We keep a very small duck breeding flock consisting of the following breeds: Cayuga, Swedish, Buff, Fawn Runner, and Crested Pekin. Because our ducks are very flock-bound, we allow them to live together rather than in separate breeding groups. Therefore, ducklings may be pure Cayuga, Blue Swedish, Black Swedish, Silver Swedish, or any mix of Cayuga, Swedish, Runner, Buff, and Pekin. We have two choices for purchasing ducks: as ducklings or as started ducks. All ducks are hatched on-farm.
Our ducklings are raised to 3 days of age to ensure they get off to a good start before going to their new homes. Ducklings are sold straight-run only, and breed availability is dependent on what hatches. All duckling orders are first come, first served. Generally, ducklings are the most impressionable and easily trained when they are young. We have ducklings available April – July.
Our started ducks are raised to 8 weeks of age before they’re ready for their new homes. By 8 weeks, they are about 2/3 grown, fully feathered, and are reliably sexed. In 2023, we will only have one flock of started ducks for pre-order, available in July.
Most ducks lay jumbo eggs with strong shells, tight whites, and large yolks. Because of the larger proportion of yolk to white and their larger size in general, they are sought after by bakers for their richness. Heritage breed ducks begin to lay around 6-8 months of age, supplying 100-180 eggs/year.
Ducks can be excellent foragers, gingerly picking seeds from weed heads or rooting through the grass and leaves to look for snails and other delicacies. They’re entertaining, and find joy in ponds, streams, and puddles. They will need clean water available at all times so that they can dunk their whole head in to wash out their eyes and nostrils on a regular basis. If you don’t have a pond, stream, or kiddie pool for them, a bucket will do!