Seems you have it under control. LOL That is, IF there is "control" at this stage of our lives.
I'm pondering the egg hatching. Waiting for broodies to get going, then I'll decide on eggs. Last few started pullets I've bought are great and has been an economical buy. New blood, always good. Now I am working at culling.....and even IF I want to have more. Weather & work make you rethink.
What kind of duck do you actually want?
I haven't had ducks in over 20 years. Pond back then, none now. Not doing ducks.
It doesn't matter how old we are... It's a fallacy to think that we are actually in control of our lives! Yes, we can make wise choices, informed choices, choices that match our personalities, wants, desires, but ultimately, each of us is a single breath away from a dramatic, profound and permanent change in the direction of our lives. I yield control to God, knowing that He knows the number of my days, what my future holds, and is always GOOD.
Yep, new blood in any animal flock is always a good thing. Every few years, I've brought in birds that bear the genetic traits I want to breed forward in my flock: colored eggs, small comb, and especially NO FEATHERS on feet or shanks, and, at least first generation sex linked.
I would love Magpie, or Indian Runner, last choice: Khaki Campbell. I know I can get Welch Harlequin eggs.
I don't have a pond, plan to set up gutter/rain barrel system from eaves of new coop, with overflow into concrete mixing tub for ducks. We'll see how the duck thing goes. Hoping it goes well. Unless I try... I'll never know if they are more bother than benefit. Winter keeping will be the deciding factor. Always up for a new experiment! I'm rolling the idea around in my head to make a passive solar water heater for the winter sun room of the new coop.
I have 14 Easter Egger pullets to start the year with, but I am ready for a new breed. I just don't know which breed. If I could make my own chicken, it would have the color of a Jubilee Orpington, the meat of a CCX and the egg laying ability of a red sex link. I want a trio of Jubilee Opringtons, but as I understand it, Orps aren't the best layers. Chickens eat every day, I want an egg every day! LOL
Have you tried Dixie Rainbows? They are a nice meaty "free range" bird that grows out in about 12 weeks. They don't have the genetic issues of the CCX, start laying early, and are prolific layers. The down side of them from ME: feather quality is not the best, b/c IMO, they put more effort into egg production. I would not keep a DR roo in a mixed flock of chickens b/c they are HUGE. A good trait: from ME, with the strain I had, they can be gender ID at hatch. Pullets were varied shades of red, with willow colored legs, cockrels were tan/white cuckooish pattern with yellow legs. I've never been impressed with Orps. I think their egg size is lacking, and don't care for their broody nature. But, IMO, Black Australorpes are a nice bird.
@Beekissed would tell you that a good strain of White Rock is closest to what you are looking for.
