Thinking of getting ducks in the future

[Silkie2]

So I'm thinking of getting ducks, not now. (maybe in the spring)
I'm trying to do a little research on them, I would like to get a good egg laying breed, I understand their really MESSY.
so, what's the pros and cons of ducks? I would love to see your set ups too.

 

[Kevin565]

Are you just wanting egg layers or do you want the possibility of them being broody as well?

 

[Silkie2]

it depends, how loud are the males? are they aggressive? (towards people)

 

[Ren2014]

Khaki Campbells are good layers.

Messy? YES, VERY! Ducks can't control their bowels so they go whenever and wherever.

CONS:
Females quack A LOT and loud.
Males are the rapists of the avian world. Mating season is brutal on females. If you are going to have a Drake - male duck, you should at least get 3-4 females. If you're not going to raise babies, you don't need a drake. Ducks will still lay eggs like chickens do without a male.
Ducks must have water to eat and to wash their eyes and nostrils out. This means they need water deep enough to put their heads into. This causes some of the mess that they make.

PROS:
Ducks are creatures of habit. This can be a pro or a con. Watching them can be very entertaining. They can be very comical.
If you are lucky enough to have one that lets you hold it and pet it, it is an amazing feeling when they lay their head on your shoulder and you can hear them breathing.

Muscovy ducks are my favorite. The females coo softly instead of quacking. The males are more personable. They lay great big eggs and are excellent brooders.

I once posted the things I wish I knew before getting ducks. I will go look for that now

 

[Silkie2]

think i'll just stick to female ducks

i can handle the cleaning about once a week, and the messiness
i need a duck that quacks low (because of where i live neighbors will start complaining

)

 

[Ren2014]

think i'll just stick to female ducks

i can handle the cleaning about once a week, and the messiness
i need a duck that quacks low (because of where i live neighbors will start complaining

)

I would go with Muscovy then

I found my old post:
May 2014
Things I have learned in my 6 short months (11 ducklings in Dec. and 3 in April) of being a duck owner that I would do differently:

1. Ducks have no bowel control. I had heard ducks poop a lot. Had I been told they can not control their bowels I would have thought twice about getting 11 ducks to start.
2. Hen to drake ratio is of the utmost importance. Never again will I buy un-sexed ducks. I will gladly pay the extra money next time.
3. Ducklings grow VERY FAST
   
   ... 11 cute baby ducks that can't control their bowels in a brooder inside my house; I should of had the duck house ready to go MUCH sooner.
4. You can lead a duck to water but you can't make it swim. Well, I should clarify this and say... you can lead a duck to a stock tank/pond but you can't make it stay. This was our plan... grow 'em up and move them to our stock tank that is just across the fence
   
   Should have moved them from the brooder to the tank. They like our comfy back yard much better.
5. Ducks can scratch and claw you to near death at 20 weeks old. Already working on this one with the 3 KC's. Hope to have them snuggling very soon.
6. DO NOT get Blu-kote on skin. Thank goodness purple is my favorite color
   

I'm laughing now at the above but seriously, be prepared. You're doing the right thing by researching now. Good luck and be sure to join the duck thread

 

[Adalida]

My Rouens and Indian Runners are incredibly LOUD so I wouldn't recommend either of those for you! I swear the Runners didn't used to be loud but started mimicking the Rouens and man can they get some volume. Muscovies are nice and quiet. Depending on your set up, maybe just start with two or three because you'll be amazed at the mess they make! Muscovies can fly very well, so you'll probably need to clip their wings in the future or they'll end up on your neighbors property.

 

[Adalida]

Also, definitely get them as babies! They are so much tamer when you raise them yourself. And stick with all girls. Drakes are drama.

 

[lomine]

It should be pointed out that Muscovies are seasonal layers so if you're looking for high egg count they may not be the best option. Both Khaki Campbell and Welsh Harliquin are great layers and are supposed to be calmer and quieter. My WH are normally quiet except when they get really excited. They were a bit noisier when they were younger. Metzer Farms also has some hybrids that are supposed to lay a lot.

You'll definitely have to clean their swimming water more often than once a week, unless you come up with some kind of filtration system. Drinking water has to be changed daily because they dirty it quickly.

They are some work but they are so fun. And if you like to bake you'll love the results of using duck eggs. Mmmmm Now I'm thinking about creme brulee.

 

[Silkie2]

everyone says the eggs are sooo good! that's one of the reasons i want them lol
gosh, the more research i do on ducks the more i want them! lol
what is a good set-up (pen/cage/coop) for a duck (you can post your set-ups as well)