Author Topic: What duck breed do I want? (Read 2353 times)

DippyEgg · « **on:** August 03, 2018, 09:47:15 pm »

Still thinking about getting ducks. I have kept chickens for about 10 years and thought a couple of ducks would be nice. I quite like the look of Silver Appelyards (I think that's what theyre called). Should I be considering any other breeds? I would like some eggs, and I would like them to be good for meat as well. And quiet....and clean up after themselves!

macgro7 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 04, 2018, 12:01:00 am »

Meat = muscovy
Eggs = Campbell (either khaki or white)
That's what we have. Silver appleyard are beautifull but because they are really large they eat a lot and don't produce too many eggs.

bj_cardiff · « **Reply #2 on:** August 04, 2018, 01:02:53 pm »

Indian Runner Ducks for me, although they are quite skittish

Black Sheep · « **Reply #3 on:** August 04, 2018, 01:23:38 pm »

Campbells are great. The surviving duck from our original pair of white Campbells has barely missed a day laying (except for a few months off in the process of moving house) in four years, even through the depths of winter at 900 feet up.

Having said that I've recently hatched a small group of Shetland ducks and they are gorgeous, and an extremely rare breed that is worth keeping going. Meant to be good layers too.

Quote from: DippyEgg on August 03, 2018, 09:47:15 pm

and clean up after themselves!

DippyEgg · « **Reply #4 on:** August 13, 2018, 08:57:17 pm »

Thanks everybody, lots of options!

Womble · « **Reply #5 on:** August 13, 2018, 09:49:43 pm »

We did a batch of pekin meat ducks once, and vowed never again. They were SOOOOO messy, and ate / wasted loads of food compared with the amount of meat on them.

I'd say get a prolific laying breed like utility Khaki Campbells, supplement those with one or two that are fun to have around (say runner ducks for comedy, or Welsh Harlequins for beauty), and then keep meat chickens to eat instead.

doganjo · « **Reply #6 on:** August 13, 2018, 10:47:09 pm »

Quote from: Black Sheep on August 04, 2018, 01:23:38 pm

Campbells are great. The surviving duck from our original pair of white Campbells has barely missed a day laying (except for a few months off in the process of moving house) in four years, even through the depths of winter at 900 feet up.

Having said that I've recently hatched a small group of Shetland ducks and they are gorgeous, and an extremely rare breed that is worth keeping going. Meant to be good layers too.

Quote from: DippyEgg on August 03, 2018, 09:47:15 pm
and clean up after themselves!

Fat chance!

I'll second the Shetlands. Love mine - 2 girls 2 boys and two daughters - I know which duck laid the eggs but not which drake fertilised them. Only problem I have is the lead duck cackles like an old witch, but thankfully my neighbours find her amusing and love the eggs.