The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: powispigs on August 31, 2010, 08:09:19 pm

Title: When to eat ducks??
Post by: powispigs on August 31, 2010, 08:09:19 pm

We hatched a 6 ducks and luckily only two are drakes so they are for the pot but I don't know when the best time is to have them for dinner! Anyone help???  :)

Title: Re: When to eat ducks??
Post by: little blue on August 31, 2010, 09:41:26 pm

....about 6pm, with a glass of wine and roast potatoes??!!   ;)   

(sorry, I dont know the answer to what you're really asking!)

Title: Re: When to eat ducks??
Post by: Daisys Mum on August 31, 2010, 10:07:45 pm

Little blue thats just about the same answer as I was going to give. Seriously catch them, feel the breasts and if they are heavy enough and seem to have plenty meat on them eat them!!

Title: Re: When to eat ducks??
Post by: Cobra on September 01, 2010, 12:13:55 am

OMG I am also small minded  :D Although I was thinking around 6:30 ish  ::) ???  ;D

At least I know now know what to do the next time my other half asks me when I want to eat Anne :-[ :o ;) :D :D :D :D Sorry that was really quite cheeky in hiensite. In the words of the late great Frankie Howard: Ohh well ere missus, Yess  :-\  ;D ;D

Title: Re: When to eat ducks??
Post by: powispigs on September 01, 2010, 06:56:26 am

thank you! all sounds a great evening!!  ;D

Title: Re: When to eat ducks??
Post by: darkbrowneggs on September 01, 2010, 10:52:24 pm

Hi - After having had a laugh at the other replies I thought it best to warn you that ducklings change their feathers, and whilst they are doing it they are difficult to pluck owing to the young "pin" feathers and stubs.

Duckling grow their frame and their first set of feathers in about 8 weeks or a bit less which is when most commercial ducklings killed - this explains why even a large looking shop duck will only feed 2 or 3. 

They then have a growth pause whilst they grow their adult feathers.  Once this is done they begin to put on flesh  If you are intending to skin them then just go with the weight plus how much meat is on the breast.

Ducks are bad enough to pluck without making it harder than you need to ::)

All the best
Sue

Title: Re: When to eat ducks??
Post by: Sylvia on September 02, 2010, 10:03:05 am

I would separate them from the ducks and give them extra corn and greenery for a few weeks prior to killing. Enjoy!