Having a Quacking Good Time

Abacot Ranger Ducks

They were originally known as Hooded Ranger, and this rare duck breed comes from the Abacot Duck Ranch in Colchester, England. They are relatively small, light ducks that make great egg layers. Today Abacot Ranger ducks are show and ornamental birds.

The original name comes from the fact that both males and females have a contrastingly colored head (‘hood’) – dark green in drakes and fawn in females (it can fade to white with age). Also, the bill is greenish in males and grey in females, so this breed has a particularly attractive sexual dimorphism.

Bali Ducks

Bali ducks are among the oldest rare duck breeds and are uncommon outside of Bali. They have plumage of white, brown, and mallard persuasion. They most notably have a characteristic crest.

The Bali Duck is an ancient domestic breed from Indonesia, known for its distinctive pompom crest and upright posture. It is primarily kept as a pet or ornamental bird rather than for commercial egg production.  Known for their calmer demeanor compared to other breeds, they make good pets.

Cayuga Ducks

These beautiful ducks have black-metallic-green plumage. They have a calm nature and are gentle giants.

Cayuga ducks originated in the Finger Lakes region of New York, specifically introduced around 1840 by John S. Clark after obtaining ducks from Orange County, New York. The breed is named after the Cayuga people of that area. They are known for being hardy and well-suited to the Northeast

They are a versatile breed valued for both egg and meat production. They can lay between 100 and 150 eggs per year and are known for their flavorful meat, making them a popular choice for backyard poultry keepers.

Dutch Hookbills

These ducks were named because of their unique hooked bills. They developed in the Netherlands. In the 19th century, these ducks were kept for eggs and meat in Europe. Unfortunately, they have a critical status, with only around 1,000 ducks remaining.

Dutch hookbills are productive and docile. They are known for being able to fend for themselves and forage in the famous Dutch canals. They are athletic and have flying abilities. They enjoy eating insects, crustaceans, small fish, and aquatic plants.

Black East Indian Ducks

These ducks were bred in the 19th century in the US and are considered to be the finest bantam duck breed. Their plumage has a jet black metallic sheen. (pictured above)

These ducks are known for their calm and friendly nature, making them suitable as pets and companions. They thrive in a clean environment with access to water for swimming, and they require a balanced diet to maintain their health.

Orpington Ducks

These ducks were developed in 19th-century England through cross-breeding with Indian Runners, Aylesbury, Cayuga, and Rouen breeds. Orpington ducks are hardy, versatile ducks and are used for both eggs and meat. They have interesting creamy-blue coloring.

They are adaptable and can be found in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe, North America, and Australia. Orpington ducks need a spacious duck house and run to ensure their well-being, and a water feature, such as a pond or baby pool, is essential for their swimming and cleaning needs. These ducks enjoy being around people and can develop strong bonds with their owners, often following them around.

Rouen Ducks

Rouen ducks are adaptable and can thrive in various environments, but they are primarily kept in domestic settings such as farms and backyards. They do not have a specific natural habitat and are often raised for their meat and eggs.  While they can live without a pond, access to water for swimming is beneficial for their health and well-being. They have massive bodies and are often kept for meat. These ducks are flightless.

Rouen ducks originated in the Normandy region of France, particularly around the city of Rouen. They were developed as a dual-purpose breed for both meat and eggs, and later refined in England for exhibition purposes

Shetland Ducks

These ducks are beautiful and medium-to-small birds. They are egg producers. They have characteristic black plumage with a metallic green/blue shine, with white breasts and spots on their heads.

They originate from the Shetland Islands in northern Scotland, where they were traditionally raised by local crofters under harsh conditions. This breed is considered critically endangered and is not recognized by major poultry organizations.

Shetland ducks primarily feed on a variety of invertebrates, including insects, crustaceans, worms, and mollusks, in their natural habitat.