Newbie with a question

[Pearsandgrapes]

Hello to one and all!

I have been reading this board since March to help get me ready for my fist time ever ducklings.

They are now 10 weeks old, healthy

and I just love them to bits.

I ordered 6 Khaki Campbell pullets from Ideal, but now it appears that I got one "oops" male.

He was always bigger and my most quiet, so I was suspicious from the start. At three weeks, when their big girl (and boy) feathers started coming in, his tail already had a turned up look to it. Now he has some green on his wings, does not quack, but still peeps and when he does try and quack, it takes him a couple of times before any noise comes out

...and then...it is a whispered "quuuuack".

This weekend someone told me I would have to find a separate place for him away from my ducks because he would ruin the eggs I want for eating. I asked why and they said that if he tires and is successful mating with the gals, he would make the eggs gross and bloody when cracked. Is this true? I don't think so, but I wanted to get info from people more experienced and knowledgeable then I.

Also, is a five to one ratio good, or should I get round two and get more babes for him in the future? (I am leaning towards more anyway, cuz I jest luv em)

 

[streemers]

well so that you know i eat my fertil eggs all the time and have been for over a yr. as long as they are kept in the fridge they are just fine and just as tasty.
you can get an un fertile egg with blood in it also but i have never had blood in any of my eggs fertil or not.
a 5 to 1 is great. good luck with your ducks and i think it is great that you did ask and didnt just beleave it. i have heard some odd things people thought i needed to know about my ducks and they where way off trying to be help full but still way off

 

[xfilesnumber1fan]

Most people with chickens usually have a rooster and they eat the eggs..If you dont want to than yes you will have to remove the male..By 16 to 22 weeks is when breeding starts..

 

[Pearsandgrapes]

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Ok, thanks! That was just what I needed to know. If you are eating them and all is well, I am gonna too! Anxiously awaiting eggies!

 

[Pearsandgrapes]

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I am keepin' him just like it is now.

He is just too sweet to think of separating him out or removing him. If he starts being too hard on the girls, I will likely change my mind, but for now...hes stayin' put!