Thinking of getting ducks

[HeartoftheMatterFarm]

Should I get them as ducklings or adults? I was on craiglist a person near me that takes in unwanted ducks. and they are looking for new homes for some Musovy that was ducklings last year.

 

[blayt90]

If you get adults then you could also possibly have some ducklings this year if you have both males and females.

 

[HeartoftheMatterFarm]

they said in the add that if you get 2 or more females then you have to have a male.

 

[LLee34]

I let my SWH ducks out so they can roam our 2 acre yard and they are good bug eaters. Worms, bugs, flies, grubs, those ducks love their protein! They do quack but not very loud. They need a pond or kiddie pool (hard plastic which must be dumped and refilled at least every other day. Kept in the shade so the water doesn't got too hot. They occasionally mingle with the chickens but mostly the two flocks ignore each other. They love water and mud. Also I noticed a lack of frogs and toads last year, they ate all the little taddies. Our ducks get put into their duck house every night to avoid predators like coyotes, skunks, opossums, raccoons, bobcats, etc. Also we do NOT use any chemical fertilizers or pesticides on our lawn areas, since I don't want polluted/dead ducks and chickens.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I just got new ducklings. Muscovy in fact. I was worried about getting babies, but they have been really easy to take care of.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Oh and if you have children, they might like ducklings. The only thing is that muscovy have longer claws than other ducks. So, could scratch more if you aren't wearing long sleeves and need to pick them up.

 

[thumper650]

I was worried about babies too, I ended up with 2 adult Pekin ducks from a shelter. i have 2 drakes and am probably getting a third. All boys, no drama! (All girls would do that too.)

 

[atomic]

Ducks are great, but very messy! I personally like the noises they make, it adds character to the house. I would certainly not ever describe them as disruptive, and I have a pair of Pekins that are considered louder of the ducks. They are very adept at foraging and take care of any pests you may have. I thought ducklings would be fun so I got a pair of Rouens, and honestly I cannot wait for them to finish growing their feathers so they can go OUT! They are extremely messy and stinky even with a daily routine. Even though my Pekins are robust birds I do like that I know my ducklings have been started right from the beginning. In general ducks are quite docile, I believe you would
encounter less of an issue with aggression with ducks than you would with chickens... particularly roosters. My drake is a big softie, he's very gentle with his lady and if I sit down outside he will come within a foot of me just keeping company.