Fancy Duck Breeds

The Appleyard duck (also called the Silver Appleyard) breed originated in England. They are characterised by their multi-colouring, and known for their flavourful meat and great egg-laying ability (100 to 180 eggs/year).

The Aylesbury duck breed was developed around the early 18th century and became a cottage industry in Aylesbury in southern England

The Campbell is an excellent egg layer duck 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.

The Cayuga is a hardy, quiet, docile and dual-purpose breed (they are also used for ornamental purposes). They have a black bill and black plumage which, in the correct light, appears an iridescent beetle green.

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.

The Khaki Campbell is a mixture of the Indian Runner, Mallard, and Rouen breeds which has made it a very efficient egg producer (it can average up to 300 eggs per year).

The Indian Runner is an excitable duck breed, however they can easily be trained. This breed is an exceptional egg layer (over 300 eggs a year) and can produce enough meat for up to two people.

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 and a yellowish orange (can also contain some red) bill tipped with black (as opposed to the dark brown bill in females).

The Muscovy have wart-like ‘caruncles’ on their face that develop with age. This is especially the case with the males. As they are perching ducks, they have sharp toenails on their web feet.

The Orpington originates from Great Britain and is a good dual purpose bird. Orpington is considered a good layer, capable of laying more than 220 eggs per year.

Pekin ducks are fast growers and efficient layers and are the most popular commercial duck breed, and are particularly popular in China.

The Rouen produces a high-quality meat and are known to be good foragers. The Rouen strongly resembles a Mallard as they have a green head, white collar, deep claret breast and blue speculum feathers.

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.