How many should a beginner start with?

[Jdc361]

I am very new to ducks and have never had them before. I was just wondering what breed, gender, and how many I should get???! Should I get males, females, or both?

 

[wpfarmer]

Im not a duck expert but I've read that they are flock animals so at the very least 2. As for breeds you can never go wrong with Muscovies. Nice dual purpose bird.

 

[SunkenRoadFarms]

I just got my first little flock, started with two runners and two khaki campbells, all straight run. They're more for fun than anything else. I live Welsh Harlequins, so if all goes well with these four I might expand later.

 

[Jdc361]

I just got my first little flock, started with two runners and two khaki campbells, all straight run. They're more for fun than anything else. I live Welsh Harlequins, so if all goes well with these four I might expand later.

Ok but I've heard khakis can be flighty and skittish... Is that true? Are they loud?

 

[Amiga]

I have a few thoughts. First, I confess - do as I say, not as I did. Started with eleven day-old Runners. No regrets. But mercy, it changed my life!

Consider adopting rescues.

If you have a drake, you will need to be concerned about him being too aggressive with mating. But he may be a sweetheart. Ya don't know.

Females - lay eggs, but can have egg laying problems. Most do not.

I feel just about any breed is great, it matters how much attention you can give them.

Please give them a safe place. Predators surprise so many people. Include hawks in your list of predators.

 

[Jdc361]

I have a few thoughts.  First, I confess - do as I say, not as I did.  Started with eleven day-old Runners.  No regrets.  But mercy, it changed my life!

Consider adopting rescues.

If you have a drake, you will need to be concerned about him being too aggressive with mating.  But he may be a sweetheart.  Ya don't know.

Females - lay eggs, but can have egg laying problems.  Most do not.

I feel just about any breed is great, it matters how much attention you can give them.

Please give them a safe place.  Predators surprise so many people.  Include hawks in your list of predators.

I just don't like how runners lolk

nor do I like the way scovies look

so I'm not sure. Should I just get two straight run?

 

[Amiga]

What about Buff Orpingtons? With straight run, if you get a drake and a duck, and he's - ahm, oversexed, you may need to get a few more females.

 

[Jdc361]

What about Buff Orpingtons?  With straight run, if you get a drake and a duck, and he's - ahm, oversexed, you may need to get a few more females.

The hatchery I'm getting them from doesn't carry buffs

 

[Amiga]

Khaki Campbells, Welsh Harlequins, actually I cannot think of a duck breed I don't like.

 

[Jdc361]

Khaki Campbells, Welsh Harlequins, actually I cannot think of a duck breed I don't like.

Ok I like both those. Are they loud?