Duck Breed Recommendations? Want: Friendly and not able to fly

[Whittni]

I think I'd like to try a few ducks. I want some child friendly, non flying, and maybe quieter side. I love small chickens, but whatever size is ok.

 

[CHlCKEN]

Ducks aren’t quiet. They are super loud, especially females with their quacking. A bachelor flock won’t have so much volume since they can only rasp, but I can’t give anymore insight into what that would be like.

Most domestic ducks cannot fly, not even a little bit. The only commonly kept breeds that really can are mallards, muscovies and calls.

Pekins have a reputation of being friendly but I’ve never found them to be any more or less timid than the other five breeds I’ve kept. I’ve also found them to be the most vocal.

Based on your criteria, the breed I would suggest would be the Silver Appleyard. Mine was surprisingly quiet, and I’ve heard others say the same, but of course it also depends on the individual.

If volume is more important to you than lack of flight, Muscovy ducks are your best bet. They do not quack at all but they do have a decent capability for flight. They can also be quite friendly, I’ve met some in the wild who would eat out of your hand.

 

[Karoo permaculture]

are they just for pets? I have Carolina wood ducks that was pinned as babies, so they cant fly. They are small, doesnt eat a lot, are not noise at all, they make very soft sounds. Or maybe Mandarins?

 

[CoriM]

Ducks are loud no matter what. Consider all their needs - they are messy and need lots of water, for swimming, and their drinking water needs changing frequently because they muddy it up. They are much different than chickens in that way. As for child-friendly, I think most ducks need supervision around children. I have had pekin, welsh harlequin, runners, buff, duclairs, and black swedish. All are friendly, but none really take to petting, though my pekins and duclairs are the most willing in that department. Pekins have many health needs and don't have the longest life span, so make sure to research that before deciding on them.

 

[DaffytheDuck20]

I heard somewhere that Muscovy ducks are quiter than the usual ducks, I don't own any myself but my neighbor used to.

Muscovys are good at flying though

 

[DaffytheDuck20]

I heard somewhere that Muscovy ducks are quiter than the usual ducks, I don't own any myself but my neighbor used to.

Muscovys are good at flying though

I own Rouen x Khaki Campbell's who are really friendly, have never flown, and are very queit. They are quite large but wonderful pets, I would get girls as the drake likes to chase people and snap at them occasionally (he does bite me but only becuase he knows and trusts me) but nothing serious, the girls are so chill and just stand still when you go up to them to pick them up.

 

[Canadian Wind]

Honestly, if you want quiet then get Muscovy. I clip mine's wings (flight feathers). The drakes are huge though. I do not support pinioning as it consists of cutting off the tip of their wing when they are babies (mutilation) akin to docking the tail on dogs and horses.

They are fairly friendly and can be more so when raised socially with their people. As with any animal they should be supervised around children for BOTH their protection.

 

[Quatie]

I have several breeds and the Saxonies are by far the friendliest and most social. They don't mind a cuddle now and then. Even when they are grouchy and hormonal, they almost never bite. But they are loud. Often I refer to them as my guard ducks, because they will usually set off their alarm calls if anything they don't like goes by.

My swedish are probably the quietest because they tend to forage a lot and you can't always talk when food is in your mouth. They do tend to be less social and more independent than my other breeds.

Cayugas are also very friendly, but they can get very broody and mean during that time. Mine will get rather aggressive on a nest and bite hard. The second they are a foot from the nest they become sweet again. But not something you may want a child to deal with.

Muscovy do fly but are social. If you raise then as ducklings they are usually very friendly and social. If not, they will come see what you are doing, but unlikely let you pet them. They do have claws, which can accidentally hurt someone. They do tend to be pretty broody as well.

You can have loud or quiet individuals of any breed. Any breed can have a friendly or mean individual.

 

[deer trail duck farms]

i suggest ancona or silver appleyard they are my most quiet breeds. id stay away from khaki cambell, mallards, pekins for noise wise