Holderread Rare Duckling Assortment

[Sonja73]

My Silver Welsh Harlequins are just 3 weeks old and they are from Holderread. I purchased 6 but was gifted a 7th. I only live 45 minutes from them so it was a local pick-up. lol. This is my first time at raising ducks as well and I totally understand the growth rate amazement! I have 4 males and 3 females. I love to watch them around the yard, too funny. I only plan on keeping a mating pair, for eggs and slug control of my front 1/3 acre.

 

[kiwijean83]

anatidae,

Where are you located? I just found out (of course, after I had placed my order from Holderreads), that there is a breeder of WH, Dutch Hookbills (they got their breeders from Holderreads), Silver Appleyards and Muscovies about 30 minutes from where I live. Here is the link to their webpage, if you are in Western Washington. http://www.cascadewaterfowl.com/ducks.html

 

[kiwijean83]

I can't believe how big everyone is. They love the pond (still not my biggest fan, but oh well), are slug and mosquito larvae eating machines. Sadly I lost 2 to dog attack (my own, let's just say they got in BIG trouble and we no longer have any problem with chasing poultry) and 1 drown in their water bucket (still have not figured out how that happened).

I have a breeding pair of WH, I think my white runner and mystery duck are female. Pretty sure one of my blue runners is a male (sounds like a boy), but unsure on everyone else.

Convinced my hubby that I can get more chickens and ducks next year, so bring on the Saxony and Ancona eggs next year to hatch @ home (hopefully will get some SOCIAL DUCKS if I hatch them out myself).

Sonja73, how are your ducks doing? Still have all 7?

 

[kiwijean83]

Oh, and what age do these ladies start laying? I am getting impatient and excited for my first egg

 

[Miss Lydia]

Oh, and what age do these ladies start laying? I am getting impatient and excited for my first egg

usually around 5-6 months you'll see your 1st egg.

 

[kiwijean83]

Thanks Miss Lydia I guess I will have to be patient then

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks Miss Lydia I guess I will have to be patient then

So exciting when you get that first egg be sure to let us know.

 

[maineman]

if you want friendly ducks go with any thing but runners. runners just very rarely tame up for some reason. always a little hyper

 

[kiwijean83]

Maineman: agreed. My 5 runners are nutty (I wonder if the WH would be more calm if they were not in with the crazies). I don't think I will do runners again, though I have decided I would like to add Anconas and Saxony ducks next year, though I may have a friend raise them so they are handled more. Sure doing their duty on the slugs, and I hear Anconas are great foragers (and lay a ton of eggs, so win win). Maybe Appleyards too, not sure yet.

 

[maineman]

I have all ways loved my runners for the entertainment. but the 2 friendliest breeds I have owned is calls or Muscovys. Muscovys always seemed to want to please me and follow me every were had one male that would just sit on my deck and watch me threw the window I thought it was funny but my wife did appreciate it that much