Starting a mixed flock

[dogkahuna]

I've been successful at raising chickens for a couple years and now it's time to add ducks!

I'd like to acquire ducklings--one drake and six ducks. I'd like to eventually have a duck raise a clutch of ducklings. I have some questions. Can any breed of drake fertilize any breed of duck? Can Muscovy drakes fertilize other ducks and vice versa? Are there breed combinations to avoid? Does someone have a recommendation for a mellow breed for the drake?

Is it advisable to find a local or regional source for ducklings? Does someone have a recommendation for a reputable source?

Thanks, BYC is a principal component of my learning to be a good flockster!

 

[chickens really]

Yes, Welsh are great Ducks...As a Drake they are friendly and good with hens........Gentle boys.......




Yes....I love mixed Ducks.....I am am not sure about the Muscovy crosses....I believe they are called Mules??...Infertile?.....

All others can be crossed........


Cheers!

 

[QuackSpeak]

I've been successful at raising chickens for a couple years and now it's time to add ducks!

I'd like to acquire ducklings--one drake and six ducks. I'd like to eventually have a duck raise a clutch of ducklings. I have some questions. Can any breed of drake fertilize any breed of duck? Can Muscovy drakes fertilize other ducks and vice versa? Are there breed combinations to avoid? Does someone have a recommendation for a mellow breed for the drake?

Is it advisable to find a local or regional source for ducklings? Does someone have a recommendation for a reputable source?

Thanks, BYC is a principal component of my learning to be a good flockster!

Hello!

Good choice getting ducks, they are cute and interesting and very, very fun! I guess where you get your ducklings depends on how pure you want them to be. If you don't mind getting ducklings that are average quality, I would go with Metzer's. They ship ducklings, and I believe they are located in California. The ducklings come with Go-Gel (Green, nutritious gel that the ducklings eat while in their shipping box), and, depending on how many ducks you order, a heat pack. http://www.metzerfarms.com/index.cfm

If you do want pure, excellent show quality ducklings, I think you would have to go to a reputable breeder. I won't be much help here, bc I've never worried about pureness, I had ducks for pets.
I have heard that WH drakes are docile, and agree with @chickens really . I've never owned one, though - never owned a drake in general.
Hope you have fun!

 

[GoldenFlight]

That's great, I love mixed flocks! In my opinion runner drakes are one of the calmest and treat hens the best. Metzer Farms is the best place to get any waterfowl. Yes, they can cross, but I believe the offspring are infertile.