Three Bird Farm

08/08/2026

08/08/2026

So sorry we've been quiet! It was a busy duckling season, but molts are now in full swing, and we are winding down. We had an interesting season with the ducks with some ups and some downs, but we've learned a lot about the flock we acquired last October from Darling Poultry (they are the best!), and we have some really nice new ducks we hatched from our original Holderread stock. We can't wait for next season!

In the meantime, we have one little three-week-old (on Monday) duckling who was a lone hatch from an unsuccessful broody girl pile (mostly our fault). As a lone duckling, Fern (named by our wonderful niece, who visited this summer!) is spending a lot his/her time with us, and she/he is adorable. As a dark phase silver appleyard, this duckling will not become part of our breeding program, but he/she is going to be a great ambassador here on the farm!

She's sleeping on my foot as I type this, but he/she sure likes to be active! After feeding the big ducks every night, Fern follows us back to the deck for the evening firepit, music and cocktails. She charms all our guests and is quite the party girl. Earlier this week, she had her first big truck ride, which she loved (Karen had a follow-up with her eye surgeon, and Ret and Fern played in the grass outside). Then we all went to Homeport Inn and Tavern, which was Fern's first bar experience! Her favorite part? The ice cubes!

As you can tell, we are sure enjoying having Fern around!

05/29/2026

Almost Three Weeks Old!

05/29/2026

Herc wishes you a good day!

05/27/2026

We are in the middle of transitioning these 2.5-week old silver appleyard ducklings from 20% protein starter feed to 14-16% maintenance feed. We do this at the two week mark because appleyards are a large breed, and we want to keep their weight in check to avoid leg and other issues associated with large breeds. We gradually mix in a little more of the maintenance feed each day until they are 100% transitioned. The size of the feed is different, but they take to it readily. If they are handling it well, that can be in 4 to 5 days. At the same time, we are also transitioning away from free choice to feeding all they can eat in 15 minutes 3x/day.

05/25/2026

Poor ducklings no longer get free choice feed as of today, but at least the rain stopped, so they can head out and enjoy the sunshine!

05/24/2026

At ~Day 14, we transition from free choice to feeding three times a day. We also begin to transition them off their 20% protein starter onto a 14-16% maintenance feed. By the end of the week, they will be on 100% maintenance feed fed three times a day. For the feedings, we let them eat all they want in 15 minutes and then remove the food until.the next feeding. Silver appleyards are large breed ducks, and it's very important to manage their weight starting early. While the feed we use (Mazuri Waterfowl feeds) is a complete diet, we do continue to supplement brewers yeast until ~8 weeks. Healthy ducks are happy ducks!

05/23/2026

Duckling Update: This batch is two weeks old this weekend, and last night was the first night they didn't use their heatplate. The room where there brooder is set to 55°F. It was in the 40s outside last night. They will remain inside until nightime temps are well 50°F or until they are fully feathered. Having said that, they love their daily trips outside and swimming when warm enough.

Make Way for Ducklings!

05/20/2026

Your Silver Appleyard Duckling Moment of Zen

Heritahe breed hatching eggs available now and discounted for International Heritage Breed Week!

DM for more info.

05/19/2026

They grow up so fast!

Silver appleyard hatching eggs on sale this week in celebration of The Livestock Conservancy International Heritage Breeds Week.

DM us for more info.