Thinking about getting a drake... again...

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

Because my girls need a man NOW! I don‘t know about the rest of you, but things have gotten pretty x-rated around here as breeding season appears to be in full swing. And i feel badly that my three hens are getting no satisfaction, though they are certainly trying to help each other out. A lot.

As always, my concerns are 1) biosecurity - I have had a closed flock for almost two years. I would hate to accidentally introduce disease. 2) I would want a nice smallish drake who would not be a crazy out-of-control rapist. 3) The additional mess (particularly in winter) of an additional duck (or two if I added a hen for better drake/hen ratio).

At any rate, I’m almost sold on getting a drake this year seeing how desperate the girls are. But how do I find a nice one? Is it better to raise a random TSC ducking or two, knowing that at least one will be a drake? Are there breeds that are known to have nicer drakes? I do want a mallard-derived drake, as Daphne is already outnumbered by Muscovies.

I would certainly quarantine him until I know he is healthy.

Anyways, I just want a nice boy for my girls!

 

[Pat Dieterichs]

Because my girls need a man NOW! I don‘t know about the rest of you, but things have gotten pretty x-rated around here as breeding season appears to be in full swing. And i feel badly that my three hens are getting no satisfaction, though they are certainly trying to help each other out. A lot.

As always, my concerns are 1) biosecurity - I have had a closed flock for almost two years. I would hate to accidentally introduce disease. 2) I would want a nice smallish drake who would not be a crazy out-of-control rapist. 3) The additional mess (particularly in winter) of an additional duck (or two if I added a hen for better drake/hen ratio).

At any rate, I’m almost sold on getting a drake this year seeing how desperate the girls are. But how do I find a nice one? Is it better to raise a random TSC ducking or two, knowing that at least one will be a drake? Are there breeds that are known to have nicer drakes? I do want a mallard-derived drake, as Daphne is already outnumbered by Muscovies.

I would certainly quarantine him until I know he is healthy.

Anyways, I just want a nice boy for my girls!

I have a drake you can have he would love your girls

 

[Alayna734]

Where are you located ? I also have some drakes available !

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

I am in Vermont. Currently, travel is out of the question, of course, due to Covid-19

 

[Isaac 0]

Because my girls need a man NOW! I don‘t know about the rest of you, but things have gotten pretty x-rated around here as breeding season appears to be in full swing. And i feel badly that my three hens are getting no satisfaction, though they are certainly trying to help each other out. A lot.

As always, my concerns are 1) biosecurity - I have had a closed flock for almost two years. I would hate to accidentally introduce disease. 2) I would want a nice smallish drake who would not be a crazy out-of-control rapist. 3) The additional mess (particularly in winter) of an additional duck (or two if I added a hen for better drake/hen ratio).

At any rate, I’m almost sold on getting a drake this year seeing how desperate the girls are. But how do I find a nice one? Is it better to raise a random TSC ducking or two, knowing that at least one will be a drake? Are there breeds that are known to have nicer drakes? I do want a mallard-derived drake, as Daphne is already outnumbered by Muscovies.

I would certainly quarantine him until I know he is healthy.

Anyways, I just want a nice boy for my girls!

1, Yes, theres always the chance you may introduce disease to your flock after acquiring new birds, although I've integrated more then thirty birds over the years with no problems, worst I've had was external parasites, Ducks are generally healthy birds and usually don't have any problems.Thats something you have to decide on.

2. Get a smaller sized breed then, He'll be easier on the hens when mating, but I have Call drakes who chase females around the yard like lunatics, they'll still be crazy in the spring just like any other breed.

3. One drake isn't going to cause very much more of a mess then what you have now.

 

[Isaac 0]

You won't have a hard time finding a drake that's for sure! Looks like you already have two people interested in selling.

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

1, Yes, theres always the chance you may introduce disease to your flock after acquiring new birds, although I've integrated more then thirty birds over the years with no problems, worst I've had was external parasites, Ducks are generally healthy birds and usually don't have any problems.Thats something you have to decide on.

2. Get a smaller sized breed then, He'll be easier on the hens when mating, but I have Call drakes who chase females around the yard like lunatics, they'll still be crazy in the spring just like any other breed.

3. One drake isn't going to cause very much more of a mess then what you have now.

I think I’m sold on it, mainly after watching my smallest Muscovy hen trying to mate with Daphne all weekend. I’ve put a post in the Vermont thread... Now to wait...

Question - Does it violate a “stay at home“ order if I get a drake on my way home from work if I am essential personnel? Or if I, say, got him on the way back from an essential grocery shopping trip? What if the grocery store was in the next town over?

 

[Isaac 0]

Well, It's not required you stay home, its just preferred if you limit trips to only the necessary things....Getting your Drake is necessary...

 

[Knighstar679]

I think you are ok if you couple it with another trip. I know you are here in New york state.

 

[DuckyDonna]

I guess coming to Georgia is out of the question! I've got a big bad runner boy.