks for popping in.


They are quite cute and funny! They always feel the need to splash all the water out of the dish and then complain for more. Silly dux.
@Spyderk117 or @BarbHicken17 could probably help you there. . I know they had or have a wood duck in with their calls. I raise my chickens and ducks separately so can't really answer you there.

Thankyou! How do they handle the cold? I am Wisconsin