How Water-Loving are Mallards?

[robbyvg]

Hi. At the risk of being chewed out, I'll comment.

I have 5 different breeds, but no mallards (Welsh Harlequin, Runner, Swedish, Saxony, Pekin). I had mine in the water from day 1. Of the 5, the Saxony loves water the most, the Pekin the least. I would have suspected the Swedish or the Welsh to be the most interested.

My Saxony is in the water most of the day. My Pekin has only been in the water a couple of times, preferring to dunk her head in rather than swim.

Most posts/info I've seen have said that it's an individual thing. But I would be inclined to think Mallards would be more like my Saxony and less like my Pekin. I imagine they'll decide for themselves if given free access to swimming water.

Thank you. This makes me think. I have never had Saxony or Welsh H. What you say makes a lot of sense. My experience is similar with Pekins with water.

I agree that even though many posts indicate that no matter the breed, a duck will be the same as the others is shortsighted and incorrect.

Now that people like you have given me a better idea of the mallard ducklings I am looking at in the next few days, I feel a bit more confident with their rearing. I appreciate it.

Hopefully you don't feel like that's chewing anyone out

 

[robbyvg]

Want to add: I didn't think your post was a joke, but there have been SO many fake posts from trolls lately. Like, so many. Usually fromyoung people or folks pretending to be noobs. It's sometimes hard to tell when I'm reading a post whether it's a serious inquiry or baiting. I actually accused someone of posting a fake inquiry just the other day, and it turned out I was wrong. Sorry that seems to be what happened here (although it's now quite obvious you aren't a noob)...

I understand that completely.

However, that is where critical thinking comes in. How many trolls get so detailed and seem so plainly interested?

If we were trolls, we would just say some crap like "all waterfowl like water, duh" lol

 

[Aunt Angus]

Thank you. This makes me think. I have never had Saxony or Welsh H. What you say makes a lot of sense. My experience is similar with Pekins with water.

I agree that even though many posts indicate that no matter the breed, a duck will be the same as the others is shortsighted and incorrect.

Now that people like you have given me a better idea of the mallard ducklings I am looking at in the next few days, I feel a bit more confident with their rearing. I appreciate it.

Hopefully you don't feel like that's chewing anyone out

Gotcha. I am pretty certain they know there are differences is breeds and behaviors. I think they are saying that all ducks like water. I'm just not sure they agree on if there's one particular breed that likes it more than others. The duck folks here are highly knowledgeable and experienced.

But you got this! Just watch them and adjust as needed. No need to not feel confident.

 

[robbyvg]

Gotcha. I am pretty certain they know there are differences is breeds and behaviors. I think they are saying that all ducks like water. I'm just not sure they agree on if there's one particular breed that likes it more than others. The duck folks here are highly knowledgeable and experienced.

But you got this! Just watch them and adjust as needed. No need to not feel confident.

Thanks

I am waiting for the duck-experienced people to speak and reveal themselves. Few yet.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Some trolls have been very detailed. Some have posted pics. Some will start out sounding completely normal only to reveal their true intentions as the thread progressed. It's been frustrating. And then there is the recent influx of people looking for "followers" and collecting likes... So weird...

 

[Aunt Angus]

Thanks

I am waiting for the duck-experienced people to speak and reveal themselves. Few yet.

You're mistaken, I think. Some of the folks who responded here are my go-to folks for advice.

 

[robbyvg]

You're mistaken, I think. Some of the folks who responded here are my go-to folks for advice.

That makes sense.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Being critical of newcomers comes with the territory sometimes. Rudeness = absolutely no. Criticism = tough love sometimes.

But back to duckies: When are you expecting them? My original 4 are from Metzers. My 5th is an adoption. I've been happy with them. Of course, my girls are pets, so hatchery quality is fine.

I'd still like a Magpie, a Cayuga, and maybe something different like a Call duck or one of the wood ducks. And maybe some Muscovies. And gosh darnit, I'd like some geese maybe.

As you can see, I have a problem.

 

[robbyvg]

Being critical of newcomers comes with the territory sometimes. Rudeness = absolutely no. Criticism = tough love sometimes.

But back to duckies: When are you expecting them? My original 4 are from Metzers. My 5th is an adoption. I've been happy with them. Of course, my girls are pets, so hatchery quality is fine.

I'd still like a Magpie, a Cayuga, and maybe something different like a Call duck or one of the wood ducks. And maybe some Muscovies. And gosh darnit, I'd like some geese maybe.

As you can see, I have a problem.

Geese, huh? I know how they are in a small way but where I am at there are a ton of migrating Canadian Geese and some try to nest on the edge of my 1(ish) acre pond.

We all have duck problems.

Oh, and, in my opinion... Criticism does not equal anything positive. Kind of obvious I guess. Tough love is only for people you actually know and love.

I am none of that to anyone here. I expect respect - not criticism or "tough love" from someone who could care less.

I am expecting 8 Mallards and 2 Rouens on the week of the 27th (which means I will probably get them the 29th).

I intend to give them short, warm swims on day 2-3 of them being here. When I don't do that for ducklings, they start to act like sad robots.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Geese, huh? I know how they are in a small way but where I am at there are a ton of migrating Canadian Geese and some try to nest on the edge of my 1(ish) acre pond.

We all have duck problems.

Oh, and, in my opinion... Criticism does not equal anything positive. Kind of obvious I guess. Tough love is only for people you actually know and love.

I am expecting 8 Mallards and 2 Rouens on the week of the 27th (which means I will probably get them the 29th).

I intend to give them short, warm swims on day 2-3 of them being here. When I don't do that for ducklings, they start to act like sad robots.

Well, we know and love birds, hence the "tough love" criticism. As a teacher by trade, I know how important criticism is for growth.

Happy holidays to you! Duckies for a gift to yourself? I love the idea. DH would pack his bags and leave, for sure, if I followed suit.

I won't ever get ducks in winter again, I don't think. They have to be inside too long - lol! The stink.... Oh, the horror...

You will have to post pics when they arrive, of course. It's a requirement.