New to ducks, help needed.

[nwe319]

Hey guys, I just recently purchased two day old mallard ducks. One is a lighter brown color, the other is a deep black. Is one male the other female? Also, can a female be kept with my chickens? Will they lay eggs just like my hens? Should I let them go in my neighbor's pond (no he doesn't mind)? Thanks for any help.

 

[ChickenPrnces]

I suppose they could live with chickens but ponder this: every drop of water you give the chickens, the ducks will be happy to slop all over the coop and run! They make kinda a big mess! Not sure about the male / female question! My smaller breeds only show in the tail which they are. I suppose they could swim over you friends but how you gonna get them back home! They do lay just like chickens though and the eggs are great for baking!!!

 

[tweetysvoice]

If you let the ducks find your neighbor's pond, then they might as well be his ducks. You'll never get them back. You won't be able to protect them from predators either.

 

[Amiga]

Color is usually not indicative of the sex with most breeds of ducks.

I agree that the pond idea may not work out. Predators are drawn to ponds, too, and sometimes ducks like the pond more than coming home to the shelter at night, where they are much safer.

Interesting that these are mallards, but have such a color difference. Could you upload photo's? I admit, duckling photo's are eye candy for many of us. Love the cuteness!

 

[QuackerJackFarms]

Pics! I think the pond is a bad idea... Sorry.

 

[nwe319]

I'll post a pic, thanks for the help. I watched a video online and the guy (who owned a mass production hatchery) said you could always tell ducks sex by their color, and he did every breed just about BUT mallards...so I'll post a pic ASAP.