Advice on duck breeds please?

[kathyd]

Hi. I'm hoping to get a couple of ducks shortly, and would appreciate advice on breeds please.

My main concern is that I have 2 cats, and whilst they're quite happy with the chickens they were desperate to get at 2 mandarin ducks I had until recently.

I'm not breeding with them, and I don't want to eat them, but I'd quite like a few eggs .

I guess I'm looking for a big, fat, heavy duck which can deal with the cats, and which won't fly away unless I chop half its wing off like the breeder had done with my poor little mandarins (which escaped during the recent storms when the wind blew their enclosure down). I'd also like my new ducks to be friendly and quacky, not terrified and squeaky...

Any suggestions please? The mandarins were a big mistake because I didn't do my research first, so I'm hoping you can help me avoid that problem this time!

Thx.

[Nicos]

I have no idea about ducks- but geese could certainly look after themselves- and they would also lay tasty eggs!

[boundtothesoil]

I guess I'm looking for a big, fat, heavy duck which can deal with the cats, and which won't fly away unless I chop half its wing off
Thx.

Silver Appleyards might fit the bill. WE have an old couple and they are basically massive, friendly Mallards, don't fly and lay 50 or so eggs a year. The drake also survived a prolonged and bloody encounter with a fox last year.

[kathyd]

Wouldn't mind a couple of geese actually Nicos, but probably in a year or two when Tony's got used to the ducks . And if I can find a nice placid breed that won't scare the pants off us!

Never heard of Silver Appleyards Boundtothesoil, but I'll keep my eyes open - I'm hoping to get to a big bird fair on Sunday, so it'll be interesting to see what's available over here .

[elizajay]

They seem to be highly recommended on this site https://www.omlet.co.uk/breeds/ducks/appleyard/

[kathyd]

Useful site elizajay, thank you

[bearded bloke]

I'm hoping to get to a big bird fair on Sunday

Remember Kathy,after you have got yourself a big bird it will need a nest & some company

[mothhawk]

I don't know much about ducks, but I've always loved the look of cayuga ducks, since I first saw them, purely because of their stunning colour - irridescent black which glows blue-green in the sun. They come from northern USA so are very hardy.

[The Nichols']

I have nothing to add to this post but replying seems to be the best way to subscribe and as we too want some ducks, subscribe I will.