Introduction

  • Duck keeping has a rich history in the UK with various traditional breeds.
  • Significant heritage breeds: Aylesbury, Silver Appleyard, Buff Orpington, Magpie, Welsh Harlequin.
  • Importance: Genetic diversity and preserving unique traits.

Breeding Heritage Ducks

  • Involves ethical practices and welfare standards.
  • Guidelines from Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) and British Waterfowl Association.
  • Focus on natural behaviors, avoiding inbreeding, and habitat quality.

Key Breeds and Traits

  • Aylesbury: Meat production, lays 35-125 eggs/year, large size.
  • Silver Appleyard: Dual-purpose, 200-270 eggs/year, docile.
  • Buff Orpington: Meat and egg, 150-220 eggs/year, calm temperament.
  • Magpie: Active forager, 220-290 eggs/year, needs proper male-female ratio.
  • Welsh Harlequin: Excellent layer, 240-330 eggs/year, docile nature.
  • Campbell: Egg production, 250-340 eggs/year, active with color varieties.

Breeding Standards

  • Welfare: Five Freedoms, water access, predator-proof housing.
  • RBST prioritization list: Aylesbury, Magpie, Welsh Harlequin.
  • Avoid inbreeding to maintain diversity.

Breeding Process

Selection of Breeding Stock

  • Choose healthy, vigorous ducks displaying ideal traits (conformation, weight).
  • Consider fertility, temperament, and breed standards.

Importance of Water

  • Essential for mating, preening, hygiene, digestion, thermoregulation, and mental well-being.

Mating

  • Maintain a male-to-female ratio to prevent injuries (1 drake: 5 ducks for heavy breeds; up to 10 for lighter breeds).

Egg Laying

  • Start collecting eggs two weeks post-setup, egg storage conditions are crucial.

Incubation

  • Ideal temperature: 37.5°C37.5°C (99.5°F99.5°F), humidity: 55% (increase to 75% for lockdown).
  • Regular egg turning and candling for fertility checks are necessary.

Hatching

  • Duration: Approximately 28 days, with increased humidity prior to hatching.
  • Ducklings take 12-48 hours to emerge completely.

Care of Hatchlings

  • Brooder Setup: Temperature and bedding recommendations (avoid newspaper).
  • Feeding: Starter crumbs with niacin, provide fresh water safely.
  • Swimming: Introduce shallow water gradually after 1-2 weeks under supervision.