Hi all, I just talked to the hatchery that's sending out my chicks and ducks. They were getting ready to put them in the mail and their magpie hatch wasn't good. I had originally ordered magpies - 2 hens, 1 drake. He called and asked if he could send 1 magpie, 1 black cayuge and 1 blue suede. I understand the magpie hatch not going well and was open to other species. Then I asked him if I was still going to get 1 male, 2 females. He said no, they were straight run. I told him to go ahead and send them, only because my order is just part of an order that includes chicks for three other people and I didn't want to slow the order down.
My question is this though, if I do end up with at least one hen, can they cross breed? I was hoping to breed the magpies, but was not completely committed to the breed. I also wanted the eggs. I notice that most people who get straight-run chicks end up with a lot of roosters. Does the same thing happen with ducks? I really didn't want to feed three more mouths if they weren't at least going to give me eggs or babies. I know we could eat them if they are drakes, but I tend to get attached. Darn it!!!
My question is this though, if I do end up with at least one hen, can they cross breed? I was hoping to breed the magpies, but was not completely committed to the breed. I also wanted the eggs. I notice that most people who get straight-run chicks end up with a lot of roosters. Does the same thing happen with ducks? I really didn't want to feed three more mouths if they weren't at least going to give me eggs or babies. I know we could eat them if they are drakes, but I tend to get attached. Darn it!!!
