what breed of duck should I get

[Chicken lover 123]

I am thinking about getting ducks and as I have never had them before I would like to know a good beginner duck that has a good personality and a good egg laying rate. I would also like to know how many ducks to get because I already have six chickens and don't want it to get bullied however I want to get the smallest amount of ducks possible.

 

[Welshies]

Are you going to be keeping your ducks and chickens together? If so you'll need some more nest boxes and know that ducks are wet. Ducks don't roost, so they should have an area to nest or snuggle down in (NOT a nest box and definitely NOT under the roost area).
Ducks are extremely wet, and messy. They need water to swallow their food, thus they dribble water and food everywhere. They do better on straw or wood pellets than shavings, because shavings get soggy so quickly.
Because they need water to swallow their food and to breathe, you need to provide water with food. No water=no food. They need to clear their nares (nostrils) and wash them with water too, so they need an area to dip their bill in.
Ducks and chickens generally get along well, but I suggest providing an area ducks can escape too. An ambitious rooster may try to mate with the ducks, although he won't fight with them. Ducks must be introduced to the flock like any other chicken.
Ducks in general are really happy and friendly. They are easily won over by treats. Are you starting with babies? If so, make sure they have their niacin requirements met. Ducklings must be started on duck grower or flock grower (between 18 and 20%). If started on chick grower, you'll need to provide additional niacin by giving them brewer's yeast.
Ducklings must be handled a lot if you want them to be friendly. Don't let ducklings swim until they are fully feathered unless you are going to be drying them off afterwards- otherwise they can become waterlogged and drown or die.
If you want a medium (6-8 lb) duck breed that is friendly and lays well, I suggest Welsh Harlequins, Khaki Campbells, Indian Runners, or Cayugas. All are pretty, and all have good personalities. Welsh Harlequins are the best layers of those breeds at 300 some eggs per year.
Pekins are friendly but only lay 180 or so eggs per year. They are friendly, white, and fluffy, but larger at about 10-12 pounds.

 

[rjohns39]

Boy, you're going to get a lot of different answers. I like my Rouens they're fairly decent sized and lay pretty well. Khaki's are supposed to be one of the best layers, but I don't have personal experience with them. I will warn you that ducklings in the brooder are WAY messy. They like to preen a lot.

 

[BantyChooks]

Welshies all the way. They are gorgeous, colourful, and power layers. I'd get a trio, that's what I started with.

 

[Welshies]

Welshies all the way. They are gorgeous, colourful, and power layers. I'd get a trio, that's what I started with.

x2. They are friendly.
One thing you need to know is that ducks are way messier than chickens, although generally hardier. They are more active too, so should be given more space.
Just going to re-put that out there. Many people don't realize just how messy ducks are. I love ducks but chickens are low maintenence compared to some duck flocks. Ducks also have wet poop... enough poop equals wet bedding.

 

[CarleeAnn]

I got two girls, a Blue Swedish and a Cayuga. Both are super sweet, medium size, and lay a decent number of eggs. The Blue started laying first but the Cayuga ended later. The Blue is also a bit bigger, I personally like the smaller size of the Cayuga better and she had larger sized eggs! Having a pair is fine, but if something were to happen to one you would have to get another so maybe a trio would be best, but two should be fine! As long as you don’t get just one.

 

[Chicken lover 123]

I think I am completely prepared for the ducks because I'm hoping to have vary few ducks and i already have extra nest boxes and places for them to sleep. I think maybe I will get 2 cayugas but I'm wondering if maybe I could get 1 cayuga and another breed or will they still get bullied.

 

[DwayneNLiz]

if looking for a robust layer you should go with a hybrid, not necessarily a pure bred
and if you want to look at something that is quiet and doesnt quack maybe a muscovy

 

[Welshies]

I think I am completely prepared for the ducks because I'm hoping to have vary few ducks and i already have extra nest boxes and places for them to sleep. I think maybe I will get 2 cayugas but I'm wondering if maybe I could get 1 cayuga and another breed or will they still get bullied.

What do you mean "will they still get bullied"?

 

[CarleeAnn]

I think I am completely prepared for the ducks because I'm hoping to have vary few ducks and i already have extra nest boxes and places for them to sleep. I think maybe I will get 2 cayugas but I'm wondering if maybe I could get 1 cayuga and another breed or will they still get bullied.

I don’t know if having different breeds would prevent bullying but I can tell you my Blue is much more timid than my Cayuga. My Cayuga will nip at my dog and chase her away a little bit, I don’t know if that is a Cayuga trait but she definitely defends herself and my Blue! Mine don’t use a nest box and they like to change their nests in the coop periodically, but I pick up their eggs everyday. They may use a nest box if you want to leave their eggs for ducklings.