If you had told me five years ago that I’d be laughing at ducks chasing me across my backyard, I probably would’ve said, “Yeah, right.” But here I am, a middle aged guy who once thought chickens were the only “real” homestead birds now completely hooked on my Silver Appleyard ducks.
Let me tell you, these ducks are something else. They’re friendly, productive, and downright hilarious. But they also taught me a few lessons (some of them muddy ones). So if you’re thinking about adding Silver Appleyards to your backyard flock, here’s the honest story the good, the messy, and the unexpectedly joyful.
How I Ended Up with Silver Appleyard ducks
It all started Silver Appleyard ducks when my wife saw a video online of ducks swimming in a backyard pond. “Wouldn’t that be cute?” she said.
Next thing I know, I’m building a small pond out of an old kiddie pool and looking up duck breeds that do well in small homesteads.
That’s when I discovered the Silver Appleyard a beautiful, medium-to-large duck known for its gentle nature and excellent egg-laying. Developed in England in the 1940s, they were bred to be a dual purpose bird good for both meat and eggs but what really caught my eye was how friendly they were said to be.
And they didn’t disappoint.
First Impressions: Calm but Curious
When the Silver Appleyard ducks (all puff and squeak), they immediately took over my brooder. Compared to the Pekins I’d raised years ago, the Silver Appleyards were calmer but also more curious. They’d waddle right up to me, nibble at my shoelaces, and tilt their heads like they were asking, “What’s this big guy up to?”
By the time they were full grown, they had completely taken over the backyard. They followed me everywhere to the compost pile, the garden, even to the porch when I brought out my morning coffee. My neighbors started calling them my “duck entourage.”
The Eggs: Big, Beautiful, and Plenty of Them
One of the main reasons I chose Silver Appleyards was their egg production and wow, they delivered. A healthy hen can lay 200 and 270 eggs a year, and they’re big, with creamy white shells that are perfect for baking.
Duck eggs, if you’ve never tried them, are richer and make baked goods fluffier. My wife swears her lemon cake never tasted better once we switched to Appleyard eggs.
The only “problem”? Once you get used to duck eggs, chicken eggs start to taste… well, a little boring.
Daily Routine: Ducks Are Messy, but Manageable
Here’s the truth they don’t tell you in those cute duck videos ducks are messy. They splash water everywhere, and they love turning their drinking bowl into a mud spa.
But with Silver Appleyards, the mess feels manageable. They’re not as wild as some other breeds, and they’re smart enough to figure out a routine.
Every morning, I open the coop, and they march straight to their pond. Around noon, they’re foraging around the yard, eating bugs, snails, and bits of greens. By sunset, they line up and waddle back into their house no chasing needed.
Their friendliness makes them easy to care for. I can scoop them up when needed, clean their pond while they patiently wait, and they rarely fuss.
Temperament: Gentle Souls (with Big Personalities)
If you want a bird that’ll make you smile every day, these are the ones. Each of my ducks has a distinct personality.
“Dotty,” my lead hen, is a bossy lady who quacks at me if I’m late with breakfast. “Benny,” one of the drakes, follows her around like he’s her bodyguard.
They get along well with chickens, too though they prefer their own space when it comes to bathing time.
Unlike some other breeds, Silver Appleyards are not flighty. They don’t try to escape or panic when you approach them. They’re calm, sociable, and just plain enjoyable to be around.
Feed and Care: Easy on the Wallet
Another thing I love they’re not expensive to feed. They eat a mix of duck layer pellets, kitchen scraps, and whatever they can forage. I often toss in leftover greens from the garden, and they go crazy for lettuce.
I also make sure they always have access to clean water deep enough to dunk their heads ducks need that to keep their nostrils clean.
Once a week, I change out their pond water, clean their house, and add fresh straw. It’s a simple routine that takes maybe 20 minutes and in return, I get fresh eggs, free pest control, and endless entertainment.
Breeding: A Family Affair
If you’re thinking about raising Silver Appleyard ducks are a great breed to start with. My hens went broody naturally, and they’re attentive mothers.
Last spring, one of my hens hatched nine ducklings all on her own no incubator needed. Watching her lead them to the pond for the first time was one of those simple, heartwarming moments that make homesteading worth it.
If you plan to hatch your own, just make sure to separate the drakes during incubation too many males can stress out the hens.
Common Challenges (and How I Solved Them)
No breed is perfect, of course. Here are a few lessons I learned the hard way:
- They need shade. Appleyards don’t handle extreme heat very well, so I built a small shaded area near their pond using old pallets and a tarp.
- Predators love ducks. Raccoons, foxes, and even neighborhood dogs can be a problem. I reinforced my coop with hardware cloth and made sure the door latches tight.
- They eat tender plants. If you’ve got a vegetable garden, fence it off trust me, they’ll eat your lettuce before you do.
Still, these are small issues compared to the joy they bring.
Why Silver Appleyard ducks Are Perfect for Backyard Homesteaders
After a few years with these ducks, I can honestly say they’re the perfect fit for a small-scale homestead.
Here’s why:
- They’re calm, social, and family-friendly.
- They lay lots of eggs without being high-maintenance.
- They forage well, saving you money on feed.
- They’re hardy enough for most climates.
- And they’re just plain fun to watch.
If you’ve got a backyard, a bit of space for a pond, and some patience for a little mud these ducks will reward you a hundred times over.
Final Thoughts: Silver Appleyard ducks
These days, when I step outside with my coffee and see my Appleyards waddling toward me, I can’t help but smile. They’ve become more than livestock they’re part of the rhythm of my backyard life.
They remind me to slow down, laugh at the little things, and appreciate the mess that comes with raising happy animals.
So if you’re thinking about adding ducks to your homestead, take it from a guy who’s been there get yourself a few Silver Appleyards. You’ll never look at your backyard the same way again.
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