Author Topic: Ducks for the table (Read 3031 times)

Polished Arrow · « **on:** March 26, 2012, 12:21:00 pm »

We'd quite like to try growing a few ducks for our table, but don't know which are the best breed for the job. We have an orchard, into which I can run a small trickle of water to fill a tub for some splashy fun, and can pop a duck house in there too. It has electric fence around it already, fr our other animals, so I don't expect a foxy visitor to be too keen on trying to get in.

I was thinking of buying day-old or growers rather than breeding, at least to begin with.

Any suggestions/experience welcome.

Sylvia · « **Reply #1 on:** March 26, 2012, 02:26:36 pm »

I would go for Aylesburys or Saxonys. They are easy to keep and grow quickly. Don't expect your electric fencing to keep foxy out though. He'll jump over it

harry · « **Reply #2 on:** March 26, 2012, 06:59:09 pm »

thats why you should always put 1 or 2 strands of live wire 1ft and 2ft away from the fence about 1 ft up so foxy cant get close enough to jump or dig

Polished Arrow · « **Reply #3 on:** March 26, 2012, 11:33:28 pm »

Thanks - I love Aylesburys, so maybe that'd be the ones to go for.

Ref Monsieur Reynard... he's not managed to get one of our Light Sussex birds, so we are hoping that the ducks will also be safe. I assume that ducks tuck themselves into a house at night just like hens? We then lock up the doors until morning time, and even when they come out the area is protected by the electric fence.

Sylvia · « **Reply #4 on:** March 27, 2012, 07:51:59 am »

You may find you need to herd your ducks into their house at night, especially in fine weather. They soon become trained though and will file in as soon as they see you coming in the evening. I use a long bamboo to herd them.

lill · « **Reply #5 on:** March 27, 2012, 07:58:57 am »

the aylesbery duck i think is the fastest growing one (as long as mr fox dos'nt eat it first) duck stuffed with oranges

good luck

benkt · « **Reply #6 on:** March 27, 2012, 09:43:38 am »

We do Aylesburys for the table and they are pretty easy to keep and grow on. We usually have a drake and 4-5 ducks and get a couple of hatchings in each year so can't advise on where to get day-olds from I'm afraid. They are quick to finish - should be ready to eat after about 10-12 weeks. Ours always need herding in at night and they are the favourite food of the fox as unlike the chickens they can't fly away from him so do lock them up nice and early. If you've not kept ducks before then you need to be prepared for the astonishing amount of poo they produce!

Polished Arrow · « **Reply #7 on:** March 27, 2012, 10:06:55 am »

Quote from: benkt on March 27, 2012, 09:43:38 am

We do Aylesburys for the table and they are pretty easy to keep and grow on. We usually have a drake and 4-5 ducks and get a couple of hatchings in each year so can't advise on where to get day-olds from I'm afraid. They are quick to finish - should be ready to eat after about 10-12 weeks. Ours always need herding in at night and they are the favourite food of the fox as unlike the chickens they can't fly away from him so do lock them up nice and early. If you've not kept ducks before then you need to be prepared for the astonishing amount of poo they produce!

What, more even than my 8 month old springer spaniels?!

That's helpful, thank you!