New Ducks and Guinea Hens

Ancona ducks did not come to North America until the mid 1980's and are related to runner ducks and Dutch Hookbills. They lay a lot of eggs, similar to Khaki Campbells, but are so much calmer. The Campbells are absolutely crazy! Ancona ducks eat hoards of grass and bugs and are excellent free rangers. Being flightless, they stick close to home if they are provided with all they need. Although they enjoy large bodies of water, a simple pool will keep them happy if they can put their feet in and flap themselves wet. Besides all those good traits, they are really attractive ducks.

Guinea hens are very interesting. They are much less bred than chickens, therefore have retained their natural instincts, unlike domestic chickens. They brood and rear their own young so that incubating eggs is not required. They forage very well and will practically feed themselves in summer if allowed. The one draw back is they have a very loud cry and will sound the alarm when anything is amiss on the farm.
This can be both advantageous and problematic. Sometimes the guineas will alert the dogs and vice versa. Guineas also fly very well despite their somewhat larger size and they enjoy roosting in trees. Guinea eggs are tasty and the flesh of the birds is all dark meat.

Welcome to the farm, Ancona ducks and Guinea hens.

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