Magpie Ducks

two magpie ducklings
He was so benevolent, so merciful a man that, in his mistaken passion, he would have held an umbrella over a duck in a shower of rain.
— Douglas William Jerrold

We slowly began our adventure in conservancy in 2013, when an odd set of circumstances put us in position to obtain 4 Magpie Ducklings.  Our intent is to focus on small, quality breedings and education about the breed with hopes to increase interest and popularity.

The Magpie fits into our plans and our farm perfectly.  They are black and white, great egg layers, and a smaller, friendly bird.  They are a perfect choice to be our first residents on the pond.

  • Hatching begins after Easter and continues through July.  Contact us to be placed on the waitlist for ducklings.

  • Day olds and young ducklings on heat are $15.00 each - available May through August

  • Shipping of day old chicks by Express Mail available for an additional $70.00, minimum order of 8 ducklings required, pre-order required to ensure the correct hatch size

  • Ducklings over 3 weeks old and off heat are $25.00 each - available May-August

  • Ducks over 3 months of age and outside are $40.00 each - these are the only ducks that will be sold sexed, and will only be available in limited quantities in early Fall.

  • Hatching eggs are available for pick up and shipping when we have overflow from our hatch schedule. Eggs are $5 each and ship via Priority Mail for $18/dozen.

The Livestock Conservancy
cute magpie ducklings facing camera
flock of adult magpie ducks
magpie ducklings swimming
icon

Breed Basics

  • Class: Light

  • Type: Dual-Purpose

  • Size: 4-5 lbs.

  • Rarity: Uncommon

  • Purpose: Eggs, Meat, Foraging

  • Recognized Varieties: Black, Blue, Silver, Chocolate

icon

Fancy Features

  • Appearance: Upright carriage, white and colored plumage

  • Diet: Grass, seeds, insects, slugs, snails

  • Abilities: Nearly flightless, can jump up to 3 feet

icon

Egg Facts

  • Egg Laying: Excellent (220-290/yr)

  • Egg Color: White

  • Egg Size: Large

icon

Suitability to Backyard Life

  • Hardy In Winter: Yes

  • Confinement: Bears confinement well

  • Especially Docile: Yes

  • Setter/Broody: No

  • Personality: Active, non-flighty, suspicious but not shy