Wanting to add Ducks, help me pick!

[TheBucktownBrood]

Hi everyone! A few years back we had Muscovy, but are wanting to try “regular” ducks that don’t fly. I have been doing research, but having trouble picking a breed! Also, not sure how many to start out with? Below are a few traits we are looking for, any breed recommendations would be great!

-Friendly and Calm. Our kids help a lot so this is really important.
-More interested in eggs than meat, but would like dual purpose.
-Would prefer a quieter breed if possible.
-Non-flying.
-Heritage breed would be a plus!

I really like the looks of Appleyards and Magpies, but there are sooooo many choices!!! Any help would be appreciated!

 

[K3nzi3]

Cayuga are wonderful! They tend to be quiet and very friendly. They can't fly, and can be dual purpose. Cayuga are my favorite. And they are gorgeous when they get their plumage! You can find more cayuga info at metzerfarms.com as well as many other breeds!

 

[K3nzi3]

As for the question for how many to start, try for maybe 3-4 hens. They can be a lot of work, but it so worth it!

 

[MagpieDucks]

Hi everyone! A few years back we had Muscovy, but are wanting to try “regular” ducks that don’t fly. I have been doing research, but having trouble picking a breed! Also, not sure how many to start out with? Below are a few traits we are looking for, any breed recommendations would be great!

-Friendly and Calm. Our kids help a lot so this is really important.
-More interested in eggs than meat, but would like dual purpose.
-Would prefer a quieter breed if possible.
-Non-flying.
-Heritage breed would be a plus!

I really like the looks of Appleyards and Magpies, but there are sooooo many choices!!! Any help would be appreciated!

Magpies!! Quick to mature, lots of eggs and friendly!

Spoiler: Lots of Pictures!

 

[Welshies]

Magpies are great. So are Cayuga. But both don't dress out nicely.
If you want a nice dressing bird, try Welsh Harlequins or Silver Appleyards.
Consider Rouens.

 

[BantyChooks]

Welsh Harlequins! Great layers, good with kids, beautiful, and so sweet. They don't fly much, but they aren't so heavy they get frequent foot issues.

 

[TheBucktownBrood]

Thanks so much everyone! My husband thinks Cayugas are boring I think they are gorgeous. Love the iridescence!

I looked into Rouens and LOVE their look, but they are so heavy. I didn’t even think about the foot issues. Are they more prone to things like Bumblefoot?

Another question, is there a downside (other than no purebred ducklings if bred and hatched) to a mixed breed flock? We haven’t yet decided if we want a drake or not. I think it would be nice to have one, especially if we decide on a rarer or heritage breed, but not sure if it just complicates things too much?

 

[Welshies]

Thanks so much everyone! My husband thinks Cayugas are boring I think they are gorgeous. Love the iridescence!

I looked into Rouens and LOVE their look, but they are so heavy. I didn’t even think about the foot issues. Are they more prone to things like Bumblefoot?

Another question, is there a downside (other than no purebred ducklings if bred and hatched) to a mixed breed flock? We haven’t yet decided if we want a drake or not. I think it would be nice to have one, especially if we decide on a rarer or heritage breed, but not sure if it just complicates things too much?

Production rouens (not the deep keeled ones) are AMAZING. Great mommas, layers, and foragers. Mine never had foot issues at about 7-10 pounds.
Mixed breed flocks are great. Multiple breeds add variety. You just won't have purebred offspring so if you plan on selling babies or hatching eggs keep that in mind.

 

[junebuggena]

I like runners. They are just too funny. They look like bowling pins with legs. And they lay pretty blue eggs.

 

[Chicken Whisper101]

I like runners. They are just too funny. They look like bowling pins with legs. And they lay pretty blue eggs.

LOL Funny to watch.