should i get 2 boy ducks or 2 girl ducks?

[reganedwards]

My friend and i are each getting a peckin duckling and want to know which would get along best, they will be together the majority of the time so dont worry about that. Also I have a pool in my back yard and was wondering if it would be okay if they occasionally swam in that or if they would drink the water and get sick or something?

 

[Poultrybonkers]

Get two girls or a pair

 

[DuckyGurl]

I'd go with two girls.

Is the pool chlorinated? If so, (correct me if I'm wrong more experienced BYC'ers!) yes chlorine is bad and they cannot swim in it. I give mine a kiddie pool and they love it. Just fill it with fresh clean water. And majority of the time together? Ducks need friends. They don't like being alone, even for a short period of time. Especially if they are closely bonded, and if there are only two they will be.

 

[reganedwards]

Ive heard the boys are quieter though, what would be the main difference? Thanks!

 

[Going Quackers]

Yes, drakes would be more quiet but well, even raised together drakes can fight... so if separated for bouts of time? dunno.. ducks are flock animals and the dynamics of those flocks can be quite intense.

Plus with drakes one always has to be sure to be top duck, they test far more than ducks do, they will try to be over you, i like drakes don't get me wrong, i have two mature ones and 3 juvies but they are different and some can most definitely be aggressive.

 

[jdywntr]

So, you will each be getting one duckling and want to have them together sometimes? I am assuming by your question that you and your friend aren't roommates. Any change in flock dynamics (introducing or removing members) is stressful for the animal.

Ducks aren't dogs. Sorry, I'm not trying to be rude or nasty, just honest. It is unlikely that ducks that are raised/housed seperately (whether male or female) would do little more than fighting when one is brought into the other's territory.

Single ducks require a LOT of work and commitment by their owner. Ducks can live 15 years so it is also long term. But duck's are flock animals and do best with a constant companion, 24/7. Many breeders and even feed stores won't sell just one duckling for this reason.

I would advise researching a bit more before deciding to get a duckling.

 

[DuckyGurl]

So, you will each be getting one duckling and want to have them together sometimes? I am assuming by your question that you and your friend aren't roommates. Any change in flock dynamics (introducing or removing members) is stressful for the animal.

Ducks aren't dogs. Sorry, I'm not trying to be rude or nasty, just honest. It is unlikely that ducks that are raised/housed seperately (whether male or female) would do little more than fighting when one is brought into the other's territory.

Single ducks require a LOT of work and commitment by their owner. Ducks can live 15 years so it is also long term. But duck's are flock animals and do best with a constant companion, 24/7. Many breeders and even feed stores won't sell just one duckling for this reason.

I would advise researching a bit more before deciding to get a duckling.

Exactly what I was trying to say.And I agree with GQ about drakes.

 

[BarneyChick97]

If there is a way for you to know what you can get, get girls. We enjoy our ladies Our drake is soooooo ornery!!

 

[reganedwards]

This is me doing my research, I'm not gettting them for another 2 week's at least. I still have no idea which gender to get. The more advice/personal experience the better! Thanks everyone.

 

[DenverDucky]

As the owner of a single duck I would like to add that while there is nothing wrong with having just one and having play dates and such with another duck, unless you are at home 24/7 its better to have two ducks to keep each other company. Since I'm in a life situation that keeps me at home, I have all the time in the world to devote to my girl. Are you planning to keep your duck indoors or outdoors? An outdoor duck will need another duck for sure or it will be crying for you all day. If you are planning to keep indoors, duck diapers are almost a must. There are pros and cons to hens/drakes, but if you are planning to only keep one I recommend a hen, not only will you have a duck, but you will also have a fresh egg in the morning! I've also heard about drakes aggression which turned me off from wanting a male when I was deciding on getting a duck. Also if you are planning to keep it indoors, you will want to get your duckling as young as possible so it can imprint to you or atleast bond quickly to you. It will make life so much easier! I recommend ordering from a hatchery vs going to a feed store. Ordering usually lets you choose the sex as well as gives less human interaction so you can bond easier and your duckling can imprint quickly to you. Good luck!