Silver Appleyard is a British breed of exotic duck that was developed in the 1940s. Like other exotic birds, this duck is named after a renowned ducks breeder, Reginald Appleyard. It is classified as a large utility bird suitable for meat and eggs. As the paradigm shifts towards beauty, this bird has found itself being kept for ornamental purposes with some bird enthusiasts using it as a pet.
In terms of meat production, the drakes matures rather faster attaining an average of 3kgs in 9 weeks. Duck meat is very delicious and healthy. With this point, we encourage new farmers to purpose on starting their venture with this type of duck.
Silver appleyard ducks are also excellent egg producers. These ducks can lay an average of 250 eggs annually. Ducks of this breed are good brooders and good mothers.
In terms of temperament, Silver Appleyards are calm and generally friendly. They love foraging but do not like straying very far from homes.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Generally, Silver Appleyards are very beautiful. They can be distinguished from other breeds by the following unique characteristics;
- Greenish or yellowish beak with a black tip
- Greenish to blackish neck with a white stripe (the stripe becomes striking with age)
- Brown eyes
- Orange legs with dark toenails
- Blue stripe on the wings