The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: LisaBellamy on October 19, 2020, 04:36:40 pm

Title: Can I mix Duck breeds?
Post by: LisaBellamy on October 19, 2020, 04:36:40 pm
Hi I have 2 Cayuge ducks - a male and female -  that I've had for 8 years and tragically the duck was killed by something today - possibly a dog - and the drake is now all alone (apart from the hens who he doesn't get on with) I intend to find him some friends/mates but would like advice on whether you can mix duck breeds, if Im not able to find any more Cayuges. He's not the friendliest of drakes and is a bit of as grumpy old man now, but I can't leave him by himself. I know I'd have to go for larger size ducks due to his size. What do people think - will it work?
Title: Re: Can I mix Duck breeds?
Post by: macgro7 on October 19, 2020, 05:33:41 pm
Sorry for your loss...

Butndont worry, why wouldnt it work?
Title: Re: Can I mix Duck breeds?
Post by: Backinwellies on October 20, 2020, 07:39:08 am
a drake is a drake ...... he wont care what his ladies look like!  :innocent:
Title: Re: Can I mix Duck breeds?
Post by: LisaBellamy on October 20, 2020, 12:16:59 pm
Many thanks for the common sense responses! I may have found replacements - just got to persuade my partner that it's worth driving 2 and a half hours to fetch some new girls......!
Title: Re: Can I mix Duck breeds?
Post by: doganjo on October 20, 2020, 12:43:55 pm
No problem mixing breeds and if they hatch it can be quite fascinating!  :excited: :excited:  Make sure he has plenty of girlfriends though - one isn't enough. I would recommend 3 or 4 at least if you have space
Title: Re: Can I mix Duck breeds?
Post by: macgro7 on October 20, 2020, 04:11:01 pm
My lockdown-hatched ducks (from ebay eggs!!!!) Just started laying. I wish I knew which on it is though! I hatched khaki Campbell and Hookbill as well.
Title: Re: Can I mix Duck breeds?
Post by: doganjo on October 21, 2020, 11:34:30 am
How many eggs and how many of each sex, [member=156019]macgro7[/member] ?
Title: Re: Can I mix Duck breeds?
Post by: macgro7 on October 21, 2020, 11:53:13 am
Quote from: doganjo on October 21, 2020, 11:34:30 am
How many eggs and how many of each sex, [member=156019]macgro7[/member] ?
There are 4 ducks and 3 drakes (2 of which will go sneer or later). 1 egg a day so far  :roflanim:
But I'm still amazed by how quickly they start latlying comparing to chickens. Unfortunately the eggs are s**ty!
Title: Re: Can I mix Duck breeds?
Post by: doganjo on October 21, 2020, 01:19:25 pm
Don't you like duck eggs?  Make cakes with them or sell them. lots of people like them
Title: Re: Can I mix Duck breeds?
Post by: macgro7 on October 21, 2020, 01:53:47 pm
Quote from: doganjo on October 21, 2020, 01:19:25 pm
Don't you like duck eggs?  Make cakes with them or sell them. lots of people like them
No no! I lovenduck eggs! I meant they are dirty as ducks lay them when they sleep!
Title: Re: Can I mix Duck breeds?
Post by: doganjo on October 21, 2020, 10:33:31 pm
Ah I see, yes they are filthy things but I loved my ducks.  I gave them when I moved to someone I thought was a friend, but circumstances changed so I have no idea if they are still alive nor my 11 hens either.  :'( :'(