The Duck Thread

[JanetMarie]

For those who have both chickens and ducks: do you prefer one over the other, and why?

 

[JanetMarie]

I love the calm temperment of my Muscovies.

 

[PINOAK RIDGE]

For those who have both chickens and ducks: do you prefer one over the other, and why?

If we had to only pick one species, it would be ducks. They are more hardy and low maintenance compared to chickens. They have wonderful personalities and are quite entertaining.

 

[Ren2014]

For those who have both chickens and ducks: do you prefer one over the other, and why?

Definitely ducks and Muscovies at that

 

[JanetMarie]

The Muscovies don't like sharing the barn with the chickens, but it helps that they have their own section to sleep in. I'll be working on separating most of them soon.

The Muscovies are considerate of one another, chickens chase, peck and fight over food, roost area, dust bathing area, anything!

 

[Miss Lydia]

My Muscovy's roost with the chickens they didn't ever sleep together till last Feb when we got very very frigid temps and I figured the more bodies in once place the more body temps to keep them all warmer, my female Muscovy's like the idea and have roosted ever since. And they range from 9yrs down to 4 yrs old.

If I had to choose between chickens or ducks though I would pick ducks. And I am very partial to Scovy's. But I do love my Runners and Buffs too.

 

[jenniferlamar70]

@MandyJ 

When practicing bio security to protect your "old" flock from "new" birds, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recommendation is to quarantine, AKA isolate for 30 days.   Diseases such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)  & Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) can strike quickly, without any warning or signs of infection.  One week, is simply not enough, as HPAI incubation period is 21 days.  

We remember how frightening and devastating the END outbreak was back in 2002-2003, out in California and a few other western states.  To stop that END outbreak, well over 3 million birds had to be euthanized.  This was a huge loss financially, genetically and emotionally.    The industry took a hard blow, not to mention all the beloved pet birds that were also lost during this time.  A serious disease that not only affected the western part of the country, but poultry hobbyist nationwide.  That outbreak caused a lot of concern & there were many unanswered questions.  Many professionals, from all over the country, went out West for months to handle this tragedy and get it under control.    Thankfully, they were able to eradicate that END outbreak.

We have always been firm believers in bio security and protecting our birds and breeding program.  Devastating losses, even from "innocent" situations,  was the main reason, many years ago, we went from an educational farm, with school field trips visiting, to a closed farm practicing bio security.  Our birds are not just a long term, focused breeding project, where we strive to improve the breed with each generation, they are also our beloved pets.  We feel it's our responsibility to provide the best care for them and also to the hobby.   Protecting them from diseases, is just as important, if not more so,  than protecting them from predators.  If this means disappointing people, by not allowing them to visit our farm, we apologize but the safety of our birds is our priority.   We have been happy to provide the public with pictures so they may enjoy the beauty of our birds.  

Hope this helps.  Enjoy your ducks. 

I very much agree with this although we of coarse have visitors we don't let anyone visit our coops.

For those who have both chickens and ducks:  do you prefer one over the other, and why?

I can't say I prefer one over the other. I love them all so much. My ducks and chickens have both found a place in my heart.

 

[The Duck Ladie]

For those who have both chickens and ducks: do you prefer one over the other, and why?

I don't currently don't have chickens, but I did a few years ago, and I can VERY truthfully say, I PREFER DUCKS OVER CHICKENS BY A LOT!
Why? Well, let's just say my last chickens were nightmares. I love how ducks never really grow-up. I love how they swim and splash like nut-heads in the pool. I love how they lay more eggs than the chickens ever did. I love their quacking. I love their cute webbies. I LOVE their babies!

. I love them when they go outside when it starts to rain, and start quacking their heads off. I just love them!

 

[The Duck Ladie]

My Muscovy's roost with the chickens they didn't ever sleep together till last Feb when we got very very frigid temps and I figured the more bodies in once place the more body temps to keep them all warmer, my female Muscovy's like the idea and have roosted ever since. And they range from 9yrs down to 4 yrs old.

If I had to choose between chickens or ducks though I would pick ducks. And I am very partial to Scovy's. But I do love my Runners and Buffs too.

Duck lover!

 

[Tlearn98]

Hey there, not really good at working this site,
It's been a long time since I've logged on....just saying hello! I own two mallard ducks and live in the Johnstown-Altoona Pa area and was wondering if anyone would be interested in about a dozen mallard ducklings! Free as long as I am sure it is a good home!