not quite a chicken topic i want ducks

[scooby]

Hi everyone,

this is not quite a chicken topic, but i am really interested in keeping ducks, am looking to keep about 3 or 4 initially as pets, but the odd egg would definatley be a bonus.

i would be grateful for any advice or anyones personal experience.

[nick the grief]

If you want something that looks good & lays Welsh Harlequins are Nice or any of the Indian Runners (these are in the make up of the commercial egg laying "breeds". Try this

http://www.welshharlequin.co.uk/

[scooby]

thanks very much nick

[poultrychat]

Hi scooby, try buying a copy of Country Smallholder they have a pretty good list at the back of suppliers of most livestock including ducks.

[Mucky Lizz!!]

Think twice!!

Hi,
I have had ducks for the last few years (until I recently moved and a badger had them). Anyway Ducks aren't called mucky ducks for nothing- if you want pot holes in the grass, s**t everywhere, them constantly needing there water toping up (unless they have a pond).If they do have a pond then great, but if you are thinking of keeping them in a run or on the garden, then get ready for it being wrecked!! But don't get me wrong they are such characters!! I had the Welsh Harlequins, Runners, Muscovy's (not much to look at and tend to hide there eggs and breed like mad) and khaki campbells- excellent layers, great to look at I would suggest these to anyone!

[sewer rat]

A mate of mine gave his OH three ducks for her birthday four years ago - now she has well over 100 ducks, geese, chickens, bantams and a peacock!!!! Agree with what Mucky Liz says about the mess - their garden is not what you'd call tidy any more, and as for the sh*t - it is everywhere
So be careful what you wish for !

[scooby]

thanks very much all of you, still very interested but perhaps i'll do a little more research and make sure i can give them suitable accomodation, hopefully moving soon where they gan be housed with their own pond etc.

[nick the grief]

Wow rat, geese chuck & a peacock from 3 ducks, he must be one mixed up drake