No experience with ducks

[MallardDuckling]

I had about 2 ducks when I was younger. I really don't remember raising them or anything, but recently I got a duckling. Saddly, he passed away today.

I've been thinking and I would love to own ducks again one day. When, I'm not sure lol.

I really don't have experience with ducks.

Is there a good breed for first time duck owners?
I'd kinda like a duckling, so they could really bond to me, but is there an age that would best suit a new duck owner?
What I mean is, for a first time dog owner, they may want to get an older dog instead of a puppy. Is it the same way with ducks?
I'd prefer one that doesn't fly away lol.

I've been looking into Pekin ducks, but I don't want to jump into something that isn't best suited for beginner duck owners.

Thanks everyone!!!

 

[ClickerChick]

Glad to have another person to talk poultry with!

You should start with light or bantam breeds. They are small and friendly. Call ducks would be a good choice, unless you live in the city or do not want loud ducks. You could try light breeds like Runners, Welsh Harlequin, or Khaki Campbells.

Yes, ducklings would be best. You should get at least 3 so that if one dies, then the 2 will bond to eachother, and they won't get lonely. If you get 1 or get 2 and one dies, then the lone duckling will constantly be wanting you, so you won't have any time with yourself. Again, I suggest getting at least 3.

 

[jk216]

Evening, I have a couple of question to ask, although we have had ducks for about 4 weeks-ish they were around 9 weeks old when we got them, we would love to get a couple more, the woman whom we get them from has some at 5 weeks old and some at 5 days old. As i have said we have not had any real experience with ducklings under 9 weeks, what equipment do we need for the 5 week old ducks and at what age could we introduce them to the others 3 ducks and 7 chickens? thanks for your help julie x

 

[MallardDuckling]

Thank you

I'm glad I found this site. Very friendly and informative!

One thing I forgot to point out that you brought up, I do live in the city, so one that isn't too loud would be perfect. I read that ducks really aren't too noisy unless startled. Don't know if that's true or not though.

I found a site that listed quite a few duck breeds and listed temprament. I noticed that Runners and the Khaki Campbells have a nervous temprament.
I want something that won't be shy around me. I'm sure that if I bond with it, no duck would be. I'd like a duck that's friendly, it doesn't have to be with anyone else, but me.

Also, according to this chart Welsh Harlequins are ranked critical for the ALBC status.

I'm still very undecided.

 

[ClickerChick]

Well sorry I didn't help much, but I haven't had much experience with ducks, either.

 

[RhodysMom]

I'm new to ducks too but have decided on Welsh Harlequins for a number of reasons:
- They're small so they won't take up too much space
- They lay a lot of eggs!!
- You can sex them by beak color when they're very young (a couple of days. Not sure when this distinction fades.)
- They're good foragers
- They are supposed to have a calm temperament

I think Pekins are supposed to be good for beginners as well. They seem to be friendly and easy to work with, have good egg production, and don't fly.

*I'm no duck expert though! I'm hopefully getting mine soon and have just been doing a LOT of reading in preparation!!

 

[MallardDuckling]

I'm glad I have others who also haven't had much experience with ducks, so I know I'm not alone.
You both have really helped me so far, to narrow down breeds that would be suitable for me. I really do thank you both!!!

So far it's a toss up between Pekins and Welsh Harlequins. I'm going to continue my research on both!!

 

[Iain Utah]

Welcome to byc, mallard.

If I may suggest, get a pair of drakes if noise is an issue. Drakes are quiet whereas ducks are loud. For breeds, pekins are known for their calm personality. I would also recommend the other large "meat" breeds like silver appleyard or saxony. Do your research on proper care of ducklings, be prepared with brooder pen, heat lamp, waterfowl starter food, etc., and enjoy getting them as babies.

 

[MallardDuckling]

Welcome to byc, mallard.

If I may suggest, get a pair of drakes if noise is an issue. Drakes are quiet whereas ducks are loud. For breeds, pekins are known for their calm personality. I would also recommend the other large "meat" breeds like silver appleyard or saxony. Do your research on proper care of ducklings, be prepared with brooder pen, heat lamp, waterfowl starter food, etc., and enjoy getting them as babies.

Thank you so much!
I'll look into them as well!
Do you know where I could get a brooder pen? I've got a heat lamp and starter food as of right now, but that's about it.

 

[Iain Utah]

There are all sorts of things to use for brooder pens. Some use kiddie pools, rubbermaid tubs, bathroom bathtubs, toddler playpens. Personally, I build pens using cull wood from Home Depot and window screen. The important thing is that they are secure, have decent ventilation, and you can hang a heat lamp over it (adjusting higher as they get older). As for bedding, my favorite bedding is towels and a folded fleece blanket for them to sleep on. Other people love rubber kitchen shelf liner. Just don't use anything that is slick or they can eat.