Hardiest Ducks for Michigan weather?

[Foresthome]

And mine are just the opposite My Muscovy's don't like snow and maybe because they are getting older 5yrs and up to 10 they spent a good deal of time inside their coop during the really frigid windy days. Their choice because all the pop doors are open during the day. My Runners and Buffs spent quiet a bit of time indoors this winter too. My geese were the hardy ones. lol

I'm glad I'm not the only one whose ducks don't want to go outdoors and play in the snow drifts because my husband says they're spoiled. I don't see how taking extra good care is bad for them, but maybe their temps were too overboard all throughout. I followed the heat lamp rules when they were little and stopped at about 2.5 weeks but they did live indoors at night until 10 weeks....maybe they should have been in the coop sooner but we were modifying it and I was worried about predators.

 

[Foresthome]

Try Pekins.

I have a son who wants a pekin badly but my husband said the larger ducks might bully our smaller Campbell. We actually really wondered if they would co exist without issues, or if a pekin would be happy to be the only big duck?

 

[AmazingRachel]

I have a son who wants a pekin badly but my husband said the larger ducks might bully our smaller Campbell. We actually really wondered if they would co exist without issues, or if a pekin would be happy to be the only big duck?

My friend has Pekins and Campbells. The only problem they've faced was having to rehome their Pekin drake because he was too big for the Campbell females. Other than that they all get along, including a couple Indian Runners in the flock.

 

[Timothy Menezes]

My Welsh Harlequins never minded bad weather, my only issue with them was they had no fear of raccoons.

I don't care for the skittishness of Khaki Campbells, the Welsh's much more relaxed nature was much more pleasant. They would also do well for you as they are somewhat bigger than a Cambell and should be less affected by the cold.

However, if I were looking to produce quantities of eggs economically for a business I would try Metzers Golden 300.

I totally understand that your hubby likes what he likes, but make a deal where you try half what he likes and half what you like and compare the 2 side by side. Hopefully in the same order so it's obvious if one is superior to the other.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I personally believe all duck breeds are hardy and haven't a problem with mine spending time inside on those really frigid days. I am actually thankful they did this year. If we give them the choice and they have an out of wind and weather place to ride it out then That is what they need. My Runners would always barrel out the door every morning hit the snow lay down, get up and right back inside. it was hilarious to watch. When we were having wind chills below zero even my 2 geese went inside some.

 

[PirateGirl]

I like to give my ducks and chickens both their choice in all weather. Their coop doors get opened every morning and they can go in and out as much or as little as they want until dark (I do let the ducks party after dark until I go to bed usually). I like to think they are smart enough to go in their coops when they should and go out and get enough food and water each day.

 

[Foresthome]

My friend has Pekins and Campbells. The only problem they've faced was having to rehome their Pekin drake because he was too big for the Campbell females. Other than that they all get along, including a couple Indian Runners in the flock.

Thank you! We were unsure as we have only experienced one kind of duck so far! It reassures me now, I would really like a mixed flock!

 

[Foresthome]

I personally believe all duck breeds are hardy and haven't a problem with mine spending time inside on those really frigid days. I am actually thankful they did this year. If we give them the choice and they have an out of wind and weather place to ride it out then That is what they need. My Runners would always barrel out the door every morning hit the snow lay down, get up and right back inside. it was hilarious to watch. When we were having wind chills below zero even my 2 geese went inside some.

I agree 100 percent! We did start with 14 and are down to 12 (just put Charlie Brown back outside on a warmish day, but she spent 10 days inside due to cold symptoms). One duckling went blind right after arriving, she passed on, another had sinus issues, she is still kicking but super runty, another just fell ill and there was nothing we did that brought her back, and another (my 6 year olds Charlie Brown) exhibited resp. distress and was treated inside for 10 days. I just want my ducks to be healthy and happy, and lay eggs! If they are healthy and happy they should give us eggs, right They don't seem happy in the cold, but miserable and sickly. I talked my husband into purchasing some larger breeds to see if they can be a little happier in our chilly woods!

 

[Foresthome]

I like to give my ducks and chickens both their choice in all weather. Their coop doors get opened every morning and they can go in and out as much or as little as they want until dark (I do let the ducks party after dark until I go to bed usually). I like to think they are smart enough to go in their coops when they should and go out and get enough food and water each day.

Sometimes I see them inside all day in 35 degrees sunshine...then shivering outside on a snowy 15 degree day and I wonder.... what are you doing? lol

 

[Foresthome]

My Welsh Harlequins never minded bad weather, my only issue with them was they had no fear of raccoons.

I don't care for the skittishness of Khaki Campbells, the Welsh's much more relaxed nature was much more pleasant. They would also do well for you as they are somewhat bigger than a Cambell and should be less affected by the cold.

However, if I were looking to produce quantities of eggs economically for a business I would try Metzers Golden 300.

I totally understand that your hubby likes what he likes, but make a deal where you try half what he likes and half what you like and compare the 2 side by side. Hopefully in the same order so it's obvious if one is superior to the other.

I really like this advice. We haven't heard much about the 300s but I think we should try them as they are marketed as a calmer bird. My husband is all about egg production, whereas I want ducks the kids can interact with and seem a bit healthier so I don't have to spend so much time tending individual sickies. After reading all of these posts and advice I HAVE CONVINCED HIM that we can order a dozen 300s maybe? Then 5 individual ducks for the 5 boys. Secretly I want to compare them! Lol