Ducks have arrived!

The first matriarch ducks of Tapestry Farm have arrived. And they are so cute! But, let's be honest, have you ever really seen any "ugly ducklings"?

These two little ladies are Buff Orpington ducks. And if that sounds familiar, it is. When most people hear Buff Orpington they think of chickens. Well these ducks stem from the same Orpington, Kent that the chickens came from. They were introduced to the US in 1908. They are average layers of 150 - 220 eggs per year. Duck eggs are larger in size and have larger yolks than chicken eggs. This difference is what makes duck eggs better for baking, giving the baked item a richer texture, rise better and stay moist. I have read that the eggs blend well in gluten-free mixes because they are great at holding the ingredients together.

The main reason the ducks have been added to the farm is for slug patrol. I think the chickens are doing ok with keeping the slugs down, getting them while they're still young. But if any of the slugs survive to full adult size, I'm not sure if the chickens would go after them. With the ducks, there won't be any question of the slugs demise. So it's pretty much a win-win for the farm. Great eggs, no slugs.

And I'm planning to add a drake next year so we'll also see some ducklings from these gals.