They are quite larger than wild Mallards. DW and I find it fun to compare the size of wild ones when we see them (yep, we're weirdos!). The size difference is very obvious once you've both as adults. Rouens were bred from Mallards though, and are pretty much their larger fatter relatives that make beautiful moving law ornaments. They are also a duel purpose breed, laying fairly well and producing and larger amount of meat.
I just jumped into the deep end with ducks last Fall. I already had a backyard pond though. A kiddy pool would work just fine though even. Other than the water, they are easy to keep. Some people even keep them without swimming water and just use a deep waterer (they need to be able to submerge their heads to clear their nostrils). I think they deserve to swim though. The other catch with ducks is they require niacin, especially as ducklings. Duck starter contains this, or you could add it as a vitamin additive to their feed or water. For adults, an occasional snack of peas does the trick (frozen peas work fine as long as they are thawed first). Other than that they are very easy to care for. I even use the same feed for them and the chickens now that they are adults.
I saw a neat video about gardening with ducks. Basically the ducks love to eat slugs but don't damage the plants like chickens. They also are easier to "herd" and walk together as a group when moving from coop to garden. Of course the man had raised beds and the ducks preferred the grass pathways. If I had a pond or large fountain, I might consider some call ducks. (They're so CUTE!) For now, I'll stick with my chickens.
I have seen similar videos, perhaps even the same one, as well as read several blog posts and articles here and elsewhere that state ducks are good in the garden. I might just have to give it try this summer after the plants are established. I can say they've been enjoying themselves in the garden so far this year, but nothing is planted. They're digging up things (insect larvae and slugs I presume). They do stay out of my raised beds, but my raised beds are 2ft tall. I doubt a 6" tall bed would deter them though unless heavily planted with tall standing plants. Ducks certainly do prefer cleared pathways and lawns over brush and tall vegetation. Even when we visit local ponds ducks can be found using cleared pathways through the reeds cattails rather than trying to push through the vegetation. I think they will behave well in the garden, unlike the chickens who chose to mow everything down.
Did you butcher any yet?
Whew
I only butchered 1 Pekin and it was in the Fall. It was only about 10 weeks old I think. I didn't weigh it, but it was comparable to a store bought duck. We chose to pluck it. There are a lot of feathers! I use my propane turkey fryer setup to heat water and dunk the bird to loosen the feathers. I strung it up by the feet then and it was easy to pluck.
Since we are on the subject of ducks,,,,,, here are mine...
They are wild mallards that frequent my backyard when it rains a lot. They live regularly by the creek one block away. They were snacking on fallen birdseed from feeder above.
View attachment 2057116
The white one is plastic BTW.
And this is what is providing me with protein,,,
Yes,,, it is from my USEFUL CHICKEN Dyna, Serama from Faraday.
View attachment 2057117
