[Fetherston]

I have had five ducks dumped on me. Allegedly they are Silver Appleyards and the two small ones looks like Appleyard drakes - however the other three (two ducks and a drake) are enormous! Similar colouring to the others (and I think younger) but growing bigger every day. We only have a small pond. So should I try and find them a home? Will these drakes fight in the spring? How big a pond should we have? Help!!!

[taz08]

where are you

[doganjo]

Drakes don't usually fight but if you have more than one drake to say 3 or 4 females the girls will be very much hassled, and could become ill or die.  The eggs are fantastic.

Size of pond doesn't matter so long as it can be kept reasonably clean - flow through or a kids paddling pool emptied and refilled regularly - they poop and have sex in the pond.  Either get more females or exchange the drakes for females. 

Additional feeding is easy if they need it (pellets) but they will decimate a garden area very quickly.

I loved having my ducks - I hate foxes.  Wish I could have more but scared to take the chance again.  I have a burn running through my garden so it's ideal and the reason I moved my ducks with me down here.

[HesterF]

If you can post a photo, we can tell what breeds they are if that's of any use. Silver Appleyard come as large (normal) and miniature so I wonder whether you've got a mixed bag. I've got the large ones and they are big - I now look at wild ducks and think they're tiny. But they are also brilliant egg layers, don't go broody and good for meat if you need it. If I was you, I'd get rid of the two little drakes and keep the big trio if they are all large Silver Appleyards.

H