Ducks can be a great addition to your backyard. They are pretty easygoing, cope well in colder temperatures, and produce delicious eggs. A slight downside is that they can be messy.
As there are so many different breeds of ducks available, it can be difficult to know which ones are best suited to your garden.
* Mallards
Mallards are perfect for those with bigger gardens. It is worth noting that mallards typically don’t like enclosed spaces. Feelings of confinement are likely to result in them flying away to new pastures. As such, you must make sure that you can provide them with a large, spacious, covered enclosure. They are full of energy, very talkative and can like for between 5 and 10 years.
* Call Ducks
Small in size with white bodies, orange beaks, and black eyes, Call Ducks are becoming increasingly popular and will make a great addition to a small garden. Although they typically tend to be white, they can come in many other colors including black and butterscotch. As implied by their name, they were bred for calling purposes so they are going to be quite noisy. They also have more specific care requirements. They will need to be kept in a secure enclosure where they are safe from predators, with water for them to drink and swim in.
* Saxony Ducks
Saxony ducks are a nonflying but active breed that are good foragers. In regards to their temperament, they are fairly calm and do not make a great deal of noise. They will need to be kept in a nice large pen but they are generally easy to care for. Whilst the males tend to have traces of tan, rust, and silver on their bodies with grey heads, the females are pink and salmon-colored with hints of oatmeal on their wings.
* Pekin Ducks
Pekins ducks are a highly recommended breed of backyard duck. This large, white-feathered breed is known for its friendly temperament. They are calm and hardy and they are also great layers. As a breed, they are known to be fast growers so you must make sure that you have the space available to accommodate their growth. A great thing about Pekins is that they cope well in all conditions. Aside from egg-laying, they are also used for meat production.