Who Here Breeds Ducks For Pets, Meat, Eggs, or Commercial?

[FunnyBunnies12]

I was just wondering how many of you strictly breed or raise ducks as enjoyment of pets, or food, or commercial to sale at Farm/Fleet stores for Easter.

Me, this was all unintended, but for me now Pets and eggs.

 

[TLWR]

as pets with the bonus of eggs for us once they start laying.

 

[katharinad]

As pets and for eggs. Not for meat, since it is hard to butcher something with so much personality. I may offer hatching eggs of my Saxony ducks next year. Won't be for income, just for fun.

 

[FunnyBunnies12]

I'm right there with you Katharina, I couldn't butcher anything that is so devoted and full of personality and make me laugh! Laughter a day keeps the doctor away!

 

[mommyofthreewithchicks]

Mostly pets... But I am hoping for eggs and we have too many drakes and so there will be some eating--- But if I have to guess not by me as I have never liked the taste of duck meat and unless my sister-in-law finds an awesome recipe I doubt I will be sold on it. She is very excited about eating our ducks

We will see. According to her there is a market around us for it but I don't think I will be good at butchering anytime soon. The two chickens we did turned out OK but... I didn't like the process (and the kids have yet to figure out what Mom and Grandpa did as I haven't had the heart to tell them)

I think if I were to sell our extra males they would end up as food anyway and I would rather be the one eating them than someone else. As for the breeding part- I guess we will have to see next year as the grand plan was to have some babies next spring

Not sure if the hubby is up to this yet but I am sure he will come around.

 

[Louise's Country Closet]

Yep! Pets, meat and eggs for us. The pets will be our breeders and egg layers and the meat will be.. well, the ones that I can't keep. I'm very excited!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have 8 and their all pets, and each has it's own personality. love em

 

[tia]

Pets - and eggs to incubate in my classroom.

 

[FenDruadin]

Eggs, first. Pets, second. Ducklings to sell, third. Meat, MAYBE if I can bring myself to do it.

A side effect of breeding any polygynous species is that you will always have extra males, and you have to figure out what to do with them. There are only so many good pet homes available for drakes and in my book, it's more humane to kill & eat a well-cared-for animal in a quick & painless way than it is to let it go to a home where it won't be cared for.

But originally, they were purchased for eggs.

 

[katharinad]

That is so true. I could have send my 4 extra drakes to the freezer camp, but was lucky to find a home for them. They will become breeder ducks, so that should keep them happy.