Ordering ducklings or duck eggs

[starryhen]

What experience do people have? I wanted to order some miniature (bantam) Silver Appleyards but I can only buy the large ones locally. I do not want any drakes (maybe one). Do they sex ducklings like they do chicks? The last time I hatched out duck eggs (Pekins) I had 5 males and one female. Getting rid of extra ducks is almost impossible in Central Texas.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Metzer in CA does sex their ducks though I'm not sure they have bantam silver appleyards.

I would totally by sexed duckling instead of hatching eggs.

You have the reduced hatch rate and then the possibility of drakes, bringing the cost of eggs much higher. Which already seems to be half the price of the hatchling.

Ducklings also seem very hardier than chicks.

 

[Fuzzbutts]

I know Metzer has Appleyards, but they are only available at certain times. I have had an awesome experience with them on multiple occasions. Been very pleased with all of my ducklings from them.

 

[starryhen]

Thanks! I think Metzer only has the regular size as does Ideal, close to me. Yes, I think the ducklings are the way to go. Wheeler has the miniature but at very high prices with high minimum orders. I will just wait, look around and keep my eyes open. They are rare. I like the Appleyards (not too noisy, good character and layers) but find the larger birds, like our current Pekins, too large.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Thanks! I think Metzer only has the regular size as does Ideal, close to me. Yes, I think the ducklings are the way to go. Wheeler has the miniature but at very high prices with high minimum orders. I will just wait, look around and keep my eyes open. They are rare. I like the Appleyards (not too noisy, good character and layers) but find the larger birds, like our current Pekins, too large.

I was shocked to see how much the larger ducks consume compared to chickens.

I don't always choose the most readily available chickens and so often have to work diligently and be patient. But it's usually worth it. Good luck finding what you want!

 

[starryhen]

Thanks. Yes, they are big eaters. I make their food out of premium ingredients so they are quite spoiled. I love my hens but the ducks are far better at keeping the bugs down. The chickens get tired of grasshoppers in the Summer but the ducks love them always so that's really reduced our grasshopper problem around the house. I guess the bugs in their diet (along with frogs and mice) keeps them from eating sooo much.

 

[ThreeWillows]

The only two places that I know of to procure Mini Silver Appleyard ducks (called Silver bantams in UK) are: Duck Creek Farm and Blue Sky Country farm.

 

[starryhen]

Thank you! I ordered some Bluehead Australian Spotted but so far I think they are too small and not the color I wanted (I ordered a pet pair). I may try again to get some mini Silver Appleyards or investigate it a bit. My Pekins are far too large. But my Spotteds are young so we'll see. But I did get some very good experience of ordering online and receiving adults by mail!!