Silver Appleyard Duck

Silver Appleyard ducks are a well-regarded heritage breed known for their versatility, as they are prized for both meat and egg production. They are also favored by backyard enthusiasts for their striking appearance, friendly nature, and manageable size. Originating from England, the breed was developed in the 1940s by Reginald Appleyard, a keen breeder focused on creating a large, attractive, and practical duck. These ducks are well-suited to both farm environments and smaller
backyard setups.

Physical Characteristics
  • They are considered large, robust birds with a sturdy build
  • The bill is also orange and flat
  • Their plumage is predominantly silver with white accents
  • Silver Appleyards possess a strong, deep chest
  • They have orange legs and feet, contributing to their overall vibrant look.

BREED & ORIGIN

Silver Appleyard &  Developed in England in the 1940s by a British farmer

LIFE EXPECTANCY

8-12 years

HEIGHT & WEIGHT

Drakes (males): 8-10 lbs (3.6-4.5 kg)
Ducks (females): 7-9 lbs (3.2-4 kg)

They are excellent foragers, making them great at controlling garden pests like slugs and insects naturally!
Life stages of a duck

Duckling: 0-6 weeks

Juvenile: 8-12 weeks

Adult: 16+ weeks

Breed Traits and Characteristics

LOW

MEDIUM

HIGH

Temperament

Calm, friendly, good with other animals and humans, excellent foragers

Activity Level

High; enjoy foraging and require space to roam

Climate Tolerance

Adaptable to various climates but require protection from extreme cold and heat

Genetic Traits

Good growth rate, excellent foragers, and prolific egg layers

Egg Laying Capacity

High, 220-265 eggs per year

Broodiness

Occasional broodiness; artificial incubation often preferred for optimal hatching

What Are the Care and Maintenance Needs of Silver Appleyard Duck?

Feeding

Provide a balanced duck feed, supplemented with greens, grains, and occasional treats like insects. Access to clean, fresh water is essential.

Housing

Silver Appleyard ducks need secure, predator-proof shelters with dry bedding and ventilation. They enjoy outdoor space for roaming and foraging.

Health

These ducks are hardy but benefit from a clean environment to prevent infections. Regular health checks and secure housing help keep them safe from predators and diseases.

How to Breed and Raise Silver Appleyard Duck?

Breeding Practices
Silver Appleyard ducks are relatively easy to breed and raise. They are known for their rapid growth, making them excellent meat birds, but they are also suitable for egg production. They are generally good mothers, though artificial incubation is often used to ensure better hatching rates. These ducks thrive best when raised in a natural environment with access to clean water and fresh pasture 
for foraging.

Nutritional Needs
Ducklings need a high-protein diet during their growth phase, while adult Silver Appleyard Duck thrive on a balanced diet rich in grains, greens, and protein.

Flygrubs provide essential protein and calcium, supporting egg production. It complement their diet, providing high protein, healthy fats, calcium, and phosphorus and can be integrated into the diet from ducklings to adulthood. Easy to incorporate, can be fed
dried or rehydrated.

What is the Economic and Cultural Impact of Silver Appleyard Duck?

The Silver Appleyard duck is valued economically for its high-quality meat and egg production, while culturally cherished for its friendly nature and contribution to sustainable farming practices.

Category

Details

Breed

Silver Appleyard

Origin

England, developed by Reginald Appleyard in the 1940s

Temperament

Calm, friendly, good with other animals and humans, excellent foragers

Comb Type

None (ducks do not have combs, but Silver Appleyards have pale orange bills)

Commercial Use

Known for both meat and egg production, with a good feed-to-egg conversion rate

Climate Tolerance

Adaptable to various climates but require protection from extreme cold and heat

Feeding

Balanced diet of grains, greens, and protein-rich feed, supplemented with Fly Grubs for additional nutrients

Breed Standards

Recognized by various poultry organizations for exhibition and backyard use

Backyard Use

Popular among backyard enthusiasts due to their manageable size, egg-laying capacity, and friendly nature

Egg Laying

220-265 eggs per year

Housing Requirements

Need dry, draft-free housing with access to fresh water and pasture; 3-4 square feet per duck indoors

Activity Level

High; enjoy foraging and require space to roam

Genetic Traits

Good growth rate, excellent foragers, and prolific egg layers

Market Value

Ducklings: $8-$12 each; adults depend on demand and quality

Fly Grubs Benefits

High protein and calcium, supports robust egg production and healthy growth

Yes, Silver Appleyard ducks make excellent pets due to their calm and friendly nature. They are easy to manage, especially for beginner duck owners, and enjoy human interaction. Their sociable temperament makes them a delightful addition to backyard flocks.