pinkmagic Posted September 30, 2010 Share Posted September 30, 2010 We have kept chickens for some years and due to our ex batts getting on a bit and stopping laying we have discussed getting a few more, however my son is desperate for some ducks. What are the best breeds for their eggs and how often do they lay? We would like to get 3 altogether, would you advise 2 females and a drake or just 3 females and do drakes make more noise? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted September 30, 2010 Share Posted September 30, 2010 I've only just started keeping ducks and had many of the same questions. Regarding a drake - apparently they get quite frisky in the Spring and can require a large number of ladies. Only a few girls would need a break eventually. I'd only get one if I was planning to breed from them. I ended up getting 3 girls (not expecting any eggs until next year though). I think Campbells are the best layers and can lay the same amount of eggs a year as a chicken does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miller30 Posted September 30, 2010 Share Posted September 30, 2010 Cherry valleys and khaki campbells are good egg layers ducks make more noise than drakes but drakes are a nightmare in breeding season mine has 8 wives and they are not enough i would go for 3 girls unless you want to breed leanne. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 I agree - don't get a drake unless you intend to breed, they are a nightmare! We have Campbells - they lay well and they lay through the winter when the hens aren't laying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky1 Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 Yeppers what Leslie said Cambells are great - they seem even more reliable than the chooks for eggs. They're also very funny with it and I'm sure your son will get a lot out of them. Drakes drive you nuts - don't get one unless you want to breed Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beckyfitz Posted October 10, 2010 Share Posted October 10, 2010 My white campbell is an excellent layer - more reliable than my chooks, every day without fail Ducks are quite noisy, drakes very quiet but girls together better in the long run unless you want to try breeding. HTH Becky x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoejames Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 I agree with the posts here, campbells or cherry valleys, and def all girls unless you have a larger group. If the girls start calling during pairing season the maybe think about getting them a fella if the noise is a problem. Have fun! They are amazing animals! Zo x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krysia Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 I love my chooks but my khaki campbels have recently come into lay, I got then at 8weeks old at the start of the summer holidays. The eggs are amazing! had a double and triple yolker! although also found 2 eggs in the bottom of the pond! (1 a week for 2 weeks) they are real characters too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
