I am cvery interested in getting a White Pekin Duck. I am making a shelter and have 5 acres the duck can be on during the day. I want to know if I should get 2 ducks or stick with one? Should I get a chick or a unhatched egg?

-- SAm Berry (me@cs.com), March 20, 2002

Answers

I really think you should get two. I know some people have raised ducks singly as pets but ours really prefer the company of other ducks. Also, if you are new to ducks, I'd suggest getting a duckling as eggs/incubation doesn't always go the way it was planned. Good luck.

-- Trisha-MN (coldguinea@netscape.net), March 20, 2002.

Unless you plan on spending 24/7 with the duck, it will need a companion. Get two. You'll all be happier.

-- Wendy A (phillips-anteswe@pendleton.usmc.mil), March 20, 2002.

I vote for two, too! They will be happier. Also, go for the duckling, easier than hatching two. You'll like them!! Good luck.

-- cowgirlone in OK (cowgirlone47@hotmail.com), March 20, 2002.

I agree with evryone else. Go with 2. They'll be a lot happier. I also agree with cowgirl, I'd get the ducklings.

-- Murray in ME (lkdmfarm@megalink.net), March 20, 2002.

My daughter raised a single duck in her kitchen in a big cardboard box. That duck was more like a dog. She let it have the run of the house when she was home and filled the bath tub for it to swim in. When the daughter moved I inherited the duck, Maynard, but she lived outside at my house and I got her a friend. She never really related well to the other duck, a male, and her friendliness ended up getting her killed by our local bobcat. Boy, was I ever sad. She was the tamest and sweetest duck I've ever seen.

-- cindy palmer (jandcpalmer@sierratel.com), March 20, 2002.

Be sure the two are both females. A male will run one female to death. One drake can take care of 5 to 8 female Pekins.

-- Duffy (hazelm@tenforward.com), March 21, 2002.

Get three or four! We've had as many as 16 on our 5 acres. They're great! Definitely get ducklings rather than eggs...you will have so much fun watching them.

-- snoozy (bunny@northsound.net), March 21, 2002.

Get 2 ,your ducks will be happer then just the one, and go for the ducklings .A drake and a hen would be nice but some poeple say the the draks will run the hens ragged ,My don't anyway.just don't get 2 drakes. Have fun ! Vicne

-- vince R. (dove@epix.net), March 21, 2002.

I recommend one duck. I raised mallards. If you get more than one duck they will multiply by the dozens.I started off with four thinking they would be good company for one another and got them when they were a few days old. when they were full grown they started laying eggs and in the middle of January they hatched seven eggs and the rest froze. Then 3 or 4 months later they had some more babies. By fall I had 28 ducks. It is something important to think about. Maybe two males would be good?

-- Michelle Halverson (keweenawbaybum@yahoo.com), March 21, 2002.

I had 5 rouen ducks last year, now I have 11 ducks. I really enjoy having the ducks around. If you want a small number of ducks you could just sell the ducklings if you wish. But it is fun watching the ducks play together and run around. I used to also have just 5 drakes and we let them free roam, they just loved it! They would play games, sit around talking, and even have contests!

-- Sarah in OK (princessmeatballhead@yahoo.com), March 25, 2002.

I agree that you should get two ducklings. Start with ducklings not eggs.

-- Char (Charpoultry@aol.com), March 25, 2002.

Truthfully, I think you shoud get ducks that are older. Ducklings that are out on a pond or on land can get eatin by hawks. I also suggest two ducks. I just got two pekins. they are just getting there feathers but they are big enough to be safe. they always hang out toghether, the feel safer toghether. It is the same with my two muscovies, good luck!

-- Amanda O'Connor (Beaglelover6475@aol.com), April 01, 2002.