New on Ducks

[Pyxis]

Oh, and if you do get ducks and give them a kiddie pool, be sure to put something in it so that if the chickens fall in, they can get out. If they fall in and can't get out they'll panic and drown. I learned that the hard way when my partridge silkie hen fell in, couldn't get out, panicked, became waterlogged, and drowned. Oh, and I have a wild flying mallard. He's a very sweet bird, but he's nowhere near show quality, and if you order any mallards from a hatchery, you won't get a high quality bird either. And, you have to clip their wings if you want to free range them or away they go. I prefer Welsh Harlequins - they're calm, can't fly, and can be very pretty. The males kind of look like a washed out mallard, and even have the beautiful blue-green speculum feathers if you get a silver phase. Females also lay much better than a mallard would. But, I'm biased towards Welshies, as you can probably see There are lots of duck breeds, all with different qualities. Look here to see a good chart comparing a lot of duck breeds. Maybe you can get a better idea of what you want!

 

[Silkie Chicken]

ok thanks so much what did you put in the kiddie pool to keep chickens from drowning

 

[Kevin565]

Unless your free ranging I would not advise keeping their kiddie pool in there all the time if your housing them with chickens. Too many chickens have been dragged into a kiddie pool and end up dying.

 

[Silkie Chicken]

yes i am never going to free range my animals there are to many bears and stuff behind my house and i will not keep the kiddie pool in the coop at all times

 

[Pyxis]

A cinder block that was higher than the water level. Gave them something to climb up onto if necessary. It actually saved the life of one of my hen's chicks two weeks ago. Mine free range, and their pool is outside the coop and run. They only have a little pan for splashing in in the run.

 

[duckman4450]

ok thanks so much can anyone tell me what if a wild flying mallard is a good duck to keep and what the breed profile is on it

I've had ducks before, but I currently own the first mallards I've ever had. I will tell you that if they imprint on you, get ready for a hectic life. They are extremely loud, especially when the need food or you leave their cage, or the just want to be with you. After a few days they start pooping and it doesn't stop. Also, if you get ducks you should get more than one. With mallards if you take one of them out of the cage, the other goes bananas!!!! They are not really a human friendly duck from what I've seen compared to other species. I've only had them weeks and can tell they are much more work than others I've had in the past. I love my babies but in all honesty I don't think I'll be getting mallards again anytime soon. I've had welsh harlequins and khaki Campbells, but there is nothing like a mallard

 

[Silkie Chicken]

witch do you all think would be the best for a little duck that is very sweet and pretty

 

[Silkie Chicken]

is metzer farm a good place to buy ducks or were can i buy ducks

 

[Pyxis]

They're good as long as you're not looking for show quality. For show quality you wanna order from holderreads. Pekins are generally friendly but they're all white - not really 'pretty' per say. Welsh harlequins tend to be friendly and can be really pretty. Cayugas are friendly too, I've heard.

 

[Silkie Chicken]

What are Welsh harlequins like i have been looking at them whats there personality and were is the best to get them from