New to Ducks - Just a few Questions.

[xoGabby]

Hey guys! I’m new to the world of ducks, so I’ve got a few questions. I’ve been trying to read / studying all that I can about ducks, but most of the stuff is just facts, so I’m wondering what you guys (actually having ducks) think. First off, in your opinions what types / breeds would be best for a person who is new to ducks? I’ve read a lot of about Khaki’s laying eggs, and others being loud. I’m just looking for a few (preferably of the same type) ducks that would be good pets. I don’t plan on breeding them, or eating their eggs, or them for that matter! My family has about 2 acres in Connecticut, with its own little stream / pond (I don’t quite know whether I would allow them in it, because it is quite murky, and I’d feel more comfortable with them in a baby swimming pool), and we have horses there. That’s not our main house, but we visit twice a day most times spending the day. So while the chicks are young I would keep them in our shed, in a pen with a heat lamp and all the requirements. Then when they are older I’d switch them to their own little coop at our house with the horses. So anyways! What breed would be suited for that life-style, and is some-what quiet, loyal, and has personality? I don’t have to even say cute, because in my opinion all ducks are cute. Also, what genders go good together? I know in some species, males fight with one another, same with females. I don’t want to end up with a bunch of little ducklings though. Lastly, how many ducklings should I purchase? I was thinking maybe four, because it seemed like a good number of them, so they wouldn’t get lonely, and they’d have others to be with. The local feed store always has ducklings avaible, but would you suggest looking for a breeder? Okay, seriously this is the last question- have any cute names? Haha, as you can see I want to provide the best for my future ducks, and I get off topic easily. Sorry! Thanks in advance!

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

I think that call ducks are the best breed for a first time duck owner. They are a small bantam duck loaded with lots of personalilty.

I do think that 4 is a good number to start with. Maybe 1 male, 3 females, or 2 of each gender. My call duck males dont really fight with eachother at all. They might have a little squabble or two during the spring, but otherwise they are fine together.

Here are some pictures of call ducks

 

[kswaterfowl]

Ducks have personallity period! We've never had a bird that didn't. We currently have Kahki Campbells, Calls, Welsh Harlequins, Saxony and Snowy Mallards and love all of them. They are adept at foraging and if given the chance make wonderful bug catchers. I think you would be great with any of these breeds. I would advise you to steer clear of the Muscovys until you get a little more experience. They are nice ducks but they fly very well and you may find them walking across the roof of your house or roosting in the trees and thats not natural (IMO). We LOVE white Pekins. We've had several production ones over the years as pets and always found them to be a lot of fun. We currently don't own any Pekins but would if the right ones came along. Campbells are spectacular layers we have more eggs than we can eat from our four hens and one drake. They lay every day to every other, and each hen has layed since about March. They are just starting their molt so I expect production to drop off soon. We don't have horses but have turkeys and dogs and rabbits and chickens and the ducks get along great with them here on our little three acres. Right now the turkeys are refusing to go into the pens for the night, but all we have to do is clap our hands and the ducks stop whatever they are doing and head for their pen.
K&S

 

[Wifezilla]

For friendliness, I say Welsh Harlequins. I bought mine from a hatchery. They are very healthy, lively and personable. When mine were small, I would take them out to play in the grass and they would climb all over me, nibble on my clothes and "talk" to me non-stop. The eggs are just a bonus

(Whether you plan on eating their eggs or not, they are still going to lay them. PLEASE don't let them go to waste!!! Duck eggs are nutritious AND delicious.)

For pure personality, Buffs have more than their share but they are LOUD.

 

[chickensioux]

I have muscovies, a Khaki and 3 calls right now, I have had Pekin. I have had much luck so far with all of these breeds as far as being pets. The Pekin followed me everywhere and was very sweet. My calls are new and still young, but they are very friendly and such fun, my Khaki is a little skittish but getting better and my two skovies are extremely friendly. I can pick them up and carry them around.
Ducks are awesome.

 

[froggie71]

We have Blue Swedish, Khakis and Indian runners. We think they are all great ducks. We didn't want any that fly and didn't want to clip wings if they were fliers, and none of these breeds do. We have 9 adults 8 ducks and 1 drake. They have bonded to each other, so though are not mean, they are a bit skiddish. Once they are caught, they are all nice though. We just love watching them. As far as a pond being mucky....They will make a kiddie pool mucky in about 5 min. We try to keep our as fresh as possible but....they are ducks. Comes with the territory. If males are raised together they can do fine, but recommend having more females than males. That is if you even want a drake, you don't have to have a male to make a female happy.
That said, you will love having ducks. They are awesome!

 

[froggie71]

Oops!

 

[froggie71]

not sure how it posted so many times

 

[ChickenToes]

I would have to agree with Wifezilla and recommend Welsh Harlequins. They are absolutely gorgeous birds, and are fairly quiet. They lay lots of eggs and will go broody and hatch out more ducklings for you.

 

[streemers]

I think if your not going to eat the eggs and dont want ducklings running around then why not just get 4 males? they are more colorful they dont quack and dont lay eggs. with out females involved drakes can live together no prob.
also when people buy ducks from hatcherys ect. they mostly buy the hens so a lot of duckling drakes end up getting put down.

as for personality my hubbs fav. are our runners my fav. is a pekin mutt. come to think of it all my fav's have been mutts. but i love my pure ones also