Aylesbury Duck
The Aylesbury duck is a breed of domesticated duck, which is bred mainly for its meat and appearance. It is a large duck with pure white plumage, orange legs and feet and a horizontal stance with its body parallel to the ground. It has a relatively long and thin swan-like neck, and a long pink bill which comes straight out from the head.
The precise origins of the breed are unclear, but raising white ducks became popular in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Selective breeding for size, shape and colour during the 19th century led to the Aylesbury duck. The ducks and drakes (females and males) are almost indistinguishable until mature. However, after moulting males have two or three curved tail feathers and a fainter, huskier quack than the female.
The Aylesbury has always been regarded as a great table bird as it grows and matures very quickly and has a flavour and quality that is hard to match. Aylesbury’s are good natured and friendly, although they do have quite a loud quack!
By one year of age, females and males grow to an average weight of 6 pounds and 7 pounds respectively, although males can reach around 10 pounds. Aylesbury’s lay between 35-120 white eggs per year.
The precise origins of the breed are unclear, but raising white ducks became popular in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Selective breeding for size, shape and colour during the 19th century led to the Aylesbury duck. The ducks and drakes (females and males) are almost indistinguishable until mature. However, after moulting males have two or three curved tail feathers and a fainter, huskier quack than the female.
The Aylesbury has always been regarded as a great table bird as it grows and matures very quickly and has a flavour and quality that is hard to match. Aylesbury’s are good natured and friendly, although they do have quite a loud quack!
By one year of age, females and males grow to an average weight of 6 pounds and 7 pounds respectively, although males can reach around 10 pounds. Aylesbury’s lay between 35-120 white eggs per year.
