Splitting up my ducks... so sad but how do I pair them?

[chickchickgirls]

I have four ducks, two blue swede males that are about 3 months old, and two campbells (1m 1f) that are about a week younger. The campbells joined us when they were about two weeks old. They all get along well together, I just can't have three boys and one girl. I plan on keeping them in pairs. The obvious choice is by breed, since they have been together since birth and are closest to each other. My biggest concern is if I keep the campbells together, will that cause problems when they are old enough to breed? I believe they are related, possibly different dads, but I don't want to deal with birth issues if they do mate and have ducklings. Any ideas? I'm sad to give them up, but they are backyard ducks and having 3/4 of them chowing on grain with no possibility of eggs just doesn't "fly" with my husband!

 

[dumb_cluck]

Well, if you take the eggs as soon as they are laid and sell them, then no problem. If you let the female get broody on a nest of perhaps 12 eggs, then order a birthday cake in 28 days.

Pairing the Campbells makes sense. BUT, keep them separate from the "others". There will be fights.

By keeping them separate, however, will create two cliques. So different pens, different pool, etc

 

[chickchickgirls]

Sorry, I guess I wasn't clear. Two of the boys will be finding new homes. I am only keeping 2 of the ducks, the female and one male. She is closest to the other campbell. I think it's just the idea of a brother and sister "doing it" that creeps me out a bit, although I know it happens in the animal world. As long as there are no health issues with them being related, I won't worry about it. But I will miss my pretty boys.

 

[ChickyChickyBaby]

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I must still be confused. If you are only keeping 2 ducks.......one male & one female........what did you mean when you asked how to pair them?

 

[dianaross77]

The OP wants to know if the 2 campbells can be kept together because they are hatchmates and she is worried about inbreeding. From what I understand, it is acceptable even if birds are related to let them have babies. It would take multiple generations with no new blood in the line to see problems. Hopefully someone who knows more will chime in.

 

[sourland]

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Right on the money!!

 

[chickchickgirls]

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Thanks! That is exactly what I was wondering. The swedes are closer to each other and the campbells are closer so I'm glad I can keep them in their most comfortable groupings. I feel bad enough getting rid of two of them. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Oregon Blues]

If the Campbells came from a hatchery, the hatchery hatches thousands of Campbells every year, so they might not be related in any way.

Even if they are, it's OK to have them together. You are not likely to have a Campbelll duck go broody, so if you want ducklings, you will have to use an incubator.

You should get lots of eggs from that Campbell duck. They are good layers.

Another possibility, if you want eggs and can only keep 2 birds is to re-home all the males and purchase another female Campbell. The males are not necessary in order to get eggs. They are only necessary if you want the eggs to hatch into ducklings.

If you watch Craigslist, eventually you will find someone selling their Campbells.

 

[chickchickgirls]

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Nope, no hatchery ducks for me. I hatch chicks and ducklings in my classroom every year and these ones were from a fellow teacher's house. I'm not worried so much about her hatching them. Just thought if I tried to use them next year for incubating it could be an issue. I thought about re-homing all three boys, but Nibs (the girl) doesn't really interact with our chickens much, even though they all live in the same pen. This is my first foray into ducks, so I wasn't sure how introducing a new duck would go over. It has been rough with the hens, in the past. Thanks!