Some general duck questions

[purslanegarden]

Let them grow up a bit until you can positively identify them, or if they start getting too loud that you don't want them even if you don't know what they are yet.

 

[pauleberly]

Ok maybe I'll try that. I figured everyone was pretty sure they were mallards lol. I do see the strip across the eye that is distinct in mallards

 

[ltsite6]

I actually want some mallards. Haha. I will trade you some moscovy for your
Mallards. Have 11 ducklings right now about the same age. If you want to drive to southern Maryland! Hahaha. Mallards don't lay that much, maybe 70 to 80 eggs a year I think, and they are smaller eggs. The golden hybrids and white layers from metzer farms are close to the same as far as temperament, (least the ones I've had) but I prefer the golden hybrids due to the whites can look dirty and I prefer non white animals anyways. If you truly want good production of eggs and not too noisy I would go golden hybrids.

 

[pauleberly]

If there is a way to ship, I would be ok with that!

 

[ltsite6]

If there is a way to ship, I would be ok with that!

I will leave the shipping of poultry to the hatcheries. Haha

 

[ltsite6]

Also, another option you can look into is ideal poultry. Instead of a 15 or whatever bird minimum, they have a 25$ minimum. That way if you only want a few Ducks, (25$ worth) you can do that!

 

[ltsite6]

I forgot all about Their buff Ducks!! They are pretty awesome Ducks, bigger so if you ever wanted meat, and can lay upwards of 220 eggs per year, which is very very good. And they have very nice temperaments! And they cannot fly, due to their larger size

 

[ltsite6]

Also, can't remember if anyone had mentioned, muscovies are absolutely great, and quiet, and lay pretty good, but you will have to either keep up on clipping one wing, or pinion them. They are absolute great flyers.

 

[pauleberly]

Would you say the buffs are better than a golden 300/where hybrid?

Are they less noisy than the metzger hybrids?

I really am in it for lots of large duck eggs. I just need the bird to be quiet first, then flightless so it can free range

 

[ltsite6]

All the breeds that we have discussed (buffs, white layers, golden 300) are flightless. At least the ones I've had. Never flew. Ever. Muscovies fly. That is why I pinion mine, (yes I know some of you think it's cruel keep it to yourself please) my muscovies are my natural incubators, they hatch out anything for me. So if you solely care about eggs, get the golden hybrid or white layers. Their basically the same in all regards except color. I don't know if you want quiet so bad because of your zoning maybe? I have 1 acre where alllll my poultry free range and NEVER hear my Ducks. The only breed of Ducks that I have owned, (aside from Muscovy which are super quiet) that was more noticeably more quiet than the others were the cayugas, but they lay upwards of 180 eggs per year. Golden hybrids and white layers can lay close to 300 a year. So. I would get your golden 300 or white layer, whichever color you prefer, and they will be quiet enough for the most part except when mating. If you want them to be quiet, don't have a drake. They promote much more quacking and whatnot. Between breeding season, mating etc. it you aren't trying to have fertilized eggs, don't have a drake.