Meat Ducks... They are here.... pics added.

[Brunty_Farms]

Thought I would post here in the meat forum as I didn't want to freak anyone out... but I'm looking to get straight run Ducks from Ideal for next week... they have a special for $1.80 / duck. I am placing an order today if anyone is interested.

OHIO only unless you want to drive.... I'm 15 minutes south of Cleveland.

 

[kooltex]

I ordered some of those, got them early Jan. They grow like crazy! And messy! OMG! I just thought CornishX were messy, they don't hold a candle to them ducks! I can't wait to process mine.

 

[Brunty_Farms]

Well it turns out that they are sold out of the meat ducks..... but I did order 160 assorted. Which who knows what I will get. I'm going to have to get the pekins somewhere else... sucks because what a great deal for $1.80

 

[slaghunter]

They were $1.60 at the beginning of Jan. I had a choice more ducks or keep my wife.

I kept my wife. Would it be my fault if the ducks I have hatch some more this spring?

 

[Soccer Mom]

If they are out of Pekins, you might try the Swedish Blues as an alternative. They dress out pretty well. You will have some black ducks, but the splash ones dress out pretty like a white duck. And the black ones taste just as good.

 

[Brunty_Farms]

Well, I have 160 coming... I don't know what I just got myself into. This is my time to sit on my but and do nothing for a whole month and a half. I start back up in March and it's right around the corner... OH Man... Let's see what happens.

I'm really looking forward to them, I ordered the Florida Special because I want no mallards in my order. Those things are worthless to me, about the only thing I can do is sell them to the local dog trainers down the road. They use them in their trials. You should have to have a permit to have wild mallard ducks, those things are a pest....

So $1.60? An extra 20 cents off... that would have been nice. But I think you made the wise choice to keep your wife.


I'm thinking I will get Magpies??? I have no clue what those are? Runners, blue sweeds, rouens, and maybe some khakis and cuyahogas.

We will see, I have no problem selling the meat, the females I will keep for duck eggs. Ducks lay pretty good. I'm hoping if I get them next week they should start laying before July.

 

[Soccer Mom]

Ducks are lots of fun. Magpies are a medium size bird. In my experience their breasts don't plump out as much as the Swedes, but they are docile birds and great layers. Runners aren't much for meat, but unbelievable layers. My ducks have typically laid all winter, even when the chickens quit and the eggs are prized by bakers. I know some have said that they have trouble selling duck eggs, but I've never had that problem.

I got out of ducks last year because I want to go in a different direction and focus on just Swedes and Pekins. I'll be restocking with ducks this spring.

Enjoy your ducks. I look forward to hearing your experiences with them.

 

[zephyrcreek]

I started breeding muscovies last year for meat. They do not lay as many eggs (~50/year) as other breeds, but the meat is in high demand. Much lower fat content for those heathier sorts. So far I am VERY pleased. I think the taste is a cross between Turkey and roast beef. Weird combo, but yummy!

 

[hemibob67]

At what age are meat ducks ready to process?

 

[PurpleChicken]

I raised a batch of muscovies from JM in 2008. They were amazing birds and grew fast and large. Everyone that had some said they were the best tasting ducks they have ever had.

That Ideal deal is a good one. I'll be interested in your results.