It's Either Threatened, Watch or Recovering Around Here

This time we're doing threatened breed. Buff Orpintons are commonly known variety of chicken but we do things a little different and ours are going to be ducks which are on ALBC's threatened list. (American Livestock Breeds Conservancy at http://albc-usa.org/) They are yet another hardy "heritage" multi-purpose breed being added to the farm. They should produce a respectable amount of large size eggs in a varity of tints; are a decent weight for the table, and have ornamental quality feathers. The are supposed to be cold and heat tolerant and thrive in confinement or free-range which will offer a lot of flexibility. Why ducks? The largest reason is because I have no desire to deal with roosters for my sake or the kids; and they eat bugs and lay eggs as well as many chickens. Chicken and their eggs are relatively common and inexpensive at the grocer or farmers market but duck is difficult to find. They eggs are more nutritious, less likely to cause allergic reaction, and loftier in baked goods -- but not as frothy for meringues. Most local ducks are overweight Pekins or high-strung Khaki Campbells. Buffs will be somewhat unique for the area. Known as Buff or Orpington or Buff Orpington, the same farm that originated the chickens also bred ducks with similar qualities. They are a lovely light cinnamon beige and creamy color and the male drake has a seal brown head. We have purchased Buff Orpington duck stock this year from Metzer Farms in California. They were hatched today, sexed, shipped, and should arrive at our post office by Wednesday. They will take 8-10 weeks to grow full size and completely feathered. We'll start with 2 drakes and 8 hens. The Highland Cattle and Shetland Sheep are on the recovering list at ALBC. Cashmere goats are most related to Spanish which are on the watch list.