Blue Swedish

Blue SwedesAlthough I didn't get them from McMurray (well, actually I did once, but I started the ducklings for a friend who didn't have brooding facilities), I really like this breed. The ones I got for myself came from another hatchery (back in the days when you only sold chicken chicks). They are beautiful. I've always been partial to the blue color in poultry. They are decent setters and mothers, and it's always fun to see what different colors and how many of each will hatch. For practical small livestock on the homestead, ducks in general can't be beat. They are friendly, entertaining, hardy, and require minimal care other than protection from predators and proper water management to avoid muddy messes. In my opinion ducks are better meat birds than chickens. You get a much better meat to bone ratio. Even large breeds like Brahmas have a lot of bone, esp. in the breast. Medium-large to large duck breeds like Blue Swedes and Rouens can't be beat for meat production on the homestead. And unlike broilers or broad-breasted turkeys, they are sustainable. Go McMurray!