What Breed Should I Get?

[Beaglegal]

I missed that you already chose. Any duck is a good choice

 

[Quatie]

If you are getting ducks for pets, you don't have to get just one breed. I have 2 khakis, 3 saxony, 3 welsh, 2 swedes, 1 pekin, and 5 muscovy. I love having the variety in the yard. They all have their benefits. I really would have a hard time picking a favorite.

I love my sweet pekin, but like everyone said they do have their health issues. Mine has had bumblefoot foot issues.

 

[Aunt Angus]

If you are getting ducks for pets, you don't have to get just one breed. I have 2 khakis, 3 saxony, 3 welsh, 2 swedes, 1 pekin, and 5 muscovy. I love having the variety in the yard. They all have their benefits. I really would have a hard time picking a favorite.

I love my sweet pekin, but like everyone said they do have their health issues. Mine has had bumblefoot foot issues.

I ordered a mix (Runner, Welsh Harlequin and Swedish) because I feel the EXACT same way! I love seeing them all! I'm certain I will get more in the future. But I like to add to my flock (soon to be flocks) in small batches. We don't go through a bunch of eggs here, but I figure if I spread them out, I'll always have at least SOME layers.

I have a large Cochin chicken who had bumblefoot issues until I lowered her roost. Nasty stuff and painful for the birdies. My Wellie has had it a few times now. She just seems more prone to it, for some reason.

I have heard lots of people describe Runners. What are your Swedish and Welsh like?

 

[Quatie]

My swedish and very calm, chill ducks. They really like to forage. I put found out in the morning, and they explore the area looking food before eating the feed. One has her head down looking at the ground all the time looking for some morsal. They just starting laying, and I found out they can lay gray eggs like cayuga ducks. I would say they are my quietest mallard breed.

My welsh are pretty sweet. They are likely my loudest ducks. They are a bit more shy, likely due to being smaller. However, they have warmed up more overtime, and are really sweet. They are pretty good foragers as well. They also seem to be more clumsy than some of my other ducks.

I have also found that duck breeds are not always what you expect. People say khakis tend to be skiddish, but mine have been more just high energy.

I am glad you decided to get multiple breeds. It is a lot of fun.

 

[FernbergFarms]

Oh my goodness that is so exiting!!!
What colors did you choose? Are you getting all hens? Where did you order them?! I’m glad you got multiple breeds! It’ll be so fun for you!

 

[Aunt Angus]

Oh my goodness that is so exiting!!!
What colors did you choose? Are you getting all hens? Where did you order them?! I’m glad you got multiple breeds! It’ll be so fun for you!

I got a fawn and white Runner and a black Swedish. The Welsh is, well, Welsh-colored - LOL!

I CAN'T WAIT. I actually just emailed the hatchery and asked to get my ducks delivered earlier. They can ship in Feb. The chicks will have to wait until April. Haha! They are my birthday presents to ME!

I'm hoping I have enough forage space. I have about 10,000 sq feet fenced off with about 300 of it covered and another 1,500 under heavy duty bird netting. I let my chickens loose in the "open" area daily when I can supervise, but they have 24/7 access to the covered and netted 1,800 sq ft area. It is mostly pasture, but I can add chicken and duck friendly plants in super easy. Will that suffice?

I should add the I have 6 ft field fencing around the entire area that is electrified. I don't mess around with predators! Too many out here - coyotes, foxes, raccoons, hawks, owls...

 

[FernbergFarms]

I CAN'T WAIT. I actually just emailed the hatchery and asked to get my ducks delivered earlier. They can ship in Feb. The chicks will have to wait until April. Haha! They are my birthday presents to ME!

What hatchery did you order them from?

 

[Aunt Angus]

Meyers. They had the breeds I wanted and a small minimum order requirement. I hope I chose well.

I have only ordered birds twice. The first was with California Hatchery, and the birds arrived in perfect health. The second time was MPC. Half arrived dead. More died within 2 days. Out of the 14, only 4 survived. I went in on an order with a friend. All of the birds I ordered arrived dead. I vowed then that I wouldn't order again. I've been able to get chicks from breeders and stores over the past 2 years. This year, the breeders are not selling live birds for various reasons, and the stores near my new home all have minimums of 6 or more of each type (chickens or waterfowl). I only want to add a few chickens.

See? Now I am thinking too much again. Smh......

 

[FernbergFarms]

Oh okay! I’ve heard very good things about them I wouldn’t be worried.
That’s awful thought how many died from MPC!

 

[Aunt Angus]

Oh okay! I’ve heard very good things about them I wouldn’t be worried.
That’s awful thought how many died from MPC!

So far, I've been happy with their customer service. I realized I forgot to get vaccinations for the chicks. They responded right away and added it to the order. I was able to move the shipping date up, too, so I'm getting the ducks next month!!!!