HELP in deciding on a duck breed....SO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM

[honeydoll]

Quote:
Ya, I read about that too,. That would make things easier. They are beautiful ducks too.

Appleyards can be sexed at birth also..

AppleYards -
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/Ducks/Apple/BRKApple.html
http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/waterfowl/silverappleyard.html

Chris

Chris -- this isn't getting easier. I can see it now, I'll get three or four different breeds in the mail and my husband will be like"WHAT!!!!!??"

 

[honeydoll]

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Those are Pekins. You are really enticing me. Grow fast taste great thing is a big plus...

 

[Snakeman]

You are getting some really good suggestions. I would recommend that you make a list of the top 4 or 5 in your mind and then do some internet searches to verify and fine tune the facts before you make a final decision.

Also, researching the breeders that have the breed you decide on before purchase is a great idea.

 

[Birdcrazy]

Firstly, like Bleenie, i am completely inlove with Muscovies

they have a lot of character.
but i love Blue Swedish and Runners too

 

[Ms~Silkie~Girl]

pekins and runners.

 

[lakota_elder]

I prefer Welsh Harlequins... after a couple of months researching that's what I settled on. My only question was in their flying.. I found out they can't... a few feet off the ground for maybe 3 feet when they're young but not high enough to clear the fence. and no way can they fly when they're older ( which made me very happy)... I got a lot of info right here at this site about care and genetics. I went to the library and saw photos of the ducks... I went to the website for Holderreads and saw how to sex the day old babies. And for a very cheap price they'll ship the babies at a day old and try to give you a 50/50 mix of girls and boys.. You even have a choice of price from pet quality to show quality.... and you have a choice of silver or gold...!!! Not only are they reputable breeders of multiple breeds, they show, he's a judge and wrote the best book on Welsh Harlequins available...

 

[Wifezilla]

One other thing to keep in mind is who breeds what in your area? I sold multiple batches of hatching eggs and had 2 broodies hatch out babies this Spring. All the babies had the same dad. I kept 3 of the babies and didn't want inbreeding so I needed to get rid of the drake and find a new one. Fortunately someone in Northern CO needed a new drake for the same reason. I gave her Tweak. Someone else in contacted me with an extra drake in the same situation so I got him a few months ago.

By drake swapping, we are keeping the genetic in out flocks diverse and our ducks healthy.

 

[lakota_elder]

I just bought a young trio of one male and 2 females and got them at a good discount price for including my older drake in the exchange. That way we both got new bloodlines...

 

[Sissy]

after read this
thread Iam getting some ducks.
to join my flock of Bantam silkies , ameraucanas ,
Orps,and cochins.
Never had ducks. but you all
changed my mind,
the Welsh. and call duck
have gotten my interest.

1 Dh 4 Grown DD s
and too many in the flock to count.
also 3 cats Lucy,Ethel, Boots.

 

[honeydoll]

Quote:
Join the madness Sissy, all are welcome.