Runners , campbells ? best duck breed ?

[Quailbuddy]

Hi I am looking into getting wither runners or campbells . . . i have a few question for you all

can either of these breeds fly ?

are they nice?

are they loud?

what do you think is the best duck breed.

 

[FenDruadin]

You are going to get as many different answers to this one as there are duck owners, lol!

My first batch of ducks was a mixed flock. The Campbells were excellent layers, but they were flighty and I didn't think they had much personality. Some of the others were calmer than the Campbells but not as good at laying. The Indian Runners were not as calm as some of the other breeds (but still calmer than the Campbells), but they were excellent breeders and they were anything but boring. I think they're hilarious, and they're full of personality. So, I vote for Runners.

But there are many Campbell fans who would say the opposite.

The only way you'll know for sure which *you* prefer is to order a couple of each and see what you like.

Have fun!

 

[FenDruadin]

Oops--forgot to answer your other questions. Both breeds can sometimes fly a bit when they're young, but neither can fly well enough to cause you problems (they're not going to fly out of their enclosure easily, and they're not going to migrate).

And yes, they're loud. However, mine only "talk" when something exciting is happening--like the chuck wagon is on its way or they're getting out of prison (i.e., they're being let out of the pen in the morning).

Also, most people don't mind the sound of ducks quacking. It's quaint and reminds people of afternoons in the park.

 

[Quailbuddy]

okay thank you for your answer, i think i may have to get a couple of both breeds . . .

 

[Quailbuddy]

Do you think runners would get along with chickens? Would runners get along with Barred Rock Chickens??

 

[JStark]

Welsh harlequins are from Campbells - I have three, they lay like crazy (three eggs per day, every day), and they are very calm and not worried at all about the local traffic, train, or dogs.

 

[nissa_loves_cats]

Quote:
My first ducks were Indian Runners and I didn't keep them with chickens, but right now I have some Ancona ducks in with my Silkie bantams and a turkey--- the turkey thinks she is the mother of the silkies. The ducks and chickens get along just fine. The only problem is the ducks waste water. I have a metal chicken waterer that holds 5 gallons. I put it up on some cinder blocks (cement 'bricks') to keep the water cleaner. When I fill it full, the ducks splash it all out by the end of the day so I fill it halfway which allows everyone plenty of water but keeps the area from getting soaked by ducks at play.