New duck - should I get a male or female?

[Diamond88]

I agree it is a heartbreak to lose a duck, regardless of the reason. And perhaps you could tell us more about the restrictions on ducks. Some areas have contracts that say "no more than N number of animals," some say "no livestock," and so forth.

BTW, I found a nice house for sale many years ago, but the deal breaker was "no more than 2 pets." It was at the edge of a small Ohio town, right next to a farm!

I second this opinion--if it's illegal to keep ducks, you might not want to take the risk of getting caught. I had a ferret growing up and I've been wanting another one for years, but I haven't gotten one because I'm planning to move to California where ferrets are illegal. When it comes to ferrets in California, I know that if you get caught, they'll confiscate the ferret and often put it down. I don't know what the laws are where you live, but it would be tragic if the police took your ducks away! I'm not saying that taking the risk is wrong. I'm just saying it's something to seriously think about. How will you hide your duck? What about when it needs a vet?

 

[BigBlock]

Should be no problems going to the vet, they won't know where I live. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think a pair of ducks could hide pretty well in my back yard. There are already SO many birds in this area, and if anybody hear's a duck quacking there are wild ones around. I will keep the possibility in mind that they could be taken. I really don't think it would be an issue unless the ducks are bothering somebody. I'm right on the edge of the city limits too, people just a few hundred yards from me can and do legally have chickens.

I'm still not 100% sure they are illegal, I can't find the actual law anywhere. All I can find is a recent newspaper article referencing the ban. (on chickens) I could definately try and argue that my ducks are "domesticated".

Has anybody else ever had problems with the neighbors concerning ducks?

 

[TheDuckWoman]

Hey, you already got a lot of answers but I thought I'd give my opinion too I'd say the same as Amiga - a same sex pair. I had to temporarily separate my brother and sister pair because he was mating with her goodness knows how many times a day, and she was getting really stressed out and anxious. I would lean towards two females, just because they aren't as sex crazed during mating season. Females are noisier but if you got two Muscovies it would be ideal for neighbours because (I think from what I've read) are very quiet. Anyway this would be more helpful than me jabbering on: http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/2000/archives/2000/roadtests/birds/muscovy
You can also get nappies for house ducks
Here's a helpful thread on BYC: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/340914/whats-the-best-indoor-duck
good luck!

 

[BigBlock]

Alright, I went to the "duck store" today to see what they had. I think I want a pair of females for the eggs, a Cayuga and a White Runner. Does that sound alright together?

 

[AnconaMommy]

I agree that ducks are wonderful, and that a minimum of two ducks is best. Indoor ducks are a possibility if you have the personality and space indoors for them, too. With eleven ducks, the indoor option is not a good one for us

but I thought about it!

If I were to have just two, it would be two females or two males. Here is my reasoning: many times a male/female pair works out, but many times the male is too, well, oversexed, and ends up hurting, injuring or even killing the female. Ack! Two males generally do quite well as there is no competition, as Quakers08 wrote. I have an all girl team, and they are fine without a drake.

You might look into some old posts by Nettie, since, for a while, she had six indoor runners, and quite the setup!

My two male Anconas were soooo loving and followed me EVERYWHERE! Keep in mind that females are LOUD!!! I even bought Cayuga females since they are touted as being the quietest breed of duck. LIES!!!! Good gravy! They can wake you out of a sound sleep and when they have something to say or if something is threatening close by, they quack so loud that I'm positive I'm going to have slashed tires from my neighbors in the morning. My makma were so quiet, no one knew they were there and they loved to play and swim together, they got along fantastic my four dogs (German Shepherd, yellow Lab, American Eskimo, and a fat Chiweenie). But I am now giving away a couple of the girls and getting a male duck again. I miss my drapdr so much...such easier temperaments than females.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Drakes are def quieter that is for sure.

 

[Runnerducks1]

Muscovies are large ducks but are quieter then most ducks. Drakes also are quieter then hens, so i'd look into both options.