The Duck Thread

[hennible]

I know what you mean... I take them out for a bit of one on one to see who's making what noise and they are all quacking... And its a clear "quack!"
Oh I hate waiting to see who is male or female...

 

[tinkerfairy]

Oh my goodness what adorable pics!!!! I've wanted ducklings since I was a kid finally have my first batch of 5. 2 Rouen (look like mallard ducklings came from tsc so I assume Rouen) they're the youngest. The first 3 we got were 2 runners 1 light brown 1 dark brown cocoa and pebbles and our biggest duckling, I believe a Swedish he started off black with a yellow chest and a little yellow on the face is jumper. He earned his name because he used to jump up at the side of the tub to say hello. He has outgrown everyone by quite a bit. We've had 3 over a month and jumper hasn't quacked so I'm thinking he's a drake. Cocoa and Pebbles are starting to make some quack sounds. I absolutely love these ducklings, they're such sweethearts. They love attention. They know my voice and start chattering when they hear me they get louder and louder until I go visit then I get greeted with everyone standing up wagging tails and talking to me. They aren't afraid of me at all, pebbles my runner climbs into my hands and tries to climb up my arms just to get out, she tries to sit on my shoulder. She will fall asleep on me loves to snuggle. They all get really close to my hand and arm and stretch their necks out like giving a duck hug. They love to have there faces and bills rubbed. When holding them I get happy chatter tail wags and affection. I am going to have to try them in the shower I bet that will be adorable. Ducky and dodger our 2 youngest weren't as friendly to start with they'd run away and cry out, but now are just as friendly. If I'm cleaning chick tubs or handling chicks there all standing up watching and waiting for me to come play with them, jumper is mischievous he will get my pant leg and pull on it to get my attention if he can reach it. I'm always greeted by them when I come home, they know the sound of my car and start talking before I'm even in the door. I think they have adopted me as mom. I'm not looking forward to moving them outside I'll worry about them. I plan to use a covered chainlink dog lot with pallets around the bottom just for extra protection. I've let them play in the floor of the room there in and they stay right with me when I'm walking around if I sit in the floor I have a duck pile on my lap. I think all but 1 is a girl, I wouldn't mind if they're all boys, got these just for pets, pretty sure most are girls so eggs are just an added bonus. These babies have been so much fun, unfortunately they're outgrowing there tub so they will have to go outside and my house will be quiet with no duck chatter. Yes they're messy I clean the tub and give fresh shavings every day but its been worth it they reward me with lots of love, I hope they stay like this when they're outside. Jumper hasn't quacked at all it sounds like he whistles and when you imitate the sound he makes he will talk and talk. I don't know if they have any feeling in there bills but ours love to have them rubbed. They will lay there heads on our hands just to get rubbed. They climb in our hands to be picked up and enjoy being held. They have been so sweet and loving almost like dogs especially when I see there tails wagging. They're even jealous of each other and will do things to get attention. I recommend ducklings to anyone. I think we've got lucky with ours being so friendly because we have kept them inside and handled them and spent a lot of time with them

 

[tinkerfairy]

Sorry for the long post just wanted to share my story of my wonderful babies, nobody I work with cares about ducks or chickens and I've been having a lot of fun with them and found this site recently when looking up what breeds of chicks and ducklings I have. I'm a first time mom of ducklings and chicks. We're starting our chicks inside too. My standard size greet me and pile on me for attention like the ducks except sometimes they peck especially my tattoos

but they like attention too, my bantams aren't as friendly though guess because they're so tiny. Besides who can resist the cute duck face they start of adorable and stay that way grown

I love being duck mom all that cleaning is worth it

 

[jtn42248]

Sorry for the long post just wanted to share my story of my wonderful babies, nobody I work with cares about ducks or chickens and I've been having a lot of fun with them and found this site recently when looking up what breeds of chicks and ducklings I have. I'm a first time mom of ducklings and chicks. We're starting our chicks inside too. My standard size greet me and pile on me for attention like the ducks except sometimes they peck especially my tattoos

but they like attention too, my bantams aren't as friendly though guess because they're so tiny. Besides who can resist the cute duck face they start of adorable and stay that way grown

I love being duck mom all that cleaning is worth it

Welcome to BYC. You certainly came to the right place. The people here not only love the world of poultry but are excellent cources of information and help when you need it. One thing we really like is pictures of everyones flocks so if you get the chance to post some of your "family" please to. It sounds like you have a great group of birds and they have a really great place to be.

 

[jayjay32]

I have 2 pekin ducks. a girl and a boy they are 2 years old. the girls egg shells have been missing or broken(I'm not sure which) when she lays eggs. I feed her Mazuri maintenance food and kale. and egg shells when we have them. she doesn't like oyster shells. I'm guessing it's a calcium deficiency. Is there a supplement I can give only her to help her egg shells to form cotrectly? I also don't wanna get my boy sick by having too much calcuim that is why I dont get the breeder food

 

[Jdc361]

I need some help!! I want to get ducks but don't know what breeds

I'm getting three and prefer 3 different breeds but two would be ok and I guess I could have one breed. Suggestions please!!!

 

[Jennn27]

Just incase no one else knows... Ducks love showers...




At this size they are still dirty after a swim, the tubs just not big enough, so after their bath I shower them off, they really seem to love it!

Really?? That makes sense....every time I put them in the tub, they put their bills into the water coming out of the faucet.

I gotta try that!

 

[Amiga]

I need some help!! I want to get ducks but don't know what breeds

I'm getting three and prefer 3 different breeds but two would be ok and I guess I could have one breed. Suggestions please!!!

I would go with three about the same size - you can find lists of heavy, medium and light breeds, even bantams.

Within those categories, go with the ones who have the characteristics that will work with your style. Foragers? Layers? Good mothers? Quiet? Dark colors? Light colors?

 

[Jdc361]

I would go with three about the same size - you can find lists of heavy, medium and light breeds, even bantams.

Within those categories, go with the ones who have the characteristics that will work with your style.  Foragers?  Layers? Good mothers? Quiet?  Dark colors?  Light colors?

Do you have any recommendations for layers and child friendly?

 

[needlessjunk]

Do you have any recommendations for layers and child friendly?

Welsh Harlequins, cayugas, pekins (larger). If you are getting all females and they are raised together then the size difference shouldn't be as big of a deal. http://www.metzerfarms.com/DuckBreedComparison.cfm?CustID=3985276