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

[honeydoll]

Quote:
Ok, this isn't getting easier. I am like a kid in a candy store. I am so excited. I wish I could get two of each kind, or three or four or five...well you get the picture.

 

[mahsmaj]

Go for it!!!

 

[Blooming chicks]

Welsh Harlequins!

Love them.

 

[RunnerDucks]

I would like to throw in that breeder plays a HUGE role in temperament.
For instance, my runners from Holderread were beyond friendly, from the moment they arrived. A group of runners I hatched from eggs off of ebay came out of the egg nervous and alarmed. Of course, breeder plays a big role in all of it. For instance, some runners are bred for egg production and they are practically unmatched by other breeds. Other runners, being bred for the show circle, are decent, but not extrordinary egg layers. The meat on a show runner is going to be very low, but the meat on a heavier production bred runner will be of greater amount.

So my advice is that once you find what breed you are looking for, don't just rush to purchase. Research breeders, talk to people who have bought from them and get an idea of what the birds are like, and if possible, see the parent stock for yourself. Just like dogs, purebred means nothing if they're just being bred willy-nilly with no goal in mind.

 

[honeydoll]

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Very good advice and great points. Thanks. That is very sound advice and something I will remember. I have gone to Holderread's web site and am thoroughly impressed with their operation, at least what I've read on there. I have also heard many good comments about them.

 

[Chris09]

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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

 

[Baybrio]

I think all the suggestions people have made are wonderful. Why not go to a poultry show and try to see some in person? Or try two breeds.

 

[jnkir7]

Anyone Got Runner Eggs Janie

 

[MysticalMom]

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

I have 4 Appleyards. They turned out to be 3 females and a male.. but I couldn't tell any difference at birth.

 

[La Mike]

Yeah but these are pretyy grow fast and taste great
Lay regular an[d feed outa my hands when they are trying to eat my toes

Out of the Nine breeds I have these are the best overall

Hoping My broody brings out babies tommorrow