Let's Talk Ducks!
So I know in our about page that I said no to the duck, well somethings just made me make the switch from chickens to ducks. Here's my case:
They're Friendlier
Ever had a rooster fly at your face talons first? If you have, empathy empathy empathy. If you have not, good for you! I've had many of those experiences, all of which have instilled a fear of roosters. Coming out of the chicken coop scratched and bloody just doesn't seem worth it for eggs. Granted, you don't have to have a rooster if you want your hens to lay eggs. But if you want chicks and meat in the freezer, you're gonna have to get a rooster. Not all roosters are so aggressive, but I'd rather not take the risk of having another row of mean angry roosters ready to go ninja on the egg-collector: me.
Besides that point, ducks are just nicer beings in general. The don't have tendencies to go cannibal on their friends like chickens will. An off duck might chase you but there's really no harm they can inflict.
Besides that point, ducks are just nicer beings in general. The don't have tendencies to go cannibal on their friends like chickens will. An off duck might chase you but there's really no harm they can inflict.
They're Herdable!
You read right, you can herd ducks. I've tried to herd chickens into their coop at night and let me tell you, it just isn't gonna work. Now the reason you can herd ducks is because they are flock animals. Heard of 'Get your ducks in a row'? One duck will lead the entire flock of ducks around the yard/farm. It's really cute actually. That and ducks waddle instead of run. Chickens run fast and jump. Ducks waddle and fly (if their wings are intact and they're not too heavy). So getting ducks into the Duck Shack will be easier than trying to chase each individual chicken around for hours.
They're Eggs are Amazing!
Duck eggs are really big, easily double the size of a chicken egg. You also get more yolk from a duck egg than you will a chicken egg. Duck eggs are healthier for you and make for better cooking. They make for fluffier, lighter, and higher-risen pastries.
Duck is Good for You
No, I'm not repeating about the eggs. I'm talking about actual duck meat. Duck is a red meat. Duck may have less calories and it also packs in a higher percent of Vitamin A and Iron. Duck is low in saturated fat. Duck also has Niacin and Selenium.
As a side note, duck is very greasy. When you cook duck a good tip is to drain excess grease after cooking into a jar and use it in cooking. Duck fat is the healthiest among animal fats and is great for cooking. Duck fat is a good alternative than butter. It's good for frying, sautéing, and giving a nice golden crisp to the outside of your meats and pastries.
As a side note, duck is very greasy. When you cook duck a good tip is to drain excess grease after cooking into a jar and use it in cooking. Duck fat is the healthiest among animal fats and is great for cooking. Duck fat is a good alternative than butter. It's good for frying, sautéing, and giving a nice golden crisp to the outside of your meats and pastries.
Overall Production is Better
Ducks lay eggs more regularly than chickens and will even lay through winter. Young ducks also grow faster than chickens do, and that means more food for the family.
They're Healthier
Ducks are immune to more diseases than chickens. They are also more resistant to mites and other parasites because they spend a lot of they're time in the water.
Ducks are More Adaptable
Because of their extra layer of fat that chickens don't have, ducks are cold tolerant. Ducks actually like to be in the cold and wet. Ducks can also handle the heat better than chickens because they can take a dip in the water.
The Noise Level is Better
Ducks quack. Drakes (male ducks) make soft whistling sounds. Chickens.... well it's safe to say everyone recognizes the call of the rooster. Roosters don't just squawk in the morning, it's a l l d a y. Not to mention hens when they lay an egg.
Ducks don't Scratch
Where chickens have the tendency to scratch at the ground and ruin your lawn and garden, ducks do no such thing. Ducks scoop with their bills to eat. They also have webbed feet made for swimming and not tearing up the ground.
What They Eat
Ducks enjoy eating your slugs, bugs, and weeds. I feel like that might be a fair trade in my garden for all the mess they make...
Speaking about their mess, duck manure is just as beneficial for the garden as chicken manure. So really ducks are good for your garden. Just keep them away from new sprouts.
Speaking about their mess, duck manure is just as beneficial for the garden as chicken manure. So really ducks are good for your garden. Just keep them away from new sprouts.
Aaaaand.... They're Cute
Enough said.