Launchpad
Songster
So this is the next step in my journey of questions, a continuation of:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/sex-of-two-pekin-ducks.1528865/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/sex-of-two-pekin-ducks.1528865/
We have guessed so far that this is most likely one male/1 female, but as they are probably between 5 and 6 weeks old, nothing has been concluded.
So these 2 clownish Pekin ducks, currently named Daphne and Niles, are extremely codependent. I'm assuming/hoping this is normal for two little ducklings saved from tractor supply. In addition to their codependency on each other, they are then codependent on the two humans (my wife and I).
When would be the correct time to add some ducklings to these two so that they have some more friends etc?
Should we wait until sex is known, so we do not end up with too many drakes? Or would an order from somewhere like Metzer of only females be a good idea? (We live less than an hour from Ideal poultry, which I've heard good things, but I think they only do straight run. Not sure I would know what to do with a bunch of extra males other than turn them into food...though all other thoughts are helpful lol)
Their coop (SEE PICS) is 7 1/2 long by 4 feet wide by 4 feet tall. It is enclosed in a 60ft circumference security fence/netting with a locking gate. So there is room to add. (Though since we only purchased the farm a few weeks ago they have only slept in the enclosure twice and have yet to sleep in the coop itself as they so far like to stay by the pool). It gets dark in there and I've added a few mellow lights (see pics) since their night vision isn't terrific.
So, any help on:
- when to add more ducks
- How many
- Sex
- Breed (Cayuga look pretty cool, looking to differentiate breeds/colors if this isn't an issue)
- Anything else I may have neglected to consider
Any and all help/ thoughts/ comments are appreciated.
So these 2 clownish Pekin ducks, currently named Daphne and Niles, are extremely codependent. I'm assuming/hoping this is normal for two little ducklings saved from tractor supply. In addition to their codependency on each other, they are then codependent on the two humans (my wife and I).
When would be the correct time to add some ducklings to these two so that they have some more friends etc?
Should we wait until sex is known, so we do not end up with too many drakes? Or would an order from somewhere like Metzer of only females be a good idea? (We live less than an hour from Ideal poultry, which I've heard good things, but I think they only do straight run. Not sure I would know what to do with a bunch of extra males other than turn them into food...though all other thoughts are helpful lol)
Their coop (SEE PICS) is 7 1/2 long by 4 feet wide by 4 feet tall. It is enclosed in a 60ft circumference security fence/netting with a locking gate. So there is room to add. (Though since we only purchased the farm a few weeks ago they have only slept in the enclosure twice and have yet to sleep in the coop itself as they so far like to stay by the pool). It gets dark in there and I've added a few mellow lights (see pics) since their night vision isn't terrific.
So, any help on:
- when to add more ducks
- How many
- Sex
- Breed (Cayuga look pretty cool, looking to differentiate breeds/colors if this isn't an issue)
- Anything else I may have neglected to consider
Any and all help/ thoughts/ comments are appreciated.