Ducks
1. Appleyard
Developed in the 1930s, the apple yard is an excellent bird for the production of meat and eggs. Appleyards, sometimes referred to as silver apple yards, were first brought to the US in the 1960s and recognized by the APA in 1998. The apple yards are known for having a calm temperament, making them a nice choice for flock owners.
2. Aylesbury
Named for the town of Aylesbury, in England, this large white duck has long been a favourite in Britain. The Aylesbury was traditionally raised as a market bird. Both drakes and hens have deep, prominent, rounded breast, a blocky body and a long prominent keel that almost touches the ground. The Aylesbury was first admitted in the APA in 1874.
3. Buff Orpington
The Buff duck is a friendly and fairly docile bird that forages well. Raised frequently for show purposes, the breed can’t be discounted as a practical barnyard bird. Buff’s yield a fine medium size roaster that cleans up nicely. The buff was first admitted to the APA in 1914.
4. Dutch Hookbill
The dutch hook bill has been documented as far back as the seventeenth century in the Netherlands and Germany. They were imported to the US in the early 2000s. They are named for their hooked bill that curves from the forehead. About the size of a large mallard, hook bills are very active foragers. They are yet to be recognized in the APA.
5. Pekin
Pekins are talkative ducks and raised primarily for market thanks to their fast growth. The breed was developed in China and first imported to the US in the early 1870s. The Pekin was first admitted in the APA in 1874.
6. Muscovy
The domestic muscovy is a very large breed raised for meat. They are voracious omnivores and excellent foragers, making them great for pest control. The muscovy is a quiet and personable duck. Ducks can brood 3 clutches per year. The muscovy was first admitted in the APA in 1874.
7. Saxony
The Saxony was developed in Germany in the first half of the twentieth century. The saxony is a good all-purpose breed. They are active foragers ad hardy birds who adapt well to various environments. The Saxony was first admitted to the APA in 2000.
8. Crested Ducks
The crest is a mutation that spontaneously occurs from time to time in mallards and their descendants. Crested ducks are reasonably good layers but are maintained primarily as pets and ornamental birds. A number of colour varieties are known but the APA only recognizes the black and white. The crested duck was first admitted in the APA in 1874.
