Maine

[chickengirl987]

Quick question, I am thinking about getting ducks, what breed are friendly and fairly "easy"? My kids have been dying for ducks and I think I'd like to get a few. Maybe 3-5? My other question is do I take care of them like my chickens, except of course adding a swimming pool for them.

Welsh harliquin ducks are one of the best layers, I actually own two!

 

[chickengirl987]

Pets mostly. What do duck eggs taste like? Maybe even for breeding and selling as well, but if I breed and sell I want nice ducks.

Leary cow is a Mainer that lives in Saco and sells welsh harlequin ducks.

 

[Jazor]

So in continuing the duck topic here, has anyone got khaki Campbells for sale or trade?

I'd love to get some ladies to go along with my drakes. Hopefully will be down to just one drake...

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[lazy gardener]

Tamma: I hear that Muscovy's are wonderful broodies and their meat is quite tasty. I wouldn't plan on a Muscovy for eggs.

 

[Heatherschix]

Just came across this thread and wanted to jump in and say Hi from Naples, Maine! Glad to see a lot of Mainahs on here.

Hi raisedinthestic from Naples

Mainahs are the best!

 

[superchemicalgirl]

Quick question, I am thinking about getting ducks, what breed are friendly and fairly "easy"? My kids have been dying for ducks and I think I'd like to get a few. Maybe 3-5? My other question is do I take care of them like my chickens, except of course adding a swimming pool for them.

Leary cow is a Mainer that lives in Saco and sells welsh harlequin ducks.

I got my pekins from her (after a heartbreak with some mallard/call crosses). They lay great (daily except in winter... and when I say daily I mean does not miss a day) and the eggs are great for cooking, although I prefer not to eat them alone. They make fantastic baked goods and ice cream custard, pies, etc.

I would not get anything small that can fly away. They will.

Basically they're similar to chickens but make a much bigger mess. Mine are much more hardy than chickens and don't even have a "real" home for the winter. This is my set up (winter nights with snow predicted versus summer):





I put hay down in it and change it weekly (or add more weekly during winter when it freezes to the ground). I don't give them food or water in their house (at night). They basically free range all day and then at night they go back in their enclosure and I lock them in their "house." I taught mine from a young age (back when they were in the 10x10 chain linked enclosure only and not free ranging) that when I clapped my hands it was time to go into their house. Now I can clap when they're in the woods and they'll scurry back to their house (even if it's not bedtime).

I find during the non-winter months they are incredibly easy. Winter they are a total pain. They splash water everywhere (which freezes into ice), you've got to haul buckets of water out to them... but they're fun and loveable. I personally would not house them with chickens on account of the muddy wet mess they make.


Welcome to the new person!

 

[dowgirl71]

So, tonight when I went out to the coop, I found this squishy egg with a soft cardboard-like shell. I'm thinking it must've come from my BO, because she was the last one to lay, today. Seems like it might have broken if anyone else sat on it? Weird-huh?

 

[lazy gardener]

My BSL used to lay rubber eggs. You can cook it and feed it back to them.

Animal control officer brought us a trap to try. I'm hoping that this one will do the trick... if Rocky is not trap shy after getting caught the last time. This time, i pegged it down to the ground with re-bar. Just my luck, he'll use the re-bar as a lever to pry the door open.

Good night all, and may the predators all go to bed hungry tonight.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

Good night all, and may the predators all go to bed hungry tonight.

Amen. Happy hunting.

 

[Widget]

Quick question, I am thinking about getting ducks, what breed are friendly and fairly "easy"? My kids have been dying for ducks and I think I'd like to get a few. Maybe 3-5? My other question is do I take care of them like my chickens, except of course adding a swimming pool for them.

For eggs I would say Khaki Campbells or Indian Runners. Muscovies are an interesting looking duck. Plus instead of quacking they just make a hissing sound. I also love Saxonies. They are a nice meat bird and are nice looking. All make good pets if that is all you want too. They are messier than chickens especially when in the brooder. They love to play in their water. Mine do have a kiddie pool in the warmer months but it is not absolutely necessary. Right now the pool is in the dog pen so the dogs can use it.