Ducks
Owning ducks can be a rewarding experience with numerous benefits. They are excellent foragers, helping to control pests and weeds in your garden while natural fertilization through their droppings. Ducks also produce delicious, nutrient-rich eggs that are often richer in flavor compared to chicken eggs Additionally, their quirky personalities and social behaviors can bring joy and entertainment to your backyard, making them delightful companions.
Muscovy Ducks
Muscovy ducks make for a wonderful multiprupose bird as they provide eggs, meat and companionship. They come in a variety of colors and are recognized by their bright red facial caruncles. Unlike many other duck breeds, Muscovies are great at foraging and can help control pests in gardens. Their calm demeanor makes for excellent companions for both backyard enthusiasts and small farms.
Cayuga Ducks
Cayugas are known for their striking black plumage with a beetle-green sheen as well as their dark bloom eggs. The black bloom eggs were specifically why we wanted to add them to our ranch. They are hardy, calm, and good for egg and meat production, laying up to 150 eggs per year, which are initially black but lighten to white as the season progresses. Cayugas are also valued for ornamental purposes and are recognized as a heritage breed.
Call Ducks
Call ducks are a small bantam breed of ducks that originated in the Netherlands, historically used by hunters as decoys. They are known for their plump, oval body, short neck, and large eyes. Call ducks come in various colors, white being a popular one. They are great as pets due to their small size but the hens are extremely talkative and loud. Due to some call ducks small size during the winter they may have a harder time so it is recommend to have an elevated place for them to stay most of the time. Call ducks can fly so insuring they have a covered enclosure is important.