I want a few ducks but don't know where to start... Any advice?

[tabatha_westcott]

I live in a pretty rural area. We have a fenced in yard, pretty good size. No pond or anything like that. I currently have 6 hens who roam the yard freely and we have never had a problem with them. I'd like a few ducks as pets. We have plenty of eggs so I won't need them for that. Maybe dumb questions but: Are there any friendly, non-flying ducks who would be happy in a paddle pool with some hens and a couple of kids? Or should I skip the whole idea? Roos can be mean... Are drakes the same way or does it matter? Last... Where can I get a small number of ducklings... Not 15 or 20 like some of the hatcheries minimums... Thanks...

 

[EllyMae]

Hi! Where in NC are you? I am probably going to have to thin out my flock. I have Pekins that will eat bread out of your hand.

 

[conny63malies]

I have muscovy ducks.I had six last year and they shared the yard with a bantam hen. My three yea old can catch them. But the females can fly. However they are not migratory. If you dont want them to take off you just pinion them or clip their wing feathers. I just checked their nest this morning and did a egg count, during this time i had my back turned towards them, i did not get attacked. THey have pretty good tallon like claws though. THey are the best moms and broodies and will hatch any big egg for you, even geese and swans which makes them not that great of an egglayer. Another plus is that they are quiet. The meat of a muscovy is compared to fine veal, not greasy at all. THey also dont need a pond as long as you got a bucket or so deep enough to dunk their head in.

 

[tabatha_westcott]

Quote:
We are in Fayetteville. I wouldn't mind taking a drive though... I think this state is beautiful..... We came out here from AZ a couple of years ago

 

[tabatha_westcott]

Do pekins fly? I don't want them to escape and get hurt

 

[tabatha_westcott]

Where to order them?

 

[call ducks]

no pekains do not fly

 

[Giddyup]

Indian runners also do not fly, and are quite comical (bowling pin ducks). They are excellent layers though so you may be inundated with eggs.
They do well with a drake around, I don't find them nearly as 'rude' as roosters providing you don't have too many males.
The females can be noisy at times.
I traded runners for spotted ducks, but miss my goofy birds.
Australian Spotted Ducks are another great pet, very quiet...but a bantam type so can be lost to predators easier.
I don't know what I"m addicted to more - my chickens or ducks - so I would definately say yes, add them to your flock.
Mine also live all together.

 

[headred]

I have Khakis and really like them. They eat out of my hand and follow me around the yard. I also like my Pekin. She is really a loud quacker, but very friendly. See my website, lots of duck pics!

 

[tabatha_westcott]

Quote:
I love your site. Now I HAVE to get some ducks. Fun!