What Are Appleyard Ducks?

Appleyard ducks mature slowly, have colorful plumage and provide large white eggs, as well as lean meat. Many people enjoy them as pets. Others show them in exhibitions. Originally developed on Priory Waterfowl Farm in England, they were brought to the United States in the 1960s and were not actually available to the public until 1984.

  1. Origin

    • The Appleyard duck was developed by Reginald Appleyard in England during the 1930s. Appleyard, a waterfowl aficionado, sought to develop a beautiful breed of duck with a long wide breast that would produce excellent meat and eggs. After accomplishing this, he noticed the duck would make an excellent ornament as well. Ornamental ducks are raised as pets or are bred for show.

    Description

    • The Appleyard's color is akin to that of the mallard, except that the drakes, or males, have a lighter silvery tint, and the females have a light silvery brown tint. Perhaps that is why in the United States they bear the name Silver Appleyards. Appleyard ducks have a sturdy build, weigh 6 to 8 lbs. and possess a calm temperament. The drake's greenish or yellow bill sports a black tip. The female's yellow or orange bill also has a black tip. Both drakes and hens have brown eyes. Their plumage contains a mixture of silver, gray and white and is complemented with brighter colors.

    Breeding

    • The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC) recommends selecting "robust, active, and strong-legged birds that have a record of good egg production." If the birds possess strength but are not too large, they will do well with foraging, mating and laying. Healthy birds make the best breeders.

    Conservation

    • The ALBC located, through a 2000 census of domestic water fowl in North America, only 128 breeding Silver Appleyards. Of that, only one main breeding flock containing 50 or more birds existed. This indicated a dire need for more conservation-oriented breeding of Appleyards, the organization said. In 1998, Appleyards were admitted to the American Poultry Association.