what duck!?

[dominique]

Hello,
have a few banty chickens but have always loved ducks. Used to have a lot of khaki campbells when i was a kid. Now I would like to expand - have a small garden - ducks could roam free (area about 10x10 metres) and would like a couple(?) of ducks. I do not have pond but could improvise (with a tub for example). I have enjoyed the smaller size chickens and wondered what breed (small?) would suit this small environment (chickens are kept on another bit of land). DO have neighbours that do not want to upset (chooks are quiet!) and do want eggs but not for meat - any recommendations? (I hear call ducks very noisy)
answers much appreciated
Dominic

 

[foxy]

Ducks are incredibly messy and in my experience need a lot more space than chickens, sand pits (check out Argos) partly sunk in a gravel area would work well for a few little ducks, they are not too heavy to empty by lifting and tipping, gravel can also work as a soak away if dug in deep enough.
I would avoid runners although characterful they are very energetic and do like to forage and roam.They also tend to be a bit nervy. Maybe consider the bantam varieties like black east indian ducks which are beautiful and bantam silver appleyards are simply gorgeous!

 

[Davidd]

Hi, have you thought about Call ducks? small, beautiful and come in many colours- the only down side is they are very vocal sometimes :shock: They would fit in well in your garden- just depends on what the neighbours think.
regards, David

 

[dominique]

Thanks for your ideas, tips and information!
I will look up these bantam ducks mentioned - not sure about the call ducks - maybe a bit too noisy. Any ducks that are relatively quiet?!
Cheers,
D

 

[Stuw79]

Hi
I've got calls and I love the noise they girls make. They sound lie they're laughing. I just bought another pair of silver calls yesterday. My neighbours have never commented on the noise. They don't do it all the time and not as bad as a cockerel.
Go with calls. They're fab. I'm going to start showing and breeding them.

 

[dominique]

MMM, I am tempted!
What is their egg production like?
Anybody keep them Scotland?