Newbie

[Blossomblue]

Hello all,
Thanks for adding me!
I live in England, and have been looking into to getting just two or three mini apple-yard ducklings. I no this is backyard chickens but have found lots of helpful topics here!
I keep getting conflicting information on what sexes to go for, and eggs would be a bonus.
Male /female - I've been told can cause over breeding, others say not an issue in this breed?
All female - loud? but again not an issue in this breed?
All male - Fight?
Must get 3 as high chance of losing one !
If I got all males and they are fine, would they fight after being close to females on a holiday stay?
It's so confusing?
Any advice please

 

[Miss Lydia]

If you want male female then at least 3 females to every drake even bantam size. If you just want eggs for eating then only females they don’t need a drake to lay unless you want duckling then you’ll need a drake. Female ducks can be loud some more so than others I am not familiar with the bantam apple yards but I can def say females do have their moments. lol. As for all drakes it can be done you just never know how it’s going to work out I like to call on @thumper650 when addressing all drakes. I do think having 3 is a good idea.

 

[thumper650]

I’ve heard people say they have all boys and they get along fine. Mine fight in the summer, but are best buddies in the winter. I think it helps if they’re raised together from ducklings. Really I think it depends on the individual duck, some are just more aggressive than others.

 

[Runner duck mom]

Hello
I agree 3 ia a good number, just in case anything happens that way no one is left alone.
Our girls are super friendly and lay lots of eggs but sure can be loud at times, especially when they are excited to see us.
Our drake is great most of the time but can be a jerk at times to us or the other ducks. There would sure be way less drama in duck land if we had all girls.
I would think the easiest combination would be an all girl flock unless you're really worried about the noise. At least that's the advice I would have given myself before getting our drake, lol.

 

[Blossomblue]

Thank you