What duck breeds are best?

[22lilchickens]

I'm going to be getting some ducklings do to the fact that my ducks were killed last summer by a dog. I had three Pekins and 4 muscovys, use to have two mallards but I had gave them to my friend who had some females since both of mine were drakes so luckily they are still alive. I had ordered my Pekins from cackle hatchery and was very pleased with them the muscovys I got From a guy they had just hatched a hour before I got them I took all 14 but I just kept 4 giving the rest to friends. So since spring is coming I want to order some new little ducklings from cackle Hatchery, i know I want some Cayugas and some more Pekins but Im stuck on what other breeds. I want them to not fly at all it's ok if that come a foot off the ground but not like mallards. Any advice on good duck breeds, they don't have to be good layers since I will probably get almost 10 ducks and a will be getting tons of chicks so eggs are not a big deal.

 

[Sfraker]

Just last night I was talking to my daughter about our Welsh Harlequins. They are sooooo mellow and put up with so much. My daughter is 10 and it's not unusual to see her swinging on a swing with a duck in her lap. They are pretty accepting of whatever you throw at them and get under foot alot because they are so curious. They are easy to herd around my yard because they are mellow and don't panic easy to moving them from one place to another is a breeze.

My pekins are pretty mellow too and just super cute. My swedish, runner and khaki campbell's are all a little more energetic and easily startled.

I think a lot has to do with handling and what they are exposed to as babies.

 

[thedouph]

Rouens would be an excellent choice for you! I recently purchased a couple, and they are amazng! They are very quiet, and will not fly. They als have the same colours as mallards do!

 

[starbird]

We have a couple of welsh ducks, one buff duck, and a welsh drake. Both breeds are calm and a joy to have around. We only got the buff to ad a little variety, and I am glad we did. She is a great layer of really large eggs. She is always happy, very beautiful, and she develops games where she hides in various places to bushwack the dog. She is a hoot.

 

[CountyGirl12]

Everyone said white Pekins are nice and smart. So I got 3 of them (ducklings) Sunday. They are so sweet! I recommend them. White Pekins

 

[Amykins]

If you don't care about eggs, I recommend call ducks! Only problem is they do fly, so you'll have to clip their flight feathers. But I also love Pekins and Cayugas! I'm sorry that you lost your flock to a dog. May I ask what happened? Are the remaining ducks securely protected now?

 

[DUCKOBSESSED]

In my experience any breed will be friendly as long as they are handled from day one. Just spend alot of time with them.