Heavy Duck Breed Suggestions

[Becky89*]

I am looking to raise a different breed of duck just for a change. I love Pekins and I've had Blue Swedish.

 

[goosedragon]

Becky89* :

I am looking to raise a different breed of duck just for a change. I love Pekins and I've had Blue Swedish.

MUSCOVY! is considered a heavy and they sure are different.​

 

[Sweetfolly]

I really like Silver Appleyards for a heavy breed. I've never had one - they only heavy-breed I have is a big, old McMurray's "Jumbo" Pekin, but I love the look of the Appleyards, and they're very unique looking compared to Pekins and Swedish.

 

[Becky89*]

Quote:
What do they look like??

 

[Sweetfolly]

Becky89* :

Quote:
What do they look like??

Similar to a Welsh Harlequin as far as coloring, sort of a light mallard...this picture is not mine, it's from feathersite.com:

They're relatively rare, so it would be nice if more people got into raising them.

EDIT: I have a duckling assortment coming from Holderreads Waterfowl Farm along with my new Hookbills this spring, and this is one of the breeds (along with Runners) that I'm crossing my fingers they may throw in - even though I'm not supposed to keep any of the assorted ducklings...I'm supposed to sell them locally

Anyways, I edited this to add that you can get Silver Appleyards from Holderreads as day-old ducklings, and one of the forum moderators here on BYC, MissPrissy, sells hatching eggs from her gorgeous Appleyards - hers are much prettier than the picture I posted. Here's a link to one of her old sales posts: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1899568​

 

[Becky89*]

their cute

 

[Amiga]

What about Aylesbury? Big, white birds.

They are on the critical list of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy

http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/waterfowl/aylesbury.html

 

[Sweetfolly]

Quote:
Oh - I like them too! They're so pudgy looking: http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/Ducks/Ayles/BRKAyles.html

 

[Amiga]

Yeah, Annarie, I like the looks of them, too. Ten pounds of duck to love!

Since this is my reintroductory year as far as ducks go (reintro-duck-tory year? sorry), I went with Indian runners, because they are reputed to be excellent foragers (read - death to slugs) and they are only about 3.5 pounds each. When I read about the Aylesburies, I thought maybe first time back in the pond

, I should work with smaller birds.

But, wouldn't it be sweet to have a few of the Aylesburies wandering majestically over the estate? Maybe some day. There may be an opportunity here for someone who wants to breed them - there are some breeders, but they are not as easily found as several other breeds. And they are just so lovely.

By the way, the Silver Appleyards are beautiful, too! If someone wanted more color, I can see that they would fit the bill.

Oh, I am sorry. One of those nights.

 

[duck&chickencrazy]

o i love Buff Orpingtons...they are soooo pretty!!!