Which duck breeds are healthiest?

[Brooke_R]

I’m assuming domestic mallards would be pretty healthy too. They’re small and I’m guessing haven’t been bred to lay a ton of eggs either. I don’t know how your set up is but since you’re looking for pets, I don’t know how good they would be unless if you have a secure run that they can’t escape from. They likely won’t just fly off and leave since they’re pets and being taken care of but they would probably try to fly out to explore outside of the run if they could. Might be hard getting them back in

 

[BelovedBirds]

I’m assuming domestic mallards would be pretty healthy too. They’re small and I’m guessing haven’t been bred to lay a ton of eggs either. I don’t know how your set up is but since you’re looking for pets, I don’t know how good they would be unless if you have a secure run that they can’t escape from. They likely won’t just fly off and leave since they’re pets and being taken care of but they would probably try to fly out to explore outside of the run if they could. Might be hard getting them back in

I wondered this too! I couldn't find any info on how much domestic mallards lay.
My current set up is a big walk in pen, thats my plan for now, next year when I am adding birds to my flock, I plan to buy a second extra large walk in pen and attach them to more than double the space. It'll be pretty big, but fully covered and secure from predators- so ducks with flight should work fine

 

[BelovedBirds]

I completely understand. I have one Pekin left, and as much as I love her personality, I will unlikely be getting another. When they get injured, it takes a lot more time to heal them up.

Welshes are a pretty sweet birds. I do love my girls. Any medium weight will likely fit what you are looking for. Buffs, like @HeatherKellyB mentioned, would fit that too. I mentioned what I could think of at the time. Ancona, are another breed that could work for you.


Muscovy hens do pretty well with other ducks. Drakes are a bit hit and miss like any drake is. Muscovy and other ducks will take a bit of time getting use to one another. They are different species, so they need to work out the kinks in their communication. I found the Muscovy to be very reserved at first and let the other ducks pick on them. After getting comfortable with their new surroundings, they let the other ducks know they should not be messed with. My Muscovy are always the first birds that accept new additions to the flock. With young ducks, the muscovy only have to give them a look get them to respect their boundaries. The Muscovy do occasionally like to stir up trouble, but that is just in their nature.

I'll do a little research on Anconas, I haven't really read up on them yet so that's one to have a think about!
That's reassuring about muscovies. If they cohabitate but don't usually bond with ducks, I would be best getting more than one muscovy, I'm assuming. Since they technically aren't ducks, is there anything else to consider about their care, which could be a little different? Such as with preferred housing and diet?
I guess they should be pretty similar except for a couple communication difference, but figure its worth asking about

 

[Quatie]

I'll do a little research on Anconas, I haven't really read up on them yet so that's one to have a think about!
That's reassuring about muscovies. If they cohabitate but don't usually bond with ducks, I would be best getting more than one muscovy, I'm assuming. Since they technically aren't ducks, is there anything else to consider about their care, which could be a little different? Such as with preferred housing and diet?
I guess they should be pretty similar except for a couple communication difference, but figure its worth asking about

Muscovy are ducks. They are considered tree ducks. There care is going to be the same. Since they are a tree duck, they will roost, but don't require a roost. They can fly, so it is recommended to clip their wings.

I would definitely recommend getting more than one. No one sells sexed ducklings, so if you want only females you will need to get them older. At 6-9 weeks, you can easily tell the difference between size. This is the age I got mine as, and they are still pretty social.

 

[Brooke_R]

I wondered this too! I couldn't find any info on how much domestic mallards lay.
My current set up is a big walk in pen, thats my plan for now, next year when I am adding birds to my flock, I plan to buy a second extra large walk in pen and attach them to more than double the space. It'll be pretty big, but fully covered and secure from predators- so ducks with flight should work fine

Well then I definitely recommend them. I have two boys. They’re really sweet and goofy but can be cranky sometimes lol

 

[LavenderDaFlerf]

My ducks haven't come yet,(Should ship in 17 days.) but what is you guys opinion on Swedish? My sister picked it out and we're getting one.

 

[Brooke_R]

My ducks haven't come yet,(Should ship in 17 days.) but what is you guys opinion on Swedish? My sister picked it out and we're getting one.

I have a Blue Swedish boy and he’s the sweetest

 

[LavenderDaFlerf]

I have a Blue Swedish boy and he’s the sweetest

Nice! I'm getting a black Swedish girl!

 

[LavenderDaFlerf]

Her names going to be Puddle.

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

What duck breeds lay the least amount of eggs, and are overall healthiest?
A lot of ducks intended for meat lay fewer eggs but could be prone to other issues due to weight, so I'm really interested to hear all your thoughts!
In the distant future (a year, possibly more) I plan to adopt and keep many ducks to really expand my flock- and I would prefer a breed which doesn't lay too many eggs and will be healthy and have a good lifespan!
Since they would all be pets, and would eat their own eggs anyways, I'm invested in finding a good breed!
So far I can only think of Cayugas....
Anyone who keeps cayugas, how often do yours lay?

I vote for Muscovies. They’ve had the least “human interference”. No one has messed too much with their genetics to make them fatter or lay more eggs. They tend to lay with the sole focus of creating a clutch to raise more Muscovies. Because they spend so much time being broody, they lay fewer eggs. The females are not overly heavy, but are strong and solid.

As for getting along with mallard-derived hens, they will socialize, but they very much appreciate having someone of their own kind that speaks their language.

My two are the “top ducks” of my little flock. They usually make their position clear with just a “playful” feather nip (which amuses them greatly) but they do have more ornery moments when broody or bored. They definitely have 110% personality.

Anyways, my two are only four, but have had no health issues beyond torn nails. @Miss Lydia has far more experience with them and I believe even has one that is 14 years old!

Anyways, Muscovies get my vote. I also have Rouen hens and had a Pekin hen. My Pekin died mysteriously at 2, and my oldest Rouen (6 years old) has had endless reproductive issues that I blame on poor genetics.