Conservation Status: Classified as “threatened” on the Priority List of The Livestock Conservancy, and protected by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (UK).

History: Reginald Appleyard was a skilled poultry breeder with a project for a great all-round utility and farmyard duck. He aimed for a beautiful breed of duck, with a “combination of beauty, size, lots of big white eggs, white skin, and deep, long, wide breasts.” Appleyard ducks are based on a cross between the large breeds of Rouen, Pekin and Aylesbury. Appleyard died before the standard was accepted formally in 1982.

Popular Use: Dual purpose for meat and eggs. Also valued as a show breed due to beautiful ornamental plumage.

Egg Color: White.

Egg Size: 2.5–3.7 oz. (57–85 g).

Productivity: 200–270 eggs per year. The large breed is fast growing and maturing, with flavorsome, lean meat and a full meaty breast.

Weight: Drake 8–10 lb. (3.6–4.5 kg); duck 7–8 lb. (3.2–3.6 kg). U.S. miniatures: 30–38 oz. (0.9–1 kg). British miniatures: drake 3 lb. (1.4 kg); duck 2.5 lb. (1.2 kg).

Temperament: Calm and easily tamed. They are active foragers with a large appetite who settle in where they are well fed.

Adaptability: Silver Appleyard ducks need plenty of land to forage, and a good quantity of well-balanced feed to lay well. They also need water to bathe. Females normally incubate their own eggs and have good maternal instincts.