Interested in getting ducks. What is a good pet duck breed? We have a petting farm for kids.

[whisperinghopef]

I am interested in getting some pet ducks. I have a petting farm so I especially need to get some sweet ducks that would be good around kids. What breeds would you recommend? Do I have to get them as fertilized eggs or can I get them as young ducks? I am scared about getting ducks because I have heard some stories about mean ducks and I have to make sure they will be good around kids.

 

[Amiga]

Here is a recent topic that may help get you started

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/664171/ducks-that-make-good-pets

As I wrote in this thread, it seems to me it is the raising, not so much the breed, that makes a difference. If you have the time and inclination, ducks make great pets. Sometimes you don't know if the ducks will be friendly, happy to be near you, or downright cuddly, hopping up for hugs.

 

[whisperinghopef]

Thanks. I guess I like the Pekin ducks (white with orange beek). I have no idea how to care for ducks or if they are any different than chickens. I heard you have to give them water or at least a little kids pool. Any other tips on what you need for ducks? We are WhisperingHopeFarm.com and have 8 different kinds of farm animals - bunnies, chickens, horse, cows, goats, pigs, great pyrenees and sheep! I want to add some ducks to the collection.

 

[AnnaLease]

I think calls are great pets. Where are you? I have call ducklings for sale right now!

 

[Blondiechic]

I used to have muscovy ducks and they were fantastic! They were very affectionate and were more than happy for me to pick them up and cuddle them and they always came when they were called. Totally recommend them!

 

[littlecreekfarm]

I've only had expierence with one duck breed....PEKINS! And they are great pets!

 

[Amiga]

Of course, I love my runners and my buffs. They are different looking, and I like different. Especially the runners, so slender and upright, and mine are chocolate and black (now with splashes of snow)

Most ducks seem fine with a kiddie pool, they need water 24/7 until they are several weeks old, and need to be able to wash their heads frequently to avoid infections.

They splash, splash, splash, so a good watering setup to confine the splash helps everyone!

If they are fed chick starter, it is best, I think, to add niacin to their water or food (using brewer's yeast) to avoid neurological problems.

 

[nickie]

Just like with any pet everyone has their own favorite breed they think is the best. Personally, I have pekin, cayuga, and rouen. I love them all! My rouen lays pink tinted eggs and fallows my daughter around like a puppy. Of coarse, my daughter spends her days convincing everyone to help her dig for worms and hunt for snails so she can feed the ducks (she's 3.5 years old). My husband loves the Pekins. They're big and white and oh so silly. Everyone that sees my cayuga just wants to look at him, he is absolutely stunning. I call him my yard art. I agree with Amiga when she says its all in the individual duck, but you have to start with something you like the look of.

 

[Kevin565]

I am interested in getting some pet ducks. I have a petting farm so I especially need to get some sweet ducks that would be good around kids. What breeds would you recommend? Do I have to get them as fertilized eggs or can I get them as young ducks? I am scared about getting ducks because I have heard some stories about mean ducks and I have to make sure they will be good around kids.

As previously stated it has alot more to do with individual birds rather than birds. I have raised a variety of birds and can tell you almost all breeds can make excellent pets. I'd suggest ducklings because hatching ducks can be tricky for some people.

Thanks. I guess I like the Pekin ducks (white with orange beek). I have no idea how to care for ducks or if they are any different than chickens. I heard you have to give them water or at least a little kids pool. Any other tips on what you need for ducks? We are WhisperingHopeFarm.com and have 8 different kinds of farm animals - bunnies, chickens, horse, cows, goats, pigs, great pyrenees and sheep! I want to add some ducks to the collection.

As long as they have a kiddie pool it'll be fine. Also young ducks need more Niacin than chicks so you will have to supplement that.

 

[ChristineR]

I do really like Pekins for pets, but it does depend on how they were raised and the individual duck.

I recommend going to your local library to check out some books on ducks. They do have a little bit different needs than chickens. My personal favorite is Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks, by Dave Holderread.