Magpie Ducks

[ChristineR]

I'm curious about them as well! I was going to get ancona's but read somewhere that ancona's are nothing more then mixed up Magpies. Are they really that similar? Are they friendly birds that lay lots of eggs and are they small or medium? Once place sold them as small birds 4-5 pounds but another 5-6 or 8 pounds so I'm a bit confused???

I like both breeds. I have Anconas; they aren't "mixed up Magpies," they are their own separate breed. This is quoted from the ALBC website:

"The Ancona was developed in Great Britain during the early twentieth century and most likely originated from Runner ducks and Huttegen ducks, an old Belgian duck. This is the same foundation stock as the Magpie duck. "They have been raised in the United States for several decades and were exhibited in 1983 in Oregon. Although still rare, their numbers have been increasing since 1984 when they first became available to the public." (Holderread 2001, 53)"

 

[Mother Duck]

Your ducks are soo cute! I wonder how much it would be to ship hatching eggs to the USA?

Sara

 

[fowlman01]

Taras,

Nice looking Magpies. I especially like your Blue Pair. I raised Magpies for a number of years. Enjoyed seeing how variable the markings were from one bird to the next. I was quite surprised to hear Holderreads dispersed their flock.

Chris

I have some blue magpies Chris and I'm in Santa Rosa.

Walt

 

[Westguy]

Walt,

I hear ya loud and clear!

 

[GAIL328]

Anyone have magpie ducklings for sale near new Jersey?

 

[ducklover87]

What's the difference between magpies and the Anconas? I was thinking about magpies but they look so much like Anconas I didn't pressure myself that much to have them. Any information would be great!

 

[ChristineR]

What's the difference between magpies and the Anconas? I was thinking about magpies but they look so much like Anconas I didn't pressure myself that much to have them. Any information would be great!

The most obvious difference to me, is that Magpies have a set pattern and Anconas are randomly marked.

 

[ducklover87]

The most obvious difference to me, is that Magpies have a set pattern and Anconas are randomly marked.

Oh I didnt know that. I thought magpies were randomly marked too. Thanks

 

[GAIL328]

One day old magpies.

 

[taras.farm]

mAGPIES Do have set patterns for show...but they do hatch out un-patterned markings...I usually hatch about 50% with proper markings...a handful of each batch fit for show! It does greatly depend on the parents you're breeding from...They are a real trick to breed for markings.The benefit is that you see that right from hatch. So a magpie without the perfect cap and wing coverage is still a pure magpie. Symmetrical markings is pretty common however they might come out...they make for some pretty unique ducks.---fun to 'know your ducks' instead of them blending into a flock.
Anconas are their own breed...although I've heard some people selling off Magpie culls as Anconas in the past years...this is not right. Anconas are more 'messy' if you will...with a patchy kind of look to them. I like those too! Pure Anconas are even harder to find than Magpies I believe.
Unfortunately...I'm not nearly set up to sell my Magpie babies across border (I'm in Canada)...would be good business for me I've had an huge increase in inquiries this year since holderreads isn't breeding them. Canadians don't seem quite enough interested,since i started working with this breed about 5 years ago.....well not so interested yet! Just a little! lol
Most up here are sticking to larger breeds that offer better table weights as well.
My males can get up to 6.5lbs but generally they are all a lighter duck dressing out to around 3-4.5lbs. Heavy foragers making for leaner ducks...mine get all the pasture and lush greens they need since they are managed on about 2 acres with nighttime housing and ponds to swim in. I do appreciate their quiet nature,independence and fantastic feathering. Nice eggs and a possibility of hatching their own is a benefit as well.
I wish everyone the best finding the ducklings they want this year...I'm thrilled to hear there is a lot of interest in beautiful Magpie ducks! My first batch hatches the 13th the second 2 weeks after...I will gladly share those pictures with you all! tara
www.thenestegg.webs.com