if you could...

[foxmfan1]

if you could only have two ducks, what would they be ? I am wanting some ducks, for my urban farm, only thing is i can only have two per city code, , I would be having them more for eggs, and as a pet, I don't want to have a male because i am not looking for breeding, they would free range in my backyard with my chickens during the day, but would have their "own" space as far as coop, runs,water access goes at night ?

 

[klemele]

Are you looking for a quieter duck or does it not matter?

 

[needlessjunk]

Oh goodness if I had to choose just two I would get a magpie and welsh harlequin. They are both just so pretty and good layers. I also like cayugas and runners and pretty much every breed.

 

[JadeComputerGal]

if you could only have two ducks, what would they be ? I am wanting some ducks, for my urban farm, only thing is i can only have two per city code, , I would be having them more for eggs, and as a pet, I don't want to have a male because i am not looking for breeding, they would free range in my backyard with my chickens during the day, but would have their "own" space as far as coop, runs,water access goes at night ?

Since your focus is egg production and temperament, I'd say Khaki Campbell, Indian Runner, or Pekin. You wouldn't necessarily have to have two of the same breed, but you'd want to get them close to the same time so they bond. The first two are lightweight ducks but have very different appearances, and the Pekin is a heavyweight duck. Just to avoid potential problems that might not even happen, I would either get the same breed in both, or I'd get one Runner and one Campbell if I wanted two different ones.

I don't know if there are any cautions about any of these breeds kept with chickens, so I'm hoping people who know will comment on that. One thing I can caution you about is that you're going to want to ask for a guarantee of gender if you only want females. It can be very difficult in some places to purchase sexed ducklings in that small a quantity, though I've heard some hatcheries will do it for a fee (that I consider ridiculous). Females are typically a bit more expensive than males, but none of the breeds I mentioned are expensive in general if you're looking for pet quality.

 

[foxmfan1]

probably a more quieter one, since i live in a residential area.

 

[foxmfan1]

thank you for taking the time to reply, i am going to research those breeds your recommended!!!

 

[jducour]

I love the look of Welsh Harlequins. There are so many pretty ducks, but with this breed, I think the females are just so pretty. Cayuga would be cool too, because they lay charcoal gray to light gray eggs. My blue runner lays large green eggs, but quacks pretty loud. My Welshies don't quack nearly as loud, which has to do more with their temperament than their breed. If you want to be guaranteed their gender, and know their temperament up front, look into adopting adult ducks. My four female ducks I got as year old ducks, already laying. I was able to choose the pretty ones, with calm personalities. I watched them play at their old house for a while, and held each one to decide who I wanted. I liked this as much as getting ducklings, and they didn't need special care like ducklings do for a few months.

 

[cayugaducklady]

Cayuga Ducks.

My experience is only with wild mallards as a child and Cayugas as an adult.

I'm happy with my Cayugas. They're gorgeous birds.

I looove the hootie-coos they make when they're happily foraging for bugs & worms. I could listen to that sound for hours.

Plus, they are a heritage breed. Livestock conservancy is important to me.