Duck, Goose & Chicken Hatchery

 Quack into Fall: September at Metzer Farms


Quack into Fall: September at Metzer Farms

Fall is quickly approaching and we can almost feel the crispness of the air trying to breakthrough...Last month we talked about why fall is the best-kept secret in the duck world for starting your flock. This month let's switch gears and talk about the key factors to consider to keep your flock happy and healthy. As the season approaches, it’s important to adjust their care routine. Make sure clean water is always available, provide draft-free shelter with plenty of bedding, and consider slightly higher protein or energy in their feed to maintain activity and health. Encouraging foraging or other enrichment helps keep ducks and geese mentally stimulated, while careful observation allows you to spot molting or stress early. These simple steps help your flock stay healthy, active, and thriving throughout the cooler months!

Fun Fall Activities:

  • Pumpkin Foraging🎃 Place halved pumpkins or squash in their run and let your flock explore and peck. It’s a fun seasonal treat that encourages natural foraging. 

  • Leaf Pile Play🍂 Gather a pile of clean leaves for your ducks to wade, dig, and splash in. They love exploring new textures, and it’s a safe way to play outdoors.

  • Autumn Scavenger Hunt🔍 Hide small treats like chopped vegetables or berries around their yard or run. This keeps them active and engaged!

Check out our new blog at the link below to learn more about fall flocks!
BLOG: Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Start Your Flock
It's that time again! Post & share photos of your waterfowl and win a chance to have your photo included in our next year’s 2026 Catalog. There will also be an overall first and second place winner who will be selected based on our preference. Details below!
HOW TO ENTER:
Simply post your photo submission(s) on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok with the hashtag #METZERFARMS2026 to be included in the contest. We will look at the hashtag at the end of the contest period and review all submissions. If your account is private, you can always message your photos to us. See past submissions below!

PRIZES:
We will select 2 photos we like best for our winners:
  • First Prize: $100 Metzer Farms Gift Certificate (or $100 donated to the charity of your choice)
  • Second Prize: $50 Metzer Farms Gift Certificate (or $50 donated to the charity of your choice)

TIMELINE:
Photo submissions will be open from September 3, 2025 through October 15, 2025. Photo submissions will close October 15th. We will announce our winners on November 1st!

SPECIFICS:
Be sure to include photos of your waterfowl with you and other family members too. We love seeing our birds as part of your family! Even better if you include a quote about your waterfowl and your Metzer Farms purchase experience in your post.
Multiple entries allowed and reposts of past content are also welcome, just use #METZERFARMS2026 to be included. By submitting your photo, you agree that the photos can be used for any communication related to the mission of Metzer Farms. 
Metzer Farms Facebook
Metzer Farms Instagram
Metzer farms TikTok
We're thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our incredible and loyal customers, Andrea Martin! You may recognize her stunning photography from our social media, and now we're excited to give you a closer look at the person behind the lens in this month's Customer Spotlight.
 
 
“I’m a photographer in southern West Virginia with a love for capturing childhood magic—especially when animals are involved. Over the years, ducks from Metzer Farms have become a staple in my sessions. I’ve photographed Call ducks, Indian Runners, and Pekins, and my families especially adore my Pekin, Zackary. He’s patient, laid-back, and has a way of making everyone smile. Including ducks in my photography has been such a fun and rewarding way to blend my passion for animals with creating lasting memories for families. My photography is inspired by light, color, and relationships. Whether I am photographing your babies or your family, my goal is to freeze the most tender of moments, so you have them for a lifetime. In 2019 I won Looks Like Film's children's photographer of the year. I have been featured on My Modern Met, Bored Panda, Good Housekeeping, and many more online platforms. Obviously, I love animals.  We have a big family through birth and adoption! I love helping in the community and doing my part to take care of those that need a little extra help.  My passion for art comes out in multiple ways including painting, knitting, and playing the violin.  I am a foodie and will try just about everything. I love exploring new locations. I can't get through the day without multiple cups of coffee (or the same cup that gets re-heated 5 times.” -Andrea
LEARN MORE ABOUT ANDREA HERE

Not sure which duck breed is right for your flock or curious which duck matches your personality? We’ve got you covered!

Spirit Duck Quiz – Find out which duck breed best matches you.
Which Duck is Right for Me Quiz – Discover the perfect breed for your backyard or farm.

Whether you’re daydreaming about new ducklings or just having a little fun, these quizzes are a quick and quacky way to learn more. Click on the photos below to take the quiz!

At Metzer Farms, we take pride in raising the finest Jumbo Pekin ducks, known for their impressive size. The Jumbo Pekin is our largest strain of Pekin. Commercial Pekin ducks are produced by crossing a male from a large, meaty strain of Pekin with a female Pekin from a medium sized, highly fertile good egg producing strain. With this cross, you get a large number of ducklings from the female that grow into good sized birds because of the size of the male.
The Jumbo Pekin ducklings are from our pure male line. Pekin duck eggs are renowned for their size, rich flavor, and nutritional value. Our Jumbo Pekin ducks consistently produce an abundance of high-quality eggs, perfect for your kitchen or local market. Jumbo Pekin ducks also offer excellent meat quality with tender, flavorful meat that is highly sought after by chefs and home cooks alike.

🦆Jumbo Pekin Fun Facts🦆

⚖️ Jumbo Pekins can weigh 9–13 pounds, making them one of the heaviest domestic duck breeds.

⏱️ They grow super fast, and they are typically 0.5-1 pound heavier at processing than our Pekin ducks.

🐥 Despite their size, they’re known as gentle giants with calm temperaments.

🍗 Popular for meat production, but also loved as friendly backyard ducks.

🤍 They have the same classic white feathers and orange bills as standard Pekins.

🌏 Jumbo Pekins originated in the US, specifically from Pekin ducks imported from China in the 1800s.


🥦 They benefit from extra Niacin and a well-balanced diet to support their fast growth and leg health.

🛑 Their large size means they do not fly so you don't have to worry about them leaving your property.

 
LEARN MORE ABOUT JUMBO PEKINS HERE!
FALL EDITION SNEAK PEAK

Just in time for Autumn, we're excited to announce our new seasonal, limited-edition duck: The Pumpkin Spice Latte! With warm, creamy buff tones and a soft, inviting glow, this duck captures all the cozy fall vibes you love (without the caffeine!). Perfect for adding a touch of autumn charm to your flock, this offering is as delightful as a crisp October morning. Like your favorite fall latte, this won't be around forever, so don't miss out! 

Availability opens 9/12!
Spoiler Alert: The Pumpkin Spice Latte is actually our Buff duck just with extra autumn vibes! 😉

Breeder Operations Coordinator in Cordova, TN
 

As the primary coordinator for all breeder farms in Tennessee, Missouri, and California, this pivotal role is responsible for driving consistency in flock management, optimizing genetic performance, maximizing fertile egg production, and ensuring seamless communication across our breeder network. This position is focused on meticulous planning, diligent oversight, and proactive problem-solving to ensure the optimal performance and growth of our breeder flocks.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Breeder farm oversight and consistency
  • Strategic flock scheduling and planning
  • Performance monitoring and improving
  • Farm visits and support
  • Genetic program guidance
  • Increase performance of all breeder flocks
Experience:
The ideal candidate will have a strong background or passionate interest in poultry management, coupled with proven organizational and communication skills. Key qualifications include:
  • Bachelor's degree in Poultry Science, Animal Science, or Genetics strongly preferred; or equivalent practical experience with demonstrated success
  • Strong background or passionate interest in poultry genetics and breeding principles
  • Demonstrated ability to organize long-term schedules, manage complex data sets, and maintain meticulous records
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, essential for effective collaboration with growers, various internal teams, and company leadership

Sound like you or someone you know?
 Apply by emailing your resume to john@metzerfarms.com

Let’s build something incredible together!

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!
WRITE A METZER FARMS GOOGLE REVIEW HERE

- HERE ARE JUST A FEW -


BUFF DUCKLINGS
Unsexed $13.22 each
Male $10.41 each
Female $18.19 each

CAYUGA DUCKLINGS
Unsexed $13.22 each
Male $10.41 each
Female $18.19 each

KHAKI CAMPBELL DUCKLINGS
Unsexed $12.98 each
Male $10.23 each
Female $17.83 each

ROUEN DUCKLINGS
Unsexed $12.91 each
Male $10.19 each
Female $17.73 each

SILVER APPLEYARD DUCKLINGS
Unsexed $17.26 each
Male $13.24 each
Female $24.36 each

RUNNER DUCKLINGS
Unsexed $14.02 each
Male $10.98 each
Female $19.41 each
Available in 4 different colors!

 
DUCKLINGS 
FRESH EGGS FOR EATING
HATCHING EGGS
FEED & NUTRITION
EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

If you have any questions,
please reach out at (800) 424-7755.

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Copyright © 2026 Metzer Farms, All rights reserved.
26000 Old Stage Rd., Gonzales, CA 93926
 

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