Magpie Ducks
Magpie ducks are a delightful breed of domestic waterfowl. Their feathering is very reminiscent of a European Magpie, after which they are named.
According to the American Livestock Breed Conservancy, Magpie ducks are a critically endangered breed. This means every Magpie matters! It is a shame there are so few of them, because they are amazing birds!
I was drawn to Magpie ducks for several reasons. First, they are reported to be fantastic layers of eggs, between 220 to 290 eggs a year! And they're on the smaller size than big lumbering Pekins or Rouens. Their fetching plumage definitely makes them stand out as well! Their critically endangered status drew me to them as well. There are other breeds in need, but the Magpies just seemed like the all around perfect bird!
My small flock of Magpies is derived from hatching eggs from three separate breeders. They proved rather troublesome to find in any significant number. My group of Magpies consists of one drake and three females.
In 2014 I plan to offer small numbers of hatching eggs for sale, when I am certain that fertility is good.
According to the American Livestock Breed Conservancy, Magpie ducks are a critically endangered breed. This means every Magpie matters! It is a shame there are so few of them, because they are amazing birds!
I was drawn to Magpie ducks for several reasons. First, they are reported to be fantastic layers of eggs, between 220 to 290 eggs a year! And they're on the smaller size than big lumbering Pekins or Rouens. Their fetching plumage definitely makes them stand out as well! Their critically endangered status drew me to them as well. There are other breeds in need, but the Magpies just seemed like the all around perfect bird!
My small flock of Magpies is derived from hatching eggs from three separate breeders. They proved rather troublesome to find in any significant number. My group of Magpies consists of one drake and three females.
In 2014 I plan to offer small numbers of hatching eggs for sale, when I am certain that fertility is good.
Giving the ducks a kiddie pool when the seasonal pond dried up turned out to be a great decision!