Ruddy Shelducks

.

.

HigginsRAT wrote:And here we thought the nursery kids had it all right...that ducks go QUACK (my Mandarins don't), that geese go HONK (the Shelducks do too), and that swans TRUMPET (the Shelducks do that too!) and WHISTLE (my Mandarin duck drakes do that).  I am so confused...

Tara, I have but one question....

WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY?

.

.

The Agression In Ruddy Shelducks depend on the pair . I have had different pairs with different temperments . So They are not nessacarly geese killers . Yes they can be aggressive during breeding season , but so is alot of other waterfowl species . Just keep the pair seperate when they become sexually mature , usually in the second year . But it may not happen till the 3rd year .
Also buying 2 birds does not mean they will mate , and have young . Shelducks have rituals and if the female does not except the male there will be no family . I have never had a shelduck have 16 young , that would be very rare in our neck of the woods . I find 8-12 eggs are common . They do make great parents . I have raised Ruddyshelducks for the past 12 years or longer -its been so long. Once you get to see the cute little skunk babies you will fall in love . The shelduck species are one of my favorite birds to work with . Even though they can be crabby .... Right now this time of year I put all the shelducks together for the winter . So they have there territorial disputes , but get along fine during the winter . I do seperate some , as some of them go into breeding pens for the winter . Some of the shelduck species nest opposite our seasons , so anyone buying those type of shelducks will have to have winter breeding quarters . I am glad to see all the new people get involoved in raiseing some different exotic waterfowl . Enjoy .....
Shelan

.

.

I have had all the species of shelducks at one time or another . Produced Young from various prs , of the different types . All have different personalitys . Interesting differences , between each species of Shelducks . Some are easier to raise than others. I suggest the Ruddyshelducks , and European Shelducks are your beginner types . These are the most common of species and most avaliable . And price wize the most decent . Anyone needing some info on breeding them just let me know I can fill you in with whats worked for me .

Shelan

HigginsRAT wrote:A decorative addition to our lives...a companion creature, for entertainment and amusement.  A private zoo??

Sounds just like....a house cat!!

.

Fun. I am going to make a comment in your other thread about if you like these ducks or not. I don't actually, beautiful but don't like them   Have an awesome day, CynthiaM.

.

Ah, heart warming story Tara, I liked how Rick sat down with dog and relaxed and watched his new prize possessions. And you are looking after them so nicely, he just needs to take that time to watch and enjoy. How nice. That is a thing of love, thing of beauty, a thing that you are doing just for him (and of course your own enjoyment too). This is a lovely thread and brings a good and warm, fuzzy feeling in my heart. And glory, aren't those ducks just incredibly beautiful. Loved the view from your lap of the wing span. Thanks so much for sharing, have an incredible day, CynthiaM.