Duck Update
We are currently rebuilding our duck flock for egg production. We have trimmed down our choice of breeds for production qualities and for conservation efforts. We are now going to carry the following ducks:
Cayuga - a handsome black duck with a striking beetle purple/green sheen. Medium class, dual purpose for meat and eggs. Eggs are large with black shells that fade to white as the season progresses. The Livestock Conservancy lists the Cayuga under “watch” status. Our first Cayuga was a male duck obtained from one of Kara’s postal customers last year. A nice Mexican family had him available at a yard sale. She took a quick look at the duck while collecting a signature and their two girls begged her to buy their duck because their mom said he would be dinner if no one bought him. Of course, Kara couldn’t refuse and went back after work to purchase him. He turned into a strikingly handsome fella and earned this breed a permanent home on the farm.
Ancona - a beautifully varied, multi-colored breed developed in America. Colors include black and white, blue and white, chocolate and white, silver and white, lavender and white, and tri-colored. Medium class, dual purpose for meat and eggs. Eggs are large and shells can be white, tinted, blue-green, or speckled. The Livestock Conservancy lists the Ancona under “watch” status. We have obtained our Ancona ducks from several breeders.
Indian Runner - the slender, upright duck from Indo-China, some 2000 years ago, looks like a wine bottle with legs. This breed also has a myriad of feather colors. Light class, purposed for egg production. Eggs are medium (hen sized) and shells are white or blue-green. The Livestock Conservancy lists the Runner as “recovering” status. Our first runners came by word-of-mouth from, as it turned out, another of Kara’s postal customers. They are a lovely Korean family, accustomed to keeping ducks as childhood pets and for eggs, unfortunately, their HOA wouldn’t allow the ducks. We fell in love with their cute soldier running and they also earned a permanent spot on the farm. The runners are, by far, the most popular breed of the Basselton Farm fans.
