Fancy Duck Breeds

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Popular as a pet, the domestic duck is descended from the green-headed mallard (Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos) and belongs to a large group of dabbling ducks that filter feed close to or on the water surface and also graze on grass shoots and seeds. Unlike the mallard, the Muscovy duck is in the tribe Anatini and has its origins in South and Central America. The two breeds are not closely related. The adult male can be distinguished from the female by its curled up tail.

The American Poultry Association (APA) has four classifications for ducks:

• Bantam less than 1.1 kg
• Light 1.8 – 2.25 kg
• Medium 3.2 – 3.6 kg
• Heavy more than 4.0 kg

Did you know? Waterfowl are certain wildfowl of the order Anseriformes, especially members of the family Anatidae, which includes ducks, geese and swans. They are strong swimmers with medium to large bodies. They have historically been an important food source, and continue to be hunted as game, or raised as poultry for meat and eggs.

 

Appleyard

Appleyard Drakes have a yellow or green bill. The Drake has a chestnut red breast, flank, sides, and shoulders with white “frosting and lacing” and a “creamy or silvery white”... read more

Aylesbury

The Aylesbury is very popular for its meat. It has white skin, a pink bill, blue eyes and orange legs. Feather were used for quilt fillings. The Aylesbury duck is... read more

Campbell

The Campbell is an excellent egg layer with a blue-green (male) and greenish-black (female) bill in the khaki variety. White Campbells have blue eyes, whereas, khakis have dark brown eyes.... read more

Cayjuga

The Cayjuga is classified as ‘medium’ under the American Poultry Association scheme. They have a black bill and are a hardy and quiet docile breed. The Cayuga are characterized by... read more

Crested

The Crested is classified as medium by the American Poultry Association. It displays some breeding problems with about 25% of embryos dying. The Crested is an ornamental breed. Classification Light... read more

Khaki Campbell

The Khaki Campbell is a mixture of the Indian Runner, Mallard, and Rouen which has made it a very efficient egg producer averaging up to 300 eggs per year. Khaki... read more

Indian Runner

Easily excitable the Indian Runner can however easily be trained. The bird is an exceptional egg layer (over 300 eggs a year) and can produce enough meat for up to... read more

Mallard

The mallard is 56–65 centimetres long, has a wingspan of 81–98 centimetres , and weighs 0.9–1.2 kilograms. The breeding male is unmistakable, with a bright green head, black rear end... read more

Muscovy

The Muscovy have wart-like ‘caruncles’ on their face that develop with age especially in the males. Sharp toe nails on their web feet as they are perching ducks. The duck... read more

Orpington duck

The Orpington originates from Great Britain and is a good dual purpose bird. Classification Light Appearance Buff (most popular), blond, brown Weight Drake 2.2 – 3.4 Kg Duck 2.2 –... read more

Pekin

Pekin Ducks are raised for their meat and is also the most popular commercial breed. These ducks are fast growers and efficient layers. The Pekin is particularly popular in China.... read more

Rouen

The bill of the drake is yellowish green and orange in the duck. The Rouen produces a high-quality meat and are good foragers. The Rouen resembles a Mallard: they have... read more

Saxony

The Saxony as the name implies originates from Germany. It has a yellow bill and orange legs and is a dual purpose good layer and sitter. Classification Heavy Appearance The... read more

Welsh Harlequin

The bill of drake is yellowish green and that of the duck greenish black. Legs and feet are orange and dark brown respectively. Slightly upright and not unlike khaki Campbells.... read more