Ducks

Duck

Duck refers to the numerous waterfowl species belonging to the Anatidae family, raised primarily for their meat and eggs.  Besides their edible uses, they have other utilities too. Their soft feathers are used for making pillows.  Some like the Indian runner and Swedish Blue excel as great show ducks, while others like the Pekin duck and Muscovy duck make for great pets.

Male Duck

Ducks

Ducklings come in several colors like black, brown, or yellow. Some of the common breeds seen include the Pekin, Call, and Aylesbury ducks.

Different Types of Duck Breeds

There are several breeds of duck found worldwide, categorized as light, medium, heavy, or bantam species.

Light

• Abacot Ranger Duck
• Bali Duck
• Campbell Duck
• Indian Runner Duck
• Hook Bill Duck
• Magpie Duck
• Welsh Harlequin Duck
• Elizabeth Duck
• Alabio Duck

Medium

• Blue Swedish Duck
• Cayuga Duck
• Crested Duck
• Orpington Duck
• Ancona Duck
• Pomeranian Duck
• Golden Cascade Duck
• Duclair Duck

Bantam

• Black East Indian Duck
• Call Duck
• Crested Miniature Duck
• Silver Appleyard Miniature Duck
• Australian Spotted Duck

Heavy

•  Aylesbury Duck
• Muscovy Duck
•  Pekin Duck
• Rouen Duck
• Rouen Clair Duck
• Saxony Duck
• Silver Appleyard Duck
• Australian Call Duck

History and Development

Duck Picture

Duck Image

They were most likely domesticated in Southeast Asia by rice paddy farmers, probably captured in nets and bred in captivity for their meat and eggs. However, the exact period since when their domestication began remains unknown due to the lack of any records. The first written records come from central China by around 500 BC. While ducks were farmed both in Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire, they are not believed to be domesticated by them.

Duck Nest

Ducklings

Almost all varieties of domestic duck, except for the Muscovy, can be traced back to wild mallards. As a result of domestication, there are some differences between wild and domestic ducks. This includes being more promiscuous, less territorial, and aggressive.

Duck Eggs

Picture of Duck

Duck is less preferred than chickens in the west, as chickens tend to be cheaper to raise. Despite this, over 3 billion ducks are slaughtered every year for their meat.

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