Interested in getting ducks. What is a good pet duck breed? We have a petting farm for kids.

[pekin1234]

awwww there so cute in have 2 pekins and im getting this breed today another pair 2 females

 

[asteele01]

I am going to suggest Welsh Harlequins! They are a newer breed. Calm, docile, very prolific layer, not flighty and they are great foragers! There are two phases; golden and silver. They are NOT MEAN! I have two daughters, six and seven, and they are very tolerant and downright patient with them! Here are some pictures of mine:

I want a couple Welsh Harlequin ducklings. I think the females are beautiful and I have read about how calm and friendly they are. I mainly want them as pets. This is my first year owning ducks. I have 4 pekin and 2 mallards. I really wish I could of found 2 female WH ducks locally, but no luck. I know you can order a minimum of 2 ducklings from some sites, but the price ends up being too much for just 2 ducklings. Maybe next year I will find a couple Welsh Harlequins. Your ducks are beautiful.

 

[AshVaz]

I was thinking of Blue Swedish. I have only raised chickens before. Wondering if BS are good pet ducks.

 

[Ducky07]

It really depends on the duck but some breed are more friendly than others. In my personal experience Pekins are the most sociable. Cayugas seem quiet and often unsociable. Blue Swedish ducks are high-strung and seem skiddish. The Buff breed I have minimal experience with but the one I have now is sweet but reserved. It really depends on the individual duck. I have two Jumbo Pekin hens that are identical in every way. However, Luna is very friendly and will come up to me but Willow hangs back. (Thats how I tell them apart!) Paying attention and socializing with your ducks can assist in their social skills. This is VERY true. I had to split up my flock due to an unfavorable Drake - Hen ratio. The group that I personally look after have a routine, are played with, and talked to daily. The other group is more isolated in a pen. It shows in how they respond to me, how close I can get to them, and their happiness.

I would get ducklings as opposed to fertilized eggs. Incubating eggs can be a challenging experience if you are inexperienced. In my research there is a typical 50% hatch rate. Purchasing ducklings also helps ensure your getting a healthy bird.

I wish you all the luck!

 

[duck-horselover]

i recommend welsh harlequin ducks. to find out information on them for myself i made a thread called welsh harlequin ducks since i am thinking of getting one. it really helps since websites weren't answering any of my questions.

( because i had no idea about ducks.)