Putting My Ducks In A Row

[aussieheelr]

my cayuga is pretty quite. our runners are noisy buggers and flighty. From those two I would suggest the cayuga.

 

[mhwc56]

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we used to have muscovies and they NEVER quack. However, if you want them for egg production they're probably not the breed you want. They are very friendly,make good pets if you hatch them yourself so they bond/imprint to you.
There are breeds that are primarily for egg laying ,you might want to look into them....Runners,khaki Campbell,some others

 

[Eroc1_1]

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We just got some Cayugas and Welsh Harlequin in March(from Metzer I believe and will be getting some from Holderread in June). I would say that so far that the Cayuga are quieter. But I am fairly certain that the Welsh Harlequin will probably lay more eggs than the Cayuga.

 

[Just_Ducky]

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Congrats on your new babies! How much of a difference in volume is there? Are the Welsh Harlequins particularly loud or are they just a bit more chatty than the Cayugas? And are you noticing much of a difference in their dispositions?

 

[Eroc1_1]

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Congrats on your new babies! How much of a difference in volume is there? Are the Welsh Harlequins particularly loud or are they just a bit more chatty than the Cayugas? And are you noticing much of a difference in their dispositions?

The Welsh Harlequins that we have are a tad bit more chatty and only occasionally will they quack loud - if they get startled. The Cayuga are just a little more stand-off-ish than the Welsh Harlequins. They both, for the most part, don't mind being held, but they don't really enjoy being 'chased' down to be held. When we put them in at night we may hold them for a little bit and offer them peas while we do so....kinda keeps 'em a little more relaxed. Peas are where it is at for ours ducks. Hope that helps you. We love both breeds.

 

[shantibirdy]

If you're looking for egg production, I don't think you can beat Khaki Campbells. But a Welsh Harlequin is a genetic cousin to the Khaki, and I believe they lay a similar number of eggs. I only have one Welsh, but she is calm and quiet, not to mention beautiful. I love the striking wing bars and patterned wings of a female Welsh. The Khakis are talkers! Some people have said that Khakis are skittish, but mine have not been that way, maybe due to spending time with them when they were small.
Whatever you get, you don't need drakes to influence egg production in any way. In fact, your flock might be calmer, and more disposed to laying, if they aren't fending off any boys!

Good luck!

 

[Big Dreamer]

I would say welsh harlequins because IMO they are beautiful and arent too loud, only when they hear you come outside or in the morning when they are hungry, other than that mine arent bad AT ALL, mine just started to lay so i dont have xperience with that YET, but everyone says if you want eggs, go with Welsh harlequins cayugas are pretty, but i like the patterns of the welsh!

 

[Just_Ducky]

Thanks for the information, guys!

@ shantibirdy - What's your Blue Sweedish like?

 

[shantibirdy]

She's big, beautiful, and easy to catch, and fun to hold! She's always the first in lind for food. She makes her fair share of noise, and is a great member of the flock. I can't tell you how many eggs she lays, as I don't ask, but I've heard they aren't prolific layers.

Let me know if you need anything else!

Vicky