We got our first ducks in 2013 and it didn’t take long for us to realize how much we enjoyed them! They are incredibly hardy in comparison to chickens, very entertaining to watch, and while they don’t lay as frequently, we are very impressed with how many eggs we do get from them, plus they make excellent table birds.
In 2014 we added a pair of Buff geese, who quickly stole our hearts, followed by a quad of Sebastopols, but don’t ask how many we have now! We did decide to streamline and just breed the Sebastopol in 2016. The geese make fantastic ‘watch’ birds and are excellent at warning us of anything unusual going on at the farm, not to mention their excellent lawn-mower and fertilizing abilities.
As is often the case, we downsized through 2025-26 as our son was experiencing some medical issues and there was just too much on our plate. After so many years with Welsh Harlequins, I said goodbye to them and our big beautiful Pekins. At this point all we have left for ducks is a pair of mixed breed, free ranging Muscovy, and the Sebastopols.
MUSCOVY DUCK: Muscovy are the only domestic ducks that are not derived from Mallard stock. Also known in culinary circles as the Barbary Duck, the Muscovy is a large, hardy perching duck that is native to South America. Despite it’s tropical origins, it adapts well to cooler climates. Some people consider them ugly because of the large red warty caruncles above the beak and around the eyes. They are, however, very personable and interesting birds, and quite intelligent. Unlike most domestic waterfowl, Muscovy will often fly up and roost. Some lines fly fairly well, especially the smaller females, but are known more for flying around than flying away! The other interesting thing about Muscovy is that they don’t quack, but they do huff and make other funny sounds. The meat of the Muscovy is unlike that of the other domestic ducks. It is not greasy and is much more like veal than like poultry. They also lay well, but tend to do so in spurts, and they make excellent mothers if allowed to go broody and hatch their own clutch. In addition to all these other positives, they are fantastic foragers and love to eat flies! These traits make them ideal to keep in your pastures to help control insect populations around your livestock. On the down side, they do poop … a lot! Our flock produces chocolate, black, blue, blue fawn, possibly lavender and buff.
EGGS: $30/doz | DUCKLINGS: $12 (unsexed) or as young stock. See our facebook page for details.
SEBASTOPOL GOOSE: Sebastopol are one of the most unique in appearance – they are are medium-sized birds which are known for their long curling feathers. A good specimen has feathers that are curly all over it’s body. It is hard to keep their feathers in pristine condition, but it is possible if you provide a mud free environment with lots of water for washing. Sebastopol geese aren’t quite as cold hardy as other goose breeds because their feathers do not lay flat, and do not insulate them as well. Wind easily fluffs their feathers and any heat held by the feather may be quickly lost. So in very cold weather they will spend more time inside than other breeds and should be given adequate housing to accommodate this need. Fertility also seems to be a problem with some lines of Sebastopols, along with lower than normal egg production. We are working with white, and grey with the intent to produce buff in the near future. Sebastopol stock will only be available in fall as we sift through our breeding stock. Watch our site for sales lists. Only available as goslings and possibly overstock in fall.
EGGS: N/A | GOSLINGS: $50+ depending on age/quality
Ravenwood Acres 