Fancy Duck Varieties: Part One

Although there are not as many breeds of duck as there are of chickens, there are still several varieties that make a very colorful and beautiful addition to any backyard flock. From the Blue Swedish to the Cayuga, these duck breeds are both beautiful and functional.

Muscovy

The Muscovy duck is certainly one of the most unusual varieties of duck that you are likely to see, due in large part to the red growths that regularly appear around the eyes. They are also unique in that they do not quack, instead making a hissing sound. They come in fourteen different color varieties, including blue, black, chocolate, and white. They are an ideal choice for those who want to raise their own ducklings, as they are brood and often make very good and attentive mothers.

Orpington

If you are familiar with the Buff Orpington variety of chicken, then it should come as no surprise that these ducks were bred by the same farmer in England. Like the chicken, they often exhibit a rich buff color, making them a lovely addition to the backyard flock (although they once occurred in several other varieties, including black and chocolate, many of which are rare today). They are good layers of white or tinted eggs, although they are sometimes used for meat as well.

Cayuga

This fancy duck variety, which originated on Cayuga Lake in New York, are truly one of the most recognizable and unique duck varieties. With their lustrous, blackish-green plumage, you will not be able to mistake this duck for any other. They are very hardy, making them an ideal choice for northern climates, and they are known for producing a fairly large number of colored eggs, which range from black or dark grey in the early part of the season changing to a lighter color later on.

Crested

This medium-weight, dual purpose chicken stands out because of the crest or top-knot of feathers that you can usually see on their heads. There are two varieties recognized by the American Poultry Association, black and white. They usually weigh 6 or 7 pounds (for females and males, respectively). They lay well and their fast maturity also makes them a popular variety for the table. It is interesting to note, however, that the crested gene is linked to a lethal genetic problem, so that ducklings bearing both of the crested genes typically die in the shell. They are a popular breed for exhibition.

If you want to raise a backyard flock of ducks that is truly something extraordinary, then you should definitely consider one of the fancy duck varieties.

Sources
Poultry Hub
Feather Site