Do you want to own a pet that will offer spectacular plumage and eggs larger than chicken eggs? If so, then the Appleyard duck is an ideal choice. It’s strong yet graceful appearance has made it popular among backyard farmers, small-scale hobbyists, and beginner poultry owners alike. Developed in the early 1900s by Reginald Appleyard, this British breed of domestic duck looks beautiful with its white chest outlined with black feathers – some even having lavender accents! Far more important than its striking plumage however are their robust temperaments, ability to withstand poor quality feed, amazing egg-laying capability (they even lay in winter too!), and they lay large colored eggs! Read on to learn all about this intriguing breed.
History & Origin
The Appleyard Duck is a unique breed with a fascinating history. It was developed by Reginald Appleyard in the early to mid-20th century in the British Isles. This breed is among the most popular ducks for egg production, creating blue-green eggs that are larger than many other breeds and offering good fertility rates. Appleyard are also known for their gentle dispositions and exquisite coloring, making them an ideal choice for those interested in duck keeping and raising. Appleyard Ducks are one of only a handful of domestic duck breeds that have truly stood the test of time!
Characteristics
Appleyard Duck are a British breed of domestic duck with many distinctive characteristics that make them unique from their wild counterparts. Originally bred in the early 20th century by Reginald Appleyard, Appleyard are characteristically heavier than most breeds, having broad chests and bodies. Appleyard come in two colors; silver, which earned it its namesake, and blue. These beautiful ducks usually have white bibs and occasionally some white on their heads to finish off the look. Appleyards are also much quieter than other breeds, making them a preferred choice for duck farms due to their less bothersome nature compared to other breeds. The Appleyard Duck has become an iconic addition to our barnyard landscape over the past century since its indoctrination.
Feed
For Appleyard ducks, everyday nutrition is essential for optimal health and performance. Appleyard ducks need feed that is well-balanced in proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, niacin, and lysine. The mainstay of the Appleyard duck’s diet should include plenty of grains such as wheat, oats and corn as these provide vital nutrients such as carbohydrates required for energy intake. Appleyards should also have access to green foods such as lettuce or kale as part of their diet. Appleyards are omnivores which means they can eat plants and animals but it is important to monitor the amount of food consumed by individual Appleyard ducks to prevent overeating. Appleyard should be provided with fresh water daily to stay healthy and promote digestion. Nutrition plays an important role in the health of any Appleyard duck so providing them with a nutritionally balanced diet will ensure they lead long and happy lives.
Usage
The Appleyard Duck is an ideal bird for keeping and raising for both meat and eggs. It was developed by Reginald Appleyard to be a dual-use breed specifically designed for domestic purposes, and its combination of a large size, high egg production, plus quick-growing capabilities make it perfect for the kitchen table. Appleyard Ducks are known for having placid personalities; therefore, they are easy to look after even in beginner flocks. Their white eggs have brown markings which add depth of color when served at breakfast or any other meal. Whether you’re interested in Appleyard Ducks as food sources or just as pet ducks, this special British breed has something to offer everyone!
Special Feature
The Appleyard Duck is one of the most special breeds of ducks. Originally bred by Reginald Appleyard in the first half of the 20th century, this breed stands out from others due to its unique coloration and features. Appleyard Ducks are a rich reddish brown color, with a darker head, lighter yellow legs and bill, and a creamy white bib that runs down its front to round off their distinguished look. Despite their attractive appearance, Appleyard Ducks are also notable for their impressive egg production, giving them a practical use as well as being decorative. The Appleyard Duck offers an excellent combination of beauty and functionality for anyone looking for more than just a pretty waterfowl.
Describe the Appleyard Appearance
The Appleyard duck is a majestic breed with a striking coloration. It has a lustrous, midnight-blue head and neck, with striking white collar-like markings on its breast. Appleyard are quite large; they have an average weight of up to 9 pounds (4 kg), making them one of the larger duck breeds. Appleyard also have strong legs and feet which are black or dark slate in color, often spotted with contrasting lighter colors such as white or cream. Beyond that, Appleyard have soft yellow bills and shanks, dark green eyes with short or medium length length tails. They are easily identified due to their robust stature, bright colors, and long body shape. The Appleyard is often revered for its comeliness — bred by Reginald Appleyard in the twentieth century as an ornamental bird for show purposes, Appleyard are considered to be beautiful ducks by many!
Discuss The Appleyard Personality
The Appleyard Duck is known to be outgoing, friendly and curious. They enjoy human interaction and make loyal companions. Appleyards typically like the company of other animals, so they do well in multi-species households if given plenty of space. Appleyards are also very clever and outgoing, making them great additions to any flock. Appleyard like to free range as much as possible and can even be trained to come when called. Appleyards will form strong bonds with their owners and are content to follow them around during the day or stay close by for extra love and attention. All in all, Appleyard are very social beings that make excellent companion birds for both people, other ducks or chickens.
Explore Their Diet
Appleyard ducks are a British breed of domestic duck that were bred in the first half of the twentieth century. Their diet is essential to their health, and Appleyard ducks feed mainly on vegetation such as grasses and aquatic plants like water lilies. Appleyard also enjoy eating insects, slugs, snails, and other invertebrates. Additionally, Appleyard should be given a balanced poultry feed with wheat, oats and barley to ensure they receive enough protein and vitamins. Apples or pears can be provided as a treat if you’d like! Appleyard ducks enjoy exploring in the grassy fields and running around, yet require sufficient freshwater for swimming so providing them a nearby pond would help accommodate that need!
Explain Breeding & Care Requirements
The Appleyard Duck is an iconic British breed, known for its unique size, color and beautiful markings. Bred in the early twentieth century by Reginald Appleyard, it is a great addition to any farm or domestic household. To ensure this breed can be successful, certain breeding and care requirements must be adhered to. Incubation periods should typically last 28 days and handling of the young ducks must be carried out with great care. Appleyard Ducks require a balanced diet consisting of grains, high quality greens and occasional treats to keep them healthy. They also require a clean living environment with ample room for swimming as well as preening their feathers. Applying these simple husbandry practices will help ensure that Appleyard Ducks remain a proud part of many backyard and farm flocks for many years to come.
Compare The Appleyard To Other Duck Breeds
Appleyard ducks, like most domestic duck breeds, are hardy birds that are prized for their eggs and meat. They have a broad orange-brown chest, white plumage on their back and tail feathers and grey wings edged with black. Appleyards are distinctive among other domestic duck breeds for their calm temperaments – they won’t panic in confined spaces or confined yards, making them well-suited to small homesteads and farms. Appleyard’s lay more eggs than some breeds of duck, but fewer than others. While Appleyard’s cohabitate peacefully with other domestic animals such as chickens, other Ducks may be aggressive towards Appleyard’s. Ultimately, Appleyard Ducks make great additions to any flock; providing variety of eggshell color and flavor while being docile creatures that are relatively easy to care for in confinement or open air settings.
FAQ
Are Appleyard ducks friendly?
Appleyard ducks are known for their friendly, sweet personality. They are also quite intelligent and easy to handle if cared for properly. Unlike most other duck breeds, Appleyards are a rare breed that have been developed as domestic birds; they evolved from the Mallard and its wild ancestors specifically for being kept as pets or farm animals.
How long do Appleyard ducks live?
Appleyard ducks are a large and hardy breed of domestic duck that have become popular among backyard farmers. Appleyards are known for their beauty and glossy plumage, as well as their ability to thrive in many climates. The average lifespan of an Appleyard duck is between 8-10 years when they live in ideal conditions; however, with proper nutrition and care they can often live even longer.
How much is a Silver Appleyard duck worth?
Silver Appleyard ducks are highly sought after by collectors and duck fanciers alike due to their beautiful appearance and impressive egg production rate. With that said, there is no set market value for a Silver Appleyard duck because they are so rare and specialized.
Conclusion
The Appleyard duck is truly a remarkable breed; from its regal plumage and demure appearance to its keen intelligence, it’s no surprise that Reginald Appleyard was so successful in breeding this species. With proper care, the Appleyard can be an excellent choice for pet owners and farmers alike. While they may take some time to get used to their new environment, they will soon reveal their unique charm as well as endearing loyalty towards humans and other animals in the household. For those considering this breed, remember that regular daily feedings of quality seed and grain mixtures are essential to ensure your birds’ health, as well as ample water to drink and play in! With patience, consistency and dedication – the rewards of owning an Appleyard duck will surely be worth it!
