The Aylesbury duck race (like Orpington) owes its name to its place of origin, the Aylesbury Valley, England. Originally this duck was called White English but in the early 1800s. It was so famous that it was known as Aylesbury duck. Its successful reproduction is believed to be due to the source of white gravel found in local streams, which is also the reason for its pale pink peak.
They often grew up in country houses. Some people even slept with their ducks to keep them warm. When they began to commercialize, the ducks walked from Aylesbury to London, a distance of about 65 km. This took them several days and carried a layer of tar and sawdust as protection in the feet.
In 1873, the Pekin Duck was introduced to the United Kingdom. Whatever the latter’s flesh is less palatable than the Aylesbury duck. It is gradually needed because of its rusticity and ability to gather at a low price. Many farmers use from Peking duck or cross between Peking duck and Aylesbury duck. In the early twentieth century, Beijing’s duck competition, endogamy, diseases affected pure Aylesbury ducks.
World War II ended up damaging this industry, as only a few large farms continue to produce in Buckinghamshire, while small producers are destroyed. Corruption caused by war undermines the industry. In the 1950s there is only one important duck breeding Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. In 1966, the duck no longer exists in its original town. What there is only important breeding of Aylesbury duck in the UK and the race is very endangered in the United States, this animal remains a symbol of the city of the same name and seems elsewhere its coat of arms and Logo of the Aylesbury United football club.
Characteristics of Aylesbury Duck
This Aylesbury duck has a large size, with the muscles in the chest very developed, the male comes to weigh 5 kg and the female 4.5 kg, its head is large and long, its beak wide and long, pink in color. The neck is curved backward. The female gets to lay 120 whitish eggs per year. Its meat is an off-white color, good quality, and great flavor, The main objective of its breeding is the obtaining of meat.
The ducklings grow very fast and at the age of eight weeks after hatching, they weigh 2.3 kg. Being big enough to eat but still very young and extremely sensitive. In this way, his meat arrived at the beginning of the year, once the season ended but before the first chickens of spring, were on sale. Another duck meat of breed are the Rouen ducks. They lay their eggs from February and it takes 6 months to grow enough so that they can eat.
The Pekin ducks are very similar to the Aylesbury duck. They are white with beaks and orange legs and their posture is more erect. Although not as delicate as Aylesbury’s, the Pekin duck produced more eggs, gained more quickly, and was about the same size as the Aylesbury at the age of eight weeks. For this reason, Aylesbury is now an endangered breed.
Food
Must be fed with proteins, and substances containing vitamins, including alfalfa meal, cod liver oil. The color of its beak is due to a grain that feeds the ducks when they are small, characteristic of the area of Aylesbury.
Varieties
The Aylesbury duck stop is only available in pure white.
Special Feature
The Aylesbury duck is considered a great bird of table because it grows and matures very fast and has a taste and quality difficult to match. The Aylesbury is good and friendly but also knows how to scream quite loudly.
Duck Profile
| Duck name | Aylesbury Duck |
| Other Name | White English |
| Duck Purpose | Meat, Eggs, Ornamental, Pets, Exhibition, |
| Feather color | Apricot, Bibbed, Black, Fawn Blue, Dark Silver, Magpie, Mallard, Pied, Silver, and White. |
| Weight | Male: 5kg and Female: 4.5kg |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Egg Color | White |
| Egg Size | Large |
| Egg Productivity | Low (50 to 120 eggs in the year). |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
FAQ
Why is Aylesbury famous for ducks?
Aylesbury is a town in Buckinghamshire, England that has been associated with ducks for centuries. The connection between the town and ducks dates back to the 15th century when King Henry VIII granted the local market rights to trade in duck eggs. This made Aylesbury one of the few places in England where duck eggs could be bought and sold legally.
Are Aylesbury ducks noisy?
Aylesbury ducks are not particularly known for being noisy. They are generally quieter than other breeds of ducks, such as Pekins and Muscovies. Aylesbury ducks usually only make noise when they feel threatened or if they are looking for food. When they do vocalize, it is typically a low quacking sound.
What Color eggs do Aylesbury ducks lay?
Aylesbury ducks are a breed of domesticated duck developed in the 1800s. The breed is known for its large white eggs, which usually weigh around 70 grams. These eggs have a creamy-white color and a very thick shell. In comparison to other breeds of ducks, Aylesbury ducks are considered one of the best layers due to their high egg production rate and large size. They can lay up to 200 eggs per year, making them an ideal choice for commercial egg production. The white color of their eggs also makes them popular for use in baking and cooking.
Conclusion
If you’ve been looking for a new duck breed, the Aylesbury is one that merits some consideration. This guide has provided information about what to expect from this large white waterfowl and how it differs from other breeds. We hope this helps! Good luck with your search!
As A Reference: Wikipedia
