Silver Appleyard Duck

Silver Appleyard Duck

We are very excited to offer our Silver Appleyard Ducks. This is an fairly rare and unknown large duck breed. They are a heritage breed of duck on the conservation list under “threatened”. They are raised for exhibition, feathers, pets, eggs and eating – so used for a triple purpose! They are one of the best layers of the heavyweight duck class averaging 220-265 a year! That egg production is simply amazing. The Silver Appleyard is a large, strong built duck that weighs between 8-9 pounds. They tend to get larger faster and also make an excellent meat duck, without all the issues that Pekins have. Our flock is very healthy, strong and bred to APA Standard. Appleyard’s are great foragers, with calm temperaments and we would say friendly for a duck.  We think they are one of the best duck breeds to choose from. They are such beautiful birds and so much fun to watch here on the farm. Let’s keep this breed going, it is wonderful and very useful.

The Silver Appleyards come in different colors. The drakes are a different coloring than the hens, they almost look like mallards. We have both varieties of the Silver Appleyard  – they can be all white, or some with white, grey, brown and fawn markings – Silver. Keep in mind this is a heavyweight duck that is much bigger than average so make adjustments for that.

Please note when ordering from us you can receive Silver or White Varieties!

We think ducks are slightly underrated – they lay more eggs than chickens, are extremely hardy and don’t get as many diseases. They forage for bugs, ticks, and clean up overgrown grass and brush. Very useful in orchards, and areas where you might have a slug problem. Their droppings when composted is excellent for gardens! Their compost “cures” faster than chickens – do some research! We can help you along the way of your duck journey. Ask us what you need to get ducklings off to a great start, we love helping our customers.

Feed Recommendations: we recommend starting baby waterfowl out with Sugar Feather Farm chick and waterfowl starter for the first 3 weeks, then switch to our Waterfowl Grower. Use the Grower Feed until they hit maturation (which is when they start to lay) then switch to Sugar Feather Farm Adult Feed. 

We highly recommend using the Oil of Oregano in their water daily as a supplement to aid with digestion and overall health.

History

“This big, colorful duck was developed by Reginald Appleyard at his waterfowl Farm near Bury St. Edmund, England. His goal, as stated in a 1940’s farm brochure, was to make a beautiful breed of duck, with a combination of beauty, size, lots of big white eggs, and a deep long, wide, breast.” (Holderread, 2001). Appleyards were brought to the United States in the 1960’s and became available to the public in 1984. The American Poultry Association accepted the breed  to the American Standard of Perfection in 2000.