NEW to ducks

[callmeRISH]

okay so in about 2-3 weeks we plan on ordering ducks frm metzer farms.they are going to be ducklings when they are grown up next year they are going to be show ducks at fairs and such. so here are the questions:
1. what is a good breed to start with? and description of temperament, size, egg laying, exhibition or meat, etc
2. I live in Wisconsin and it gets cold will they be okay in the coop when winter comes around
3. basic care
4. can you show hens or just drakes
5. anything else you feel I should know.


Thank You!

 

[theatlantic88]

Just be prepared for the mess that comes with ducks, especially with water. You will want to read up on feeds, grit, oyster shell, workers and ways to sanitize their pens.

A good book to start with is Storey ' s guide to ducks, it has everything you would ever need

 

[callmeRISH]

Do ducks need to eat eggshells or other calcium rich things like chickens. I would assume so but not sure I will look up that guide

 

[theatlantic88]

Yes for sure they will. Check to see if your feed contains oyster shell. If not you can purchase some rather cheaply.

You can show ducks and drakes. Ducks do VERY well in cold weather but still need the basics. I live in Ontario Canada and my ducks did great even in -40 below Celsius conditions with a simple incandescent bulb in their house.

 

[callmeRISH]

Thank you. Do you think it would be possible to start with welsh harlequins for my first duck. If you have any experience. With them could you please give me info about them

 

[theatlantic88]

I don't have experience with WE but from what I read you won't have any issues. My expertise lies with the runners and khakis.

 

[callmeRISH]

Ok well thank you anyways

 

[DUCKOBSESSED]

I live in WI and have two WH in my flock they are great. I got them from metzers. I don't show them but I love the color of them.

 

[callmeRISH]

So they take the cold well clearly, what age do they start laying at

 

[theatlantic88]

Anywhere around 14 weeks +