The Domestic Duck

Most domesticated ducks are descended from the wild mallard, and over the centuries many different breeds have been created. They have been kept as pets or for their ornamental value, or have been farmed for their meat, eggs, and down. Chris and Mike Ashton explain how these breeds have been developed and how to look after them. They cover the different breeds, detailing their origins and characteristics; they list classic ducks from all over the world; and explore the "designer: ducks of the 20th century. Management of adult stock, breeding and rearing ducklings, and common problems and ailments are also covered in this comprehensive book for breeders, keepers, and those who exhibit ducks or have a general interest in ducks.

Most domesticated ducks are descended from the wild mallard, and over the centuries many different breeds have been created. They have been kept as pets or for their ornamental value, or have been farmed for their meat, eggs, and down. Chris and Mike Ashton explain how these breeds have been developed and how to look after them. They cover the different breeds, detailing their origins and characteristics; they list classic ducks from all over the world; and explore the "designer: ducks of the 20th century. Management of adult stock, breeding and rearing ducklings, and common problems and ailments are also covered in this comprehensive book for breeders, keepers, and those who exhibit ducks or have a general interest in ducks.

Chris Ashton and Mike Ashton specialize in rearing pure breeds of ducks and geese and have developed their stock over the last 28 years. They gained the British Waterfowl Association Exhibitor of the Year award in 1987 and each year between 1996 and 1999. Chris is the author of Domestic Geese and she and Mike have both contributed regularly to Country Smallholding, Fancy Fowl, and Smallholder magazines, and have written books on Indian Runners and duck color breeding.