Who to keep??

[AmandaKJ]

Hi there! I’m new to the duck world, and I just hatched 8 Silver Welsh Harlequins. I have 2 males and 6 females, and they are just adorable!

I wish I could keep them all, but I only have room for no more than 4. I’ve found good homes for the ducklings I can’t keep, but my dilemma is what combination to keep.

The ones I keep will be raised as outdoor pets. I’d just like to select a group that will be content and happy with each other.

Here are some of the groups I’ve been considering, and some questions maybe you all could help me with.

- 2 or 4 hens
Would just females get along with each other without much fighting?

- 1 drake, 3 hens
Would the drake ‘wear out’ the 3 hens with too much mating?
I know Harlequins can be broody, so I know I need to be prepared for ducklings. There’s a good interest in this breed in my area, so I could find homes for ducklings. But, am I getting myself in over my head if I don’t want to be a full time breeder?

-2 drakes
If there isn’t a possibility of mating, would they be content and get along with each other?

Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

p.s. Here’s a picture of my daughter and her favorite little one just because it’s super cute.

 

[MagpieDucks]

I am assuming that you’re using the bill sexing method..I will say that that isn’t always accurate. Just sort of depends on the line of the birds.

Do you have any other ducks in your flock?

 

[AmandaKJ]

I am going off their bill coloring. The eggs came from exhibition quality stock, so I’m hoping the coloring will be fairly accurate. (fingers crossed!)

I don’t have other ducks, so these cuties will be the only ones.

 

[chickens really]

How long do you plan to raise them till? Bill sexing isn't 100% accurate.
I'd keep all Hens if zero need for a Drake. Drakes definitely stir the pot in Duck keeping.

 

[sourland]

If you are interested in breeding and hatching, I would say one drake and three hens, Otherwise I would opt for a four hen flock.

 

[PirateGirl]

I would keep one drake with 3 hens.

It's a pretty good ratio. If you are willing to give a drake a home I think that it would be nice for you to do so. It leaves the door open for the possibility of hatching more ducklings in future.

Just because a duck goes broody doesn't mean you have to let her hatch eggs. Just because you have a drake and have fertile eggs doesn't mean you can't continue to collect and eat the eggs.