i thinking about getting some ducks

You're asking an assorted bunch of duck fanciers what they think is the best breed?!

Pekins. Obviously.

 

This link should take you to a comparison chart. I recommend welsh harlequin ducks. Great egg layers, easy gender Recognization, Very calm, smart ducks. http://www.metzerfarms.com/DuckBreedComparison.cfm?CustID=3247717

 

Honestly I would probably vote WH as one of the best fits for your criteria.

 

I think pekins are a great option. I have 2 10 month old pekin females and they are so sweet! They follow you around like little puppies and they stay in their house in the garage with their heater (since it's like -20 here). They are the cutest ducks ever! I love them and I've had my girls since they were 3 months old (they were rescues).

 

Good chart!

Honestly, you'll get a massive array of answers here... most mallard derived are sexed by voice... males have an almost non existent quack whereas females are a proper quack like one thinks of when they think duck .. that said they also vary on how loud they are, some breeds are louder other more quiet.

I do own Pekin like someone mentioned they are very personable, and quite full of antics.. they lay well, i already have some who have returned to laying despite they were one of the last breeds of duck here who was laying before winter darkness came.

They are loud though, very chattery and quite large, good foragers.. I usually find them in the barn for night lock up or i call them in... i have a half dozen, 1 drake.. 5 ducks. They adore water and hose play, they wait for you to spray them in warmer months lol They do grow super, duper quick though so a good sized brooder and a ready home is definitely suggested... they will outgrow small areas very fast.

 

I don't think I could pick out just one breed. I loved my pekins and right now I have a very friendly runner who I adore. My WH is rather prissy and not as friendly as I hoped and honestly she is rather dumb. Could just be her though. I would get a Cayuga because I think they are so pretty or a magpie.

 

Ducks within the same breed can be quite different, charts and breed info only gives us a general idea individual mileage will vary lol I have one 'scovie who is a complete spaz.. owned her for years but she has never changed with that it's her personality which ducks most definitely process.