Domesticated duck

Domesticated ducks are kept for meat, eggs and down. Many ducks are also kept for show, as pets or for their ornamental value. Most domesticated ducks originated from the Mallard Anas platyrhynchos.

Breeds

There are many existing breeds with more being created today. Most domesticated breeds are descendants from the wild Mallard with exception of the Muscovy. Breeds are sorted into size classes. Below are breeds accepted by the American Poultry Association.

Bantam

Call
East Indie
Mallard
Australian Spotted

Lightweight

Bali
Indian Runner
Khaki Campbell
Welsh Harlequin
Magpie

Mediumweight

Ancona
Cayuga Duck
Crested
Buff Orpington
Swedish

Heavyweight

Appleyard
Aylesbury
Muscovy
Pekin
Rouen
Saxony
Gressingham (Wild Mallard crossed with Pekin)

Gender Differences

There are several ways to tell if a duck is a female or a drake. They can be sexed by voice when their voice changes at 4 to 5 weeks old. Females have a loud quack which ducks are known for. Drakes, however, have a raspy quiet quack. Depending on the breed and variety, drakes have different plumage than females. Day-old ducklings can be sexed by looking inside their vents, but if this is done incorrectly it can hurt or possibly kill the duckling.

Farming

Ducks have been farmed for hundreds of years. They are not as popular as the chicken. This is because the latter have much more white, lean meat and are easier to keep confined. Nevertheless, the duck is a popular and well known farm bird.

Ducks are farmed for their meat, eggs and down. Their eggs are bluey green to white depending on the breed.

Ducks can be kept free range, in cages, or batteried. To be healthy, ducks should be allowed access to water, though battery ducks are often denied this. They should be fed a grain and insect diet. Its a popular misconception that ducks should be fed bread as it offers them no nutritional value and can be deadly when fed to developing ducklings.

As Pets And Ornamentals

Ducks can be kept as pets. They can be kept in a garden and will often eat insects and slugs. A pond or water dish is recommended although they will probably eat any wildlife and frogspawn in a pond. A coop for should be provided for safety at night from predators such as foxes.

Ducks are also kept for their ornamental value. Breeds have been developed with crests and tufts or striking plumage. Shows are held in which these birds can be displayed.

Gallery

Image:Ducklings.jpg|Domesticated ducklings Image:Duck_in_Serbia.JPG|A domesticated duck in a Serbian village Image:Whitecrestedduck.jpg|White Crested Duck

External links

http://www.ducks4all.co.uk
Duck Breed Guide

Domesticated birds | Poultry | Livestock