My wife wants a duck

[Piotre]

I've had chickens for decades, and turkeys for 5 years, and did well. My wife now wants a duck, and neither of us knows anything about ducks. Is 1 ok? Breed? Where do i learn?

 

[MagpieDucks]

Ducks do best with others as they are social creatures. I would start with at least 3. The breed all depends on your goals, and needs. Meat? Eggs? Lawn ornaments? A good place to start is the learning center. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/

 

[Athena2344]

Get 3 females, research your breeds and get what suits you best

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed, a single duck is not a good idea. Also, if you get a drake, he may try to breed your hens, which can kill them. Ducks are very messy creatures, and must be able to submerge their nostrils in water in order to keep their breathing passages cleared. I don't recommend keeping ducks in the same coop with chickens.

 

[Athena2344]

Most definantly not lol. seperate pen with a feed bucket, and a pool, kiddie pools work wonders but occassionaly crack, i use 2 45 gallon totes, plus a pond lol

 

[lazy gardener]

All that being said, their eggs are great for baking, they are very personable, and they are incredible slug and snail eaters.

 

[Chickens and kittens]

We bought three ducks once but our rooster killed two of them the third is alive and perfectly fine living alone with the chickens.

 

[Athena2344]

I dint get the chance to let my muscovies loose when i had them, but they sure loved grass

 

[cheezenkwackers]

Ducks have great personalities!