Help please!

[reganedwards]

My friend and i are each getting a peckin duckling and want to know which would get along best, they will be together the majority of the time so dont worry about that. Should we get 2 boys or 2 girls? Also I have a pool in my back yard and was wondering if it would be okay if they occasionally swam in that or if they would drink the water and get sick or something? How long does it take for a duckling to mature?

 

[Amiga]

Welcome!

Take a look at this

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

Either 2 boys or 2 girls should work out fine. Girls give eggs, boys are quieter. Both give lots of good compostable fertilizer, and can be sweet and wonderful pets. Both eat worms and slugs and weeds.

I have two thoughts on the pool. Chlorine can play havoc with a duck's insides, and they'll poop in the pool. But they would have a good time. But you don't want them with tummy troubles. Maybe someone with experience can give you a good answer.

Pekins are probably mature in 7 or 8 months. I have runners so I cannot say from experience.

Have you read about how to protect them from predators and illness?

 

[reganedwards]

Thanks!