So a Swedish Blue, a Welsh Harlequin, and a Cayuga walk into a coop

[LadyVictorian]

Okay jokes aside, next year I am getting ducks. Last time I had ducks was 10 year ago and they were all pekins but this time I want the duck breeds I really love so I may be ordering them from an online hatchery that ships min of 3 ducklings. Anyways I wanted to know if 1 Swedish Blue, 1 Welsh Harlequin, and 1 Cayuga would all get along or would I need 2 of each? I intend to only keep them as pets, no breeding. If they turn out to be all drakes would they be fine, what about all hens?

 

[Bluechick2u]

I have swedish blues, welsh harlequins, buffs, runners, and mallards all running around together, no problem. I would guess that it all depends on male to female ratio, not breed, for flock harmony. (Too many males means thredbare PTSD hens) I have them all running around on an acre, so I don't know what would happen if they didn't have enough space.

 

[DancingWthDucks]

You should have no problem at all with mixing breeds.... As for keeping drakes and ducks together, having an all drake/ or all duck flock works absolutely fine. The only thing that would be problem, would be if you ended up with 2 drakes and 1 duck- this would result in a very stressed duck, and you would have to either rehome a drake, or buy more females.

ETA: If you're not too bothered about getting eggs, then maybe consider getting an all drake flock. They have a longer life expectancy (with them not potentially having laying problems such as prolapsed vents) and hatcheries would cull the left over drakes from people ordering sexed females.

Good luck

 

[chickens really]

Yeah...Ducks do not know each other by breed...They only know they are Ducks....Try and get all Hens....

 

[LadyVictorian]

I looked at the hatcheries website and realized they do sex ducks (not geese though T.T). Not sure if I want duck eggs, I think I would just like pets so an all drake pen would be fine? I use to love my old drake named Drake. He seemed to be my most social while the girls were skittish. I like the idea of homing 3 boys since it would make sense less people want them.

 

[chickens really]

Just be aware that the Drakes once mature will breed each other and can get aggressive without Hens...


Hens are easier and you can either use the eggs or throw them out....

 

[DancingWthDucks]

Just be aware that the Drakes once mature will breed each other and can get aggressive without Hens...


Hens are easier and you can either use the eggs or throw them out....

I'm not wanting to cause any arguments, but all drake flocks do in fact get along just fine. They wouldn't get aggressive if there are no females around to fight for. Also, I've found that drakes are tamer and make friendlier pets.

 

[chickens really]

Sorry...Only going by friends experiences....No harm no fowl....

 

[LadyVictorian]

I'm not wanting to cause any arguments, but all drake flocks do in fact get along just fine. They wouldn't get aggressive if there are no females around to fight for. Also, I've found that drakes are tamer and make friendlier pets.

That is good to hear and I agree on the drakes making better pets. My drake was like a dog. He came running up to the car when I got home from school quacking and pacing until I got out to hug him. When they were locked up in their pen he would pace when he saw me and quack so hard until I opened the door and pet him and told him what a pretty boy he was. I loved him so much. My hens were okay, they would come up to you but wouldn't let you hold them or touch them like Drake did. I'm certainly going for an all drake flock if that is the case. They will also be cheaper since sexed drakes are the cheapest. Now to figure out a nice water fixture for them that will stay fairly clean xD

 

[DancingWthDucks]

That is good to hear and I agree on the drakes making better pets. My drake was like a dog. He came running up to the car when I got home from school quacking and pacing until I got out to hug him. When they were locked up in their pen he would pace when he saw me and quack so hard until I opened the door and pet him and told him what a pretty boy he was. I loved him so much. My hens were okay, they would come up to you but wouldn't let you hold them or touch them like Drake did. I'm certainly going for an all drake flock if that is the case. They will also be cheaper since sexed drakes are the cheapest. Now to figure out a nice water fixture for them that will stay fairly clean xD

I have a drake exactly like that! He follows me everywhere, walking between my legs and even follows me inside .