The Silver Appleyard is a large breed of duck, primarily used for egg and meat production. Much like the Rouen duck, their meat is said to be quite tender and flavorful. This is a great dual-purpose breed for any flock.
Silver Appleyard Ducks: Multi-Purpose Breed
This is an attractive bird that looks a bit similar to the
Welsh Harlequin duck, but with some key differences in coloration and size. Harlequins typically have a darker bill and a slimmer silhouette.
Female Silver Appleyards typically have a mixture of buff to white coloration with some darker brown, gray, and black feathers throughout. There can be some variation in their appearance.
The males have dark green iridescent heads with a mixture of buff to white plumage and chestnut red breasts. The plumage on males may become lighter as they age.
The Appleyard duck was selectively bred in 1930s England to provide ample meat and eggs. With a robust conformation and heavy build, they have maintained their position as one of the top egg layers among meat production duck breeds.
In optimal conditions, Appleyards can lay up to 175 eggs per year, but it could be significantly more depending on their genetics and the quality of care.
They are hardy, excellent foragers, and they are even calm and friendly enough to keep as pets. This is a beautiful duck breed that can serve multiple purposes on the farm or homestead.
These birds do not fly.
They are excellent mothers, so they may go broody.
Mature weight between 7 to 9 lbs.
Ordering Details:
- A minimum of 3 ducks are needed to ship, can be as few as one per breed.
- For pricing and orders above 299, or if ordering ducklings and gosling together, please call our office (814) 539-7026.
- Free shipping does not apply to ducklings and goslings.
- View all of our duck breeds here.