Rainbow of Eggs

Whether you like white eggs, blue eggs, cream eggs or green, there’s a rare breed to produce them for you. Here’s a run-down of egg colors from rare-breed ducks.

ancona: white, cream, blue or green eggs

the Buff (sometimes called the Orpington) duck. Admired for its egg-laying ability and its use as a meat duck, breeders also prize this dual-purpose breed for its buff coloring, which was Cook’s goal in developing the breed from Aylesbury, Cayuga, Rouen and Runner ducks in the early 1900s.

cayuga

Unlike other rare ducks that hail from European countries, the Cayuga was developed in the United States, although some dispute exists as to the breed’s actual ancestry. (Some sources suggest that the breed descends from wild American Black Ducks.) The Cayuga boasts an incredible hardiness and an enchanting ability to be tamed, making it an intriguing choice for today’s duck enthusiast.

Magpie

This diminutive duck packs lots of good qualities in a small package. Known for its impressive egg-laying ability, the Magpie also demon

From the diminutive 5-pound Welsh harlequin to the substantial 10-pound Aylesbury, rare ducks come in a range of sizes.

Welsh harlequin: 5 to 5½ pounds

Magpie:

5½ to 6 pounds

ancona:

6 to 6½ pounds

buff:

7 to 8 pounds

cayuga:

7 to 8 pounds

saxony:

8 to 9 pounds

silver appleyard: 8 to 9 pounds

aylesbury:

9 to 10 pounds

Cayugas can tolerate a harsh climate and lay 100 to 150 eggs a year.

The Magpie’s name comes from its markings, says The Livestock Conservancy.