Help duck breeds

[junglefowl1]

Hi, there!
I am considering getting some ducks soon, but I need information on what duck breed suits me. I am looking for duck breeds that (ordered by importance):

- 4 ducks do well in about an acre of space (including a large pond)
- Go broody AND are good mothers
- Are friendly
- OK-ish flyers (enough to help escape some predators)
- Lay at least 50 eggs per year

I do NOT want muscovy breeds.
Bye!

 

[EverythingDucks]

Welsh Harlequins may be good. They lay lots of eggs (about 150-200 a year), often go broody and are pretty good moms as far as I can tell, they are usually quite friendly and good for beginners, and they can fly some but will gladly stay in your yard. I'd really like to get these kinds, they're very pretty birds too.

 

[junglefowl1]

I don't really mind if they can fly - only really if they stay in about an acre of space. Checked here for more information: https://domesticanimalbreeds.com/welsh-harlequin-duck-breed-everything-you-need-to-know/ They sound like a good breed I could have. They lay throughout the year (at least they don't just lay in summer, because I want a good source of free-range, organic ethical eggs through the whole year. They also go broody and are good mothers. They have nice plumage.

Would wild-type mallards stay in an acre? (There's a pond in my section)

 

[EverythingDucks]

I don't really mind if they can fly - only really if they stay in about an acre of space. Checked here for more information: https://domesticanimalbreeds.com/welsh-harlequin-duck-breed-everything-you-need-to-know/ They sound like a good breed I could have. They lay throughout the year (at least they don't just lay in summer, because I want a good source of free-range, organic ethical eggs through the whole year. They also go broody and are good mothers. They have nice plumage.

Would wild-type mallards stay in an acre? (There's a pond in my section)

Mallards can easily fly but usually stay nearby, though most people like to clip their wings just in case. They are seasonal layers so they don't lay a lot though.

 

[junglefowl1]

I would never clip their wings! I think it is cruel,and flying helps them escape from predators. As long as they stay in my property, I'm happy
Will the drakes "rape" my ducks?

 

[Ratchnick]

I would never clip their wings! I think it is cruel,and flying helps them escape from predators. As long as they stay in my property, I'm happy
Will the drakes "rape" my ducks?

Yes, but you can't cut off their penis because that actually is cruel. Then again so is rape and you birds flying off and being eaten. If your going to have flying ducks its your responsibility to keep them safe. Their flight feathers are not going to help them evade predators. They will likely be asleep at the time of the attack.

 

[Clearwater Chicken]

I would never clip their wings! I think it is cruel,and flying helps them escape from predators. As long as they stay in my property, I'm happy
Will the drakes "rape" my ducks?

uhh, i don't think that's what its considered. I believe its mating and yes they will. unless you get a stupid drake like mine. its only bad if the ducks are getting overmated.

 

[Texag87]

You might consider K/C because they are good layers and can sorta fly. As far as broody, mine wants to go broody but never goes more than a few days.

 

[junglefowl1]

I heard that mallard ducks (at least in the wild) "rape" the females (I wouldn't amputate any of their body parts) so what sex ratio would I keep mallards at so that they don't overmate? What about Welsh Harlequins? I'm also considering those.

Khaki Campbells are broody, but not good mothers, I've heard, so I don't want to get them because I want my ducks to hatch and raise their own ducklings.

 

[Ratchnick]

I heard that mallard ducks (at least in the wild) "rape" the females (I wouldn't amputate any of their body parts) so what sex ratio would I keep mallards at so that they don't overmate? What about Welsh Harlequins? I'm also considering those.

Khaki Campbells are broody, but not good mothers, I've heard, so I don't want to get them because I want my ducks to hatch and raise their own ducklings.

I think pretty much every animal species rapes each other, I'm not sure what this has to do with anything.