Orpington duck farming is popular for meat and egg production, as they are a very good dual-purpose breed. Known for their beauty and utility, the breed is also known as the “Buff Orpington Duck”.
The Orpington duck breed was bred by renowned poultry farmer William Cook of Orpington, Kent, UK. William Cook was also the developer of the Orpington chicken, which is also a popular breed of dual-purpose chicken.
A variety of Orpington ducks was created from breeding mislabeled Blue Orpington ducks, and there was also a white variety of the breed, but it never became popular.
The Buff variety is actually bred by mixing Aylesbury, Cayuga, Runner and Rouen ducks. The breed was first shown to the public in October 1897 at the Dairy Show, Agricultural Hall (qv), Islington, London.
Today, the Orpington duck is available in three colors: brown, fawn and blonde. But the Buff variety is very popular and other varieties are rare today.
However, since these ducks are excellent dual-purpose birds, commercial Orpington duck farming can be a good business idea for meat and egg production.
These ducks are very strong, hardy and productive and they are very good at meat production and egg production. They are also good for hobby farmers, mainly for their beauty.
How to Start a Duck Farming Business in Orpington
Orpington ducks are very strong and hardy birds. So, starting commercial duck farming in Orpington is relatively easy and straightforward. It’s like starting a duck farming business with any other breed of domestic duck.
Here we try to outline more information about starting and running a successful duck farming business in Orpington, from buying birds to caring and marketing.
Buy ducks
First, you must purchase very high quality, healthy, disease-free ducks from one of the nearby duck breeding centers or existing Orpington duck farms.
You can start a duck farming business in Orpington with ducklings or adult ducks. You can also search for ducks on your local classifieds websites.
Houses
Like many other breeds of domestic ducks, Orpington ducks generally do not need complex housing conditions to live. A simple housing system will suit them. Just make sure the house is comfortable and safe.
When building a house, install a good ventilation system and make sure the house gets enough fresh air and light. And try to make the house in such a way that you can easily clean it. Orpington ducks are a medium-sized breed. Thus, 5 to 6 square feet of living space will be sufficient per bird.
some products
Feeding the birds with quality and nutritious food is the most important part of the Orpington duck business. So always try to give the ducks enough good and nutritious food according to their needs.
You can feed them prepared/commercial duck food or poultry food, depending on availability in your area. And always provide them with enough clean and fresh water according to their needs.
reproduction
Like many other breeds of domestic ducks, Orpington ducks are also good breeders. So you don’t have to worry too much about breeding them.
A good male/female ratio is sufficient for successful breeding. Usually one adult male duck is enough to raise 8-10 females.
Care
Running a successful duck farming business in Orpington requires extra care, as well as feeding them quality food and setting up a good housing system for them. So always try to take care of them. Get them vaccinated in a timely manner and always try to maintain good contact with the veterinarian in your area.
Marketing
Duck products (meat and eggs) have very good market demand and value. This way, you don’t have to think much about marketing, and you can probably sell products easily in your local market. Although you should define your marketing strategies before starting this business.
Here are the general steps and ways to successfully start and run a duck farming business in Orpington. I hope this guide has helped you! Good luck and God bless you!
video
