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We know spring gets all the attention when it comes to baby animals, but here at Metzer Farms, we’re big fans of fall ducklings. In fact, fall might just be the best-kept secret in the duck world. If you've been thinking about starting your flock or adding a few more friendly faces to your backyard, here's why autumn is a beautiful time to do it.
Fall offers some surprising advantages, especially if you're hoping for easier brooding, early eggs next spring, and greater potential total egg production. One of the biggest benefits has to do with daylight and how it affects egg-laying. Like most birds, ducks are sensitive to the changing seasons. As days get longer, increasing daylight triggers hormones that encourage reproductive activity, meaning ducks raised during lengthening days tend to start laying sooner. On the flip side, ducks that mature during decreasing daylight (typically July through December) may delay laying until the following spring. That means a longer time caring for your birds before receiving your first eggs, which isn’t a big deal, unless eggs are your top priority.
Because most ducks begin laying around five months of age, this means that ducklings hatched in September will reach maturity as daylight starts to increase again in February. This creates ideal conditions for egg production to begin. In contrast, spring ducklings often reach laying age during late summer or fall, when fading daylight can delay their first eggs and impact overall productivity.
Cooler fall temperatures make brooding more manageable, and by the time winter arrives, your birds are fully feathered and ready for the outdoors. Many people also find fall to be a less hectic season, allowing more time to bond with their duckling, a key to raising sociable adults.
Best of all, fall ducklings will be full-grown by planting time, ready to help with garden pests just as your spring veggies go in. Wherever you live, fall ducklings offer a productive, peaceful head start. So, if you have been thinking about expanding your flock, don't feel like you need to wait until Spring. Spring is our busiest season, and it can be hard to get the exact breeds you want. In fall, there’s often more availability, so whether you’ve been dreaming of sweet-tempered Buffs, foraging-savvy Runners, or flashy Silver Appleyards, you’re more likely to find the perfect lineup now.
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So go ahead and start your flock now!
This season is made for slowing down, settling in, and preparing for something wonderful. Fall ducklings grow into spring layers, garden companions, and feathered friends.
We're shipping every week. Your perfect flock could be just a few clicks away.
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Operations Manager in Cordova, TN
Do you thrive in fast-paced environments, love solving problems, and lead with purpose? We’re looking for an Operations Manager to join our Executive Team and oversee our Tennessee hatchery and breeder farms.
This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to help shape the future of Metzer Farms from the inside. The person in this role will lead our Tennessee hatchery, improve how we operate, and make sure we keep delivering the healthy, high-quality birds our customers count on every week.
The right candidate is:
- A hands-on leader with at least 5 years of operations or business management experience
- Skilled in team building, process improvement, and cost control
- Excited about agriculture, production, and making things better every week
- Looking for a role where their leadership actually matters
Sound like you or someone you know?
Apply by emailing your resume to Katy@metzerfarms.com
Let’s build something incredible together!
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Reminder! Applications for 2025-26 Microgrants are still being accepted. All applications must be submitted electronically or physically arrive at the office by the end of the day on August 15, 2025 for consideration.
The Livestock Conservancy’s Microgrant Program provides grants ($500 to $2,000) to support farmers, youth, and breed associations working to conserve rare and endangered heritage livestock and poultry breeds in the U.S. The grants help fund projects like breeding programs, infrastructure, marketing, and emergency rescue efforts to ensure the survival and sustainability of these important animals.
Who can apply?
- Farmers (National Microgrants)
- Youth ages 12-18 (Youth Microgrants)
- Breed associations and clubs (Association Microgrants)
Example of a 2021-2022 Winning Project by a Metzer Farms Customer
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At Firefly Farms Christina Weger, planted acreage in silvo pasture for their heritage breed ducks. She plans to purchase solar-powered electric PoultryNet fencing from Premier 1 Supplies to separate their seven breeds of endangered ducks, to keep them safe from predators, and to rotate them through the pastures more effectively. Better rotational practices will improve soil fertility on the farm.
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John Metzer developed the Golden 300 in 1996 in order to meet customer demand for ducks that produce a high volume of eggs but are calmer than the Khaki Campbell! He crossed different breeds of ducks together to make the Golden 300, the breeds of which are a secret! Since the Golden 300 and White Layer are composed of different breeds, they have quite a bit of hybrid vigor and typically have less mortality and live longer than most other breeds. Their eggs are not as large as a Pekin but they produce many more and produce much less manure!
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The Golden 300 and the White Layer are our top egg layers, capable of laying 230 eggs in 40 weeks of production or 290 eggs if they lay for a full year. The only difference we have found between these two strains is that the White Layer lays about 1-2% blue/green eggs and the Golden 300 lays about 5% of blue/green eggs. Otherwise they are identical in terms of egg production, egg size, shell strength, etc.
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The Golden 300 Hybrid females are different shades of brown, from very dark to lighter tan. The male can either have shades of brown or have black on them. They do not retain this characteristic in future generations. So if you mate a Golden 300 Hybrid with another Golden 300 Hybrid, their progeny will hatch in blacks, yellows and browns with no relationship between sex and color. As adults the females range in color from a very light brown to a very dark brown, often with areas of white on them. Males can appear much like a Rouen, or a dull looking Cayuga or with white and dark markings.
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The USPS is holding a contest to bring back previous Forever Stamps, and the Heritage Breed stamps are on the list! Voting will close on September 30, 2025.
These stamps celebrate traditional livestock breeds like ducks, chickens, and geese - animals that represent the heart of small farms and backyard flocks. By voting, you help shine a light on the importance of preserving these breeds and supporting sustainable agriculture.
Visit the link below to vote for the Heritage Breed stamps!
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We’re excited to launch our brand-new Metzer Farms trucker hats! Perfect for sunny mornings in the barnyard or just showing off your love for ducks and geese, these hats are breathable, comfortable, and built for everyday farm life.
Snag one while they last...we have a feeling they’ll go fast!
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We truly appreciate every review from our amazing customers! Your feedback not only brightens our day, but it also helps others discover Metzer Farms. If you’ve enjoyed your experience with us, we’d be so grateful if you took a moment to leave a review.
It's also a great way to share photos of your birds for everyone to see!
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CALL DUCKLINGS
Unsexed (assorted) $34.99 each
Unsexed (color specified) $44.99 each
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BUFF DUCKLINGS
Unsexed $13.22 each
Male $10.41 each
Female $18.19 each
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RUNNER DUCKLINGS
Unsexed $14.02 each
Male $10.98 each
Female $19.41 each
Available in 4 different colors!
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