Friendliest "Pet" Duck Species

[waddles99]

I know that this topic has been debated a lot, but most BYC threads on this end up with a few saying pekin, a few saying call species, and one or two mentioning rouen. Then they usually veer off topic and the point gets lost. To prevent this i made a poll. So lets hear it-what species of "pet" duck is friendliest???

 

[Zombified]

I really don't have much experience. My little ones that I have now are my first. But just based on this one experience, my Mallard has been the friendliest. Don't get me wrong, the Welsh Harlequins are also very friendly, but my Mallard is more likely to let me hold her. However, my Mallard was raised alone for almost two weeks, so I'm sure that effects a lot. Not answering the poll because I don't feel I have enough experience, but I still wanted to put in my limited experience.

 

[EeyoreD]

I don't have a whole lot of duck species experience (ok, well, any) but I'm voting anyway: Muscovy.

I'm sure mine would be cuddlier if I held them more or interacted with them as ducklings but even the adults that I got will follow you around the yard wondering what you're doing, and love being talked to. I lost my drake to an infection this year and, much to my surprise, realized that I cared at least as much for this "livestock" as I did for my house pets.

I bawled when I found him dead and buried him with a blueberry bush on top. And I'm tearing up writing this thinking of him. Yes, I eat my birds, but some birds just.... transcend.

 

[waddles99]

I really don't have much experience. My little ones that I have now are my first. But just based on this one experience, my Mallard has been the friendliest. Don't get me wrong, the Welsh Harlequins are also very friendly, but my Mallard is more likely to let me hold her. However, my Mallard was raised alone for almost two weeks, so I'm sure that effects a lot. Not answering the poll because I don't feel I have enough experience, but I still wanted to put in my limited experience.

could you please vote even though i have yur input it will be easier to look at the poll

 

[Amiga]

Cute pole, I can see your point. I voted, based on my limited experience. I feel that it is how they are raised more than the breed. MelissaMerry has some amazing white mallards, several Muscovy people have astounding ducks, I cannot recall the breed of Marwan's ducks, I think they are Swedish, but wow, what a great couple of drakes.

 

[melissamerry]

Thanks Amiga! I do have to agree and say I have some amazing white mallards, although i am very biased as they are my only ducks.

They are not imprinted, but we still have a very special bond. They come when called, allow me to pick them up, and are friendly with kids ( as long as the kids are nice back).

I almost feel as if any duck can be friendly. It just depends on how much time you spend with them. I take mine to the beach and park frequently. I think the outings help!

 

[waddles99]

Thanks Amiga! I do have to agree and say I have some amazing white mallards, although i am very biased as they are my only ducks.

They are not imprinted, but we still have a very special bond. They come when called, allow me to pick them up, and are friendly with kids ( as long as the kids are nice back).

I almost feel as if any duck can be friendly. It just depends on how much time you spend with them. I take mine to the beach and park frequently. I think the outings help!

OMG YOURE THE ONE WITH THE WHITE MALLARDS!?!?!?!?!? You are the reason why i decided to keep ducks! Yours are sooooo cute!

 

[waddles99]

Thanks Amiga! I do have to agree and say I have some amazing white mallards, although i am very biased as they are my only ducks.

They are not imprinted, but we still have a very special bond. They come when called, allow me to pick them up, and are friendly with kids ( as long as the kids are nice back).

I almost feel as if any duck can be friendly. It just depends on how much time you spend with them. I take mine to the beach and park frequently. I think the outings help!

Could you go into depth in the day to day care on them? Also how is their sound? Are they really loud or soft or in the middle?

 

[Sweetfolly]

My vote would be the Dutch Hookbill.
http://www.sweetfolly.net/2013/05/our-dutch-hookbill-ducks.html

 

[etreasures]

I've had Pekings, Rouens, Cayaga, Mallards, Runners and Crested Pekings. The Pekings are the friendliest and most comical, the Rouens would be my next choice and then Cayugas. I don't like runners they tormented the other ducks. Never could get to close to the Mallards.