Appleyards or Indian Runners

[CahoonCustomCutting]

Hello I am just getting into birds and am wondering which would be better on a 3 acre farmstead Indian Runners or Silver Appleyards. I am looking primary for egg production but I would also like to eat a duck or two as they hatchery I am looking at only sells straight runs and I don't want to start breeding just yet.

 

[NuggetTheChicken]

How about both, but silver appleyards are good for both eggs and meat

 

[CahoonCustomCutting]

Some things iv read say that the silver appleyards are rather loud but when people say loud are we talking close to rooster crowing or just like the banter of a cow calf operation

 

[Texag87]

I favor Runners but they are so skinny that my feeling is they would not be good eating.

 

[chickens really]

I had Appleyard and they were great Ducks.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Runners wouldn’t have much meat on them slim little bodies but they sure are fun to have on the homestead. Appleyards are great birds too an more dual purpose.

 

[Ratchnick]

Definitely get a bunch of breeds and see what you like.

 

[RacingRunners]

I have runners and love them! They are so fun to watch and you can herd them. I have never eaten one so I can’t attest to flavor or how much meat they would provide.

 

[Isaac 0]

I have runners and love them! They are so fun to watch and you can herd them. I have never eaten one so I can’t attest to flavor or how much meat they would provide.

Welcome to BackYard Chickens!

We need some pictures!

 

[Trisseh]

I have both appleyard and runner ducks. My appleyard is by far the chattiest, but she’s extremely friendly too and a real character. They’re an excellent dual purpose breed, get to a decent weight quickly without excess fat, at least compared to Pekins, and lay a good amount of nice large eggs. Mine matured rather slowly, didn’t start laying until March this year, and she was hatched in May 2019, but once she started laying she’s been consistently giving an egg a day. While molting. Hasn’t lost any weight and isn’t eating a ridiculous amount of food either.
My runner is just a baby but chock full of personality. She’s quirky and fun, I feel like they’re a little more shy but with a bit more attention I’m sure they’d make a fine addition as well. Definitely wouldn’t see much worth in eating them however. Far too slim. Better to keep them as layers/pest control in your yard/garden. Excellent foragers for sure. this little one has been trying to eat bugs that barely fit in her bill. I’ve had to take them away so she doesn’t choke. Haha.