Interested in a duck... but I need advice?

[White Leghorn]

Definitely! I house my ducks with my chickens and the ducks seem to think they are chickens themselves! A small pool is not required but I do recommend it because the ducks just love it like crazy! Here is one of my many chickens and Aflac in the background:

 

[mamaluvschick]

Hi, I am going to get into this conversation too! Its sounds like fun. Duck are wonderful animals and we love ours, so I think you would really enjoy having on. The only caution I have on it, and I don't want to dampen anything, but they can be very messy/wet. Our ducks are outside and they get everything wet. They are fun to watch and splash but just a hint on their messiness. Pekins are very fun and beautiful but somewhat noisy. Muscovies are not as pretty (not at all) but are very quiet, in fact they only make very quiet hissing sounds. So if you have "those" kind of neighbors, muscovies may be the ticket. I think it so awesome in honor of your mom, I hope it all works out for you!

 

[countrygirl74]

Here's a great resource if you are planning on a duck as a house-pet; the book called "Duck! There's a Goose in the House!". Also lots of other great info and answers to your duck raising questions. I have Pekins and Rouens and I would definitely say that the Pekins have the most character and are more loving - BUT they are loud.

 

[MWHITLEY]

the thing I would be worried about most is that ducks need to roam around, a variety of foods (not necessary for survival but is healthier for them) but most of all they need access to water. water deep enpough for them to bathe in and eat with. and they make a MESS. they are lovely little things, but they are messy.
as far as quietness goes, males of all breeds are quieter, but I hear cayugas are supposed to be fairly quiet. I will know for sure soon as my cayuga eggs are hatching as we speak.

 

[theduckgirl4110]

I think anconas and cayugas are good.You do need to ducks UNLESS you have another animal that it can bond with.Anconas are great but they are bigger ducks.Their not HUGE but they are mediamweights.Well your choice.Have fun!