To get ducklings or adults-now or later?

[onaharley]

So I am in need of at least 2 female ducks to go with my drake and hen pekin ducks (25 weeks old). This is also my 1 time raising ducks.

What are my pros and cons to getting ducklings now? I am heading into winter here in Michigan. Should I wait until February or march to get ducklings? If I get ducklings now, they would be ready to outside in like the dead of winter- that would kinda suck

If I don't go the duckling route, and I happen to find 2 females with in reason of the same age as mine what things do I need to prep or do with the ducks both mine and the new ones. How long do I keep them separated? What kind of possible issues would there be when getting ducks from someone else? I'm really trying think of everything from every different point, and it's getting a little mind boggling.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

 

[BantyChooks]

So I am in need of at least 2 female ducks to go with my drake and hen pekin ducks (25 weeks old). This is also my 1 time raising ducks.

What are my pros and cons to getting ducklings now? I am heading into winter here in Michigan. Should I wait until February or march to get ducklings? If I get ducklings now, they would be ready to outside in like the dead of winter- that would kinda suck

If I don't go the duckling route, and I happen to find 2 females with in reason of the same age as mine what things do I need to prep or do with the ducks both mine and the new ones. How long do I keep them separated? What kind of possible issues would there be when getting ducks from someone else? I'm really trying think of everything from every different point, and it's getting a little mind boggling.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

I suggest waiting for ducklings. They are a pain in the rear to keep indoors, best when they can be out and on grass.

As for adults, you need to keep them quarantined for 30 days in an area where your current birds cannot reach them (300ft ish away) and change boots/wash hands etc after handling or caring for the new birds. Do you have chickens? Ducks are really resistant to most diseases but they can silently carry things that would wipe out chickens.

 

[onaharley]

Thank you very helpful info. I do have chickens but lock in different pens.

 

[BantyChooks]

Thank you very helpful info. I do have chickens but lock in different pens.

You'll want to be really careful with sources, then. If I remember correctly waterfowl aren't even effected by Avian Influenza---they just carry it silently if they've been exposed.

 

[onaharley]

You'll want to be really careful with sources, then. If I remember correctly waterfowl aren't even effected by Avian Influenza---they just carry it silently if they've been exposed.

Wow, never thought about my chicken when thinking of getting more ducks. I just really don’t want my hen to get over mated by the drake!

 

[chickens really]

Hello...
I rescue Ducks and Do have Chickens...Ducks do not carry diseases that Chickens carry...Reason why I do not rescue Chickens..Your Chickens will be fine.
I would get two Hens if you can...?
Separate a day in a look no touch pen then introduce as they free range. Neck tying, chest bumping and chasing will happen. usually it goes well..If any real aggression happens?..Separate a few day longer..I still separate when penned up..That's only if they still act up...
If you want Ducklings?...Get them in the spring..
Best wishes....

 

[onaharley]

Thank you! Great info! I'm now on the look out around me for some ducks, if I don't find any.... I'm gonna do the ducklings in the spring.

Thanks for all the info and I'll keep you posted if I do get ducks before spring

 

[onaharley]

I'm going to order ducklings since i can not seem to find older ones. i am looking for a non skidish, no flying, and some what not loud. what are my options? sorry i can't keep all these breeds straight in my head......

point me in the right direction folks.

 

[chickens really]

I loved my Appleyard Ducks..They were fantastic

 

[onaharley]

I loved my Appleyard Ducks..They were fantastic

I think that is what i am going to get, if i can find a hatchery that carries them. I am looking for a hatchery that is close to me. Metzers is in California and i think that too far away beings its still winter.