Duckgirl89- I really dont mean to sound too harsh with what I have to say- but it does seem that almost every second day you are thinking of a different breed and changing your plans for next spring.
While it is fantastic that you are researching different breeds and thinking about what you want, you really have to also consider the ducks you have. Responsible pet ownership includes thinking about the long term. You are also planning on getting ancona eggs in the spring - and looking at geese and turkeys too in the future. At one time or another you have mentioned wanting to get pretty much every breed there is and while I respect that you are young and full of passion for raising ducks- there really is so much more for you to consider. How do you think a duck feels to be changing farms and having so many different places to live. Buying them one week and sending them off somewhere else a few months later because you decide on a different breed really isnt the kindest thing to the bird. .
I have raised waterfowl for 30 years now, for most of that I have cared for injured sick and dumped birds. Many of these are the result of people changing their minds about what they have, or not being able to care properly for them. Kids who see a cute duckling and them cant care for it when its grown.
If one of your birds gets sick- can you afford to get it to a vet and pay for the treatment? Do you want to ever show your ducks? Are you just getting hatchery birds- or pure breed ducks that are as close to the actual standard for that breed? If you hatch a disabled or deformed duckling how would you cope emotionally with having to cull it.
Why not just choose one or two breeds to specifically concentrate on and improve the line that you have. Come spring people will be getting their ducklings form hatcheries- and the market will be flooded. Making sure you have something that people will want to buy means that your ducks will have to stand out from the rest.
Your enthusiasm is wonderful- but maybe you should do alot of more thinking over the winter months about where you see yourself in 2 years- and in 5 years- and if realistically ducks will still be so important to you and what you will be able to own then when there have been other changes in your life. Before you place any orders for any other eggs or breeds make sure that you are making a commitment to that breed.
