Friendly duck breeds?

[Abriana]

I am thinking about getting ducks and i am wondering if anyone knows of any very friendly, liking to be held or at least sitting on your lap, pretty ducks that can live with just two other ducks? I want a male and two females. Would that work or do I need more ducks in a flock? Does anyone know of a place i can buy good-quality ducks? These are pets, not egg layers/meat birds so laying doesn't have to be great.

 

[Kiki to Nana]

People seem to love Pekins, I've never owned one but from what everyone says you can't go wrong with them. Metzer Farm is very reputable place to order from.

 

[MagpieDucks]

Calls are usually very friendly and there cute.

 

[tk10]

I am thinking about getting ducks and i am wondering if anyone knows of any very friendly, liking to be held or at least sitting on your lap, pretty ducks that can live with just two other ducks? I want a male and two females. Would that work or do I need more ducks in a flock? Does anyone know of a place i can buy good-quality ducks? These are pets, not egg layers/meat birds so laying doesn't have to be great.

Where are you located? I have a pair of KC just 4 weeks old to rehome.

 

[jofanx]

I've had pekins, cayugas, and muscovies. Pekins are hands down the friendliest of the three (liking to be pet, sitting next to you, being kissed, etc.--my profile pic is my daughter kissing a pekin duckling). Cayugas and muscovies are much more hands off once they grow to adulthood, although they will eat from your hand if you raised them to do so (not recommended because they may get aggressive about food.) I now solely raise muscovies for ease of care and noise reasons but do miss the cuddliness of the pekins. They do still follow me around the yard and beg for food, but won't tolerate petting (the juveniles will but once they hit a certain age, they suddenly decide no more.)

2 females to a male is okay although 3-4 is best because the males are aggressive.

 

[Abriana]

Actually, just put in some thought about an extra fence, which would be expensive, and decided not to get a male so that the females can be in with my chickens. Can i use a kiddie pool as a duck pond? Can chickens and ducks live together? Would my bantam be okay in a pen with a pool? She hates water, and i once tried to see if she would swim, and she got out of there faster than if a fox was chasing her. Thank you for all your help! I think Pekin ducks sound like a good fit for me. I have fifteen chickens. Two ducks with fifteen chickens-what do you think?

 

[jofanx]

Chickens and ducks do fine with each other--I've had my flock mixed before. Ducks don't NEED a pool, they obviously like it but it's not a necessity. Just a water source deep enough (like a bucket) to dunk their heads in so they can wash their nostrils is fine.

 

[Kiki to Nana]

Actually, just put in some thought about an extra fence, which would be expensive, and decided not to get a male so that the females can be in with my chickens. Can i use a kiddie pool as a duck pond? Can chickens and ducks live together? Would my bantam be okay in a pen with a pool? She hates water, and i once tried to see if she would swim, and she got out of there faster than if a fox was chasing her. Thank you for all your help! I think Pekin ducks sound like a good fit for me. I have fifteen chickens. Two ducks with fifteen chickens-what do you think?

Yeah two girls will do better. If you get a drake he will try to mount your chickens. They live fine together. I wouldn't worry about that.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

I love my Khaki Cambell's! I only have baby pools and they are very happy. I also got eggs from my girls all winter. Peking owners, do they lay in the winter?

 

[Abriana]

I looked it up online and yes-they lay large white eggs year around.
Thank you for all your help! I think i am going to get three Pekin ducks, and use a small kiddie pool for a water source. I found a DIY feeder and waterer that i can make easily-deep so they can get their whole beaks in. How often do you have to clean their pool? I was thinking once a week.