We have three different varieties of ducks; White Pekin, Blue Swedish, and Roen. I want the ducklings that hatch to be of a pure breed. When do I seperate the breeds to be sure that the hatchlings will be pure just like their parents? a week? a month?

-- marinell d. (mndowden@directlink.net), June 22, 2001

Answers

I think your duck hens will start laying around 5 or 6 monthes of age. I would wate to seperate until the very first egg comes, then just wait 2 weeks before you allow the hens to set any eggs to ensure only your chosen drake is sire.

-- Marty (Mrs.Puck@Excite.com), June 22, 2001.

I separate mine about three weeks before breeding season. Don't know where you live but my ducks are going into serious moult now so I have let all of them be together on the pond and pick up the eggs for cooking(they make such great scones, cakes, omelets etc.). I won't separate them again now until next April. You'll notice your hens will lay an egg just here and there and that's when I put mine in with the drake of choice. Also, I always give each hen their own nesting house, pen and yard and once she is sitting I remove the drake and he goes out with the rest of the boys. Of course I do not raise ducks commercially, just for pets and to sell a few. Hope this helps. :-)

-- Little Quacker (carouselxing@juno.com), June 22, 2001.