The Duck Thread

[yoopergirl1211]

Ugh. She hatched out 8. There were three viable ones left in nest when she gave up on them. One had already externally pipped. I made an incubator and helped the one hatch. I had to leave for an hour and my kids forgot to check temp on the egg that was yelling but hadn't cracked. It somehow jumped really high and I lost both of them.

 

[yoopergirl1211]

Sorry both eggs the one I helped hatch is fine and out with mom.

 

[sannabelle]

Dang. Well at least you got the one hatched and safe. We have an incubator and are planning on hatching chicken and duck eggs next year- I feel like I could research between now and then and I'm still not going to know what I'm doing!! I helped my goats deliver four kids, and I would rather do that ten times over than help a chick or duckling hatch

What are you going to do with all your babies!!??

 

[yoopergirl1211]

Grow some out. Sell some and help a friend rebuild her flock. She lost almost all of them. Hoping for a blue Muscovy/Peking baby too.

 

[FaerieChicken]

Good evening, I am a first time duck owner. We acquired 2 ducklings that looked totally different from each other at first. Now they are both exhibiting the same look and characteristics but, 1 is bigger than the other. I have come to the conclusion that both are boys and the smaller one is Mallard and the other Bigger taller one is Rouen.
I would like to know if keeping 2 boys is ok, we only have 2 other ducks, they are white, Pekin I believe and was told both are going to be boys also but I do not know how to tell. They are just now feathered out for the first time. I am waiting for the little tail curl to show up but unsure when that will happen. If they are infact 2 more boys, will all 4 get along? I do not really wish to have anymore ducks.

Also, thank you all in advance for any insight. Are there anything in specific I should be noted about Rouen is regards to breed?

 

[FaerieChicken]

@Yoles32 Those are some great pics there of that little cutie patooti!

 

[sannabelle]

There are some people on this site that have kept an all male duck flock together with no issues, and some that have had issues. I think that because you don't have any hens you may avoid lots of the territorial issues you get between male ducks. It may be a "wait and see" situation, to see what all of your boys temperaments are like.

Hope for all boys because if one turns out to be a female that will cause a whole new host of problems!!

 

[yoopergirl1211]

Good evening, I am a first time duck owner. We acquired 2 ducklings that looked totally different from each other at first. Now they are both exhibiting the same look and characteristics but, 1 is bigger than the other. I have come to the conclusion that both are boys and the smaller one is Mallard and the other Bigger taller one is Rouen.
I would like to know if keeping 2 boys is ok, we only have 2 other ducks, they are white, Pekin I believe and was told both are going to be boys also but I do not know how to tell. They are just now feathered out for the first time. I am waiting for the little tail curl to show up but unsure when that will happen. If they are infact 2 more boys, will all 4 get along? I do not really wish to have anymore ducks.

Also, thank you all in advance for any insight. Are there anything in specific I should be noted about Rouen is regards to breed?

I've only had ducks for 10 months but so far my boys get along. Even better now that all my girls are off being broody. My Rouen boy is my most calm out of the group. Think I posted this a few days ago but here is my bachelors

Mathew my Rouen is front left.

 

[Tlmcq]

View attachment 1017970 I about had a heart attack earlier this afternoon. My smallest ducklings, 3 magpies and a Cayuga, were outside in a baby pool brooder, with tall hardware cloth around it so they couldn't escape. I peek out the window and my three legged pitty, named Ducky (of course), is INSIDE the baby pool with the four ducklings, licking them .

Miraculously no one was squished, just wet. Not sure if she was mothering them or getting a pre-taste before chomping them. She is rock solid poultry trained so I'm guessing the former.

Still not sure how she got in there in the first place as she is missing one of her hind legs and can't jump.

Beautiful girl...My favorite breed. And they can be escape artists...Lol so breaking and entering isn't too surprising

 

[yoopergirl1211]

Good evening, I am a first time duck owner. We acquired 2 ducklings that looked totally different from each other at first. Now they are both exhibiting the same look and characteristics but, 1 is bigger than the other. I have come to the conclusion that both are boys and the smaller one is Mallard and the other Bigger taller one is Rouen.
I would like to know if keeping 2 boys is ok, we only have 2 other ducks, they are white, Pekin I believe and was told both are going to be boys also but I do not know how to tell. They are just now feathered out for the first time. I am waiting for the little tail curl to show up but unsure when that will happen. If they are infact 2 more boys, will all 4 get along? I do not really wish to have anymore ducks.

Also, thank you all in advance for any insight. Are there anything in specific I should be noted about Rouen is regards to breed?

Oh I forgot I can't remember what age it is exactly but you'll have better luck hearing their voices for sexing. My Peking still doesnt have a drake feather but he is definitely a boy and my 8 week old Indies already have voices that point my boy out.