Silver Appleyard Ducklings

Valley Hatchery is delighted to introduce our Silver Appleyard Ducklings, a remarkable breed with a rich history dating back to the 1930s, when they were developed by the renowned English breeder Reginald Appleyard. These ducks have gained recognition as one of the most active foragers among heavy-weight duck breeds, sharing this distinction with Saxony Ducks. Silver Appleyards are celebrated not only for their foraging prowess but also for the exceptional quality of their meat, often touted as the most flavorful among ducks. Their versatility extends to hatching and raising their own ducklings, showcasing their nurturing instincts. Males of this breed exhibit distinct characteristics with dark brown eyes, yellow or greenish-colored bills, orange feet and legs, reddish-brown chest and shoulder feathers, creamy or white undersides, gray and white wings adorned with a bright blue cross stripe, and dark bronze tail feathers. Females, while sharing the bright blue cross stripe on their wings, have brown eyes, yellow or orange bills with a black bean, and plumage that is a captivating blend of whitish with brown and gray markings. Silver Appleyard Ducks typically weigh between 7 to 9 pounds and are prolific egg layers, with females producing an impressive 120-175 large to extra-large white eggs annually, each weighing 85-95 grams. These ducks are known for their easy-going and fun-loving nature, making them an ideal choice for both small and large flocks. They are prized for their rapid growth and excellent egg production, with some reports claiming up to 200-270 eggs in a year. The breed’s journey to the United States began in the late 1960s, gaining prominence in the 1980s and ultimately earning acceptance into the American Poultry Standard of Perfection in 1998. Silver Appleyard Ducks are bred for their exceptional utility, excelling in both egg and meat production. They are also known to go broody, successfully raising clutches of 8-12 ducklings with ease. Females exhibit captivating variations in color, making individual identification within the flock effortless. These female Appleyards are often described as lighter-colored mallards, featuring prominent silver-white accents on their face, neck, and breast, along with striking feathers adorned with dark stippling over tan on their shoulders and wings. Remarkably, as Silver Appleyard males age, they tend to lighten in color, while females undergo a darkening transformation, adding a captivating dimension to this remarkable breed. Choose Valley Hatchery for your Silver Appleyard Ducklings, where history, versatility, and distinctive beauty come together in one exceptional breed.