Our ducks are a special strain of Pekin duck, introduced into Great Britain in 1873 and specially bred from the Mallard in
China to give both more proven weights at time of slaughter and greater egg yields throughout the year.
For much of the day the ducks follow each other around, foraging in the deep straw or preening and splashing in the
water troughs. They like to have a safe private place for laying their eggs in the early hours and we provide many
nest boxes for this purpose.
As a safeguard the ducks are vaccinated against Salmonella but even so, regular testing takes place to ensure we have
healthy, happy flocks.
The family is proud to have achieved certification from Freedom Foods for the hatchery; acknowledging our resolve to
improve welfare standards, specified and monitored by the RSPCA.
The RSPCA Welfare Standards for Farm Animals
Under the scheme, all of our animals are guaranteed the following freedoms:
- Freedom from hunger and thirst.
- Freedom from discomfort.
- Freedom from pain, injury or disease.
- Freedom to express normal behaviour.
- Freedom from fear and distress.