Cunard's Corner  Poultry farm

WHY KEEP DUCKS?

Ducks have been very popular in Asia and Europe for centuries and are now growing in popularity in north america.  There are several reasons for this.  First is egg production.  On a whole ducks are more proficient layers than chickens.  A good layer can produce up to 300 or more eggs a year and the eggs weigh five to eight ounces per dozen more than chicken eggs.  The eggs will also retain thier freshness longer.  The eggs are very tasty too! 

Ducks are also very resistant to disease and cold and wet weather and do not require elaberate housing.  They also have a lower mortality rate than chickens.

Bugs,  like  other birds they love to eat bugs and will also eat snails, lizzards and any other thing that crawls their way.

They are just lots of fun to have around.  They each have different personalities and can become quite tame when around people.

 KHAKI CAMPBELL

Originating in the late 1800s  These are the most prolific breed.  One hen holds a record for laying 360 eggs in one year. They are a medium size pretty brown.  The male can have a little color They are also known for their ability to live and thrive in a veriety of environments from hot and humid to cold areas.  with a sweet quite personality they are an overall good duck.

A young Khaki smiling for the camera.  beside her is a Black Swedish.  Behind her is a Silver Swedish and a Blue Swedish.

SWEDISH

These hardy ducks have been around for a couple of centuries.  They are a medium to large duck that come in a black, blue, or silver with a white bib.  They are average layers and generally non sitters.  They have a mild temperment and are a great bird for beginners.

 a blue and a silver swedish

BUFF DUCKS

 Buff or Buff Orpingtons are a relatively rare medium sized duck.  They are fine layers and were originally used for meat birds.  They have a light buff appearance and the males often have a white ring around thier neck.  They can be very freindly and have a brave temperment.

A buff hen hanging out with a fawn an whit runner.  

This is Tuft our very first duck who is a crested buff drake.

 The temperment of the ducks can very from breed to breed and duck to duck but overall they are very freindly and can be very fun to watch.   We have one rouen hen we call Mumma Duck who will get up on the deck and walk in the sliding door when it is open.  her main goal is to get to the dog food.  She will go as far as kicking our three dogs out of the dish if she has to.

   Welsh Harlequin

originating in 1949 this medium sized duck is a great layer and forager and can make good mothers. They are a calm shy duck and very easy to have around.

A very sweet welsh pair that have been with us for a while.

RUNNERS

Originally from Asia used to glean rice patties of weeds, snails, insects and small reptiles.  They are great layers and foragers.  Their frame is very distinct.  They stand up strait when alert and look kind of like a bottle.  They are a medium to large duck that comes in serveral colors.  Black, blue, white, fawn and white, chocolate and more.  They are alot of fun with alot of personality.

 This is tank our large black runner drake.

MAGPIES

These ducks began showing up aroung 1900  They are one of the rarest standard breed of  ducks and little is known of their history.  They are a striking black and white medium sized duck.  They are good layers.  And have an active almost playful personality.

PEKINS

The Pekin is the one breed of duck you cannot ignore, they will not let you.  They are a large, brave, loud white duck.  They originated in China they have been used for meat and eggs alike.  They can be very friendly.  They are among the most common and popular ducks available.  And yes this is the Aflac duck.

This is slobs our pekin drake who likes to sneak in to get dog food.