Stars, Stripes & Waterfowl!Metzer Farms July 2026 Newsletter
Happy Fourth of July!
From everyone at Metzer Farms, we wish you a wonderful Fourth of July! Whether you're spending the day by the pond, at a barbecue, or simply enjoying your backyard flock, we're glad to be part of your poultry journey.
If your egg basket has been looking a little emptier lately, don't worry! A drop in egg production during the summer is completely normal.
When temperatures rise, ducks naturally eat less. Since they're consuming less feed, they're also taking in fewer of the nutrients needed to produce eggs. The result? You may notice fewer eggs, smaller eggs, or both until the weather begins to cool.
Heat also affects egg production in another way. Because ducks don't sweat, they cool themselves by panting. Panting changes the balance of carbon dioxide in their blood, causing calcium to be pulled away from where it's needed to form strong eggshells. Research has shown that heat stress can reduce laying rates while also producing eggs with thinner, weaker shells, even when ducks are still eating a balanced diet.
The good news is there are several ways you can help your flock through the hottest days of summer:
Provide plenty of cool, fresh drinking water at all times.
Make sure they have access to shade throughout the day.
Offer a complete, nutritious feed and minimize unnecessary stress.
Give them opportunities to splash and cool off in fresh water.
Consider adding VitaMetz Waterfowl Boost to their drinking water to provide electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and extra niacin during periods of heat stress.
Every duck is different, so don't be surprised if some continue laying while others take a break. As long as your birds are eating, drinking, and acting normally, a temporary slowdown is simply their way of adapting to the summer heat. With a little extra care and patience, your flock will likely be back to filling the egg basket once temperatures become more comfortable.
In honor of America's 250th birthday, we are spotlighting a breed developed right here in the USA at Metzer Farms! The White Layer was selectively bred for one purpose: exceptional egg production. They lay just as many eggs as our popular Golden 300 Hybrid Layer, making them one of the most productive duck breeds available. Plus, because all White Layers hatch white, they produce beautiful, uniform flocks with bright white plumage.
Beyond their impressive productivity, White Layers are known on our farm for their calm personalities and adaptability. While some owners report their birds are more energetic, many find them to be friendly, easy to manage, and a wonderful addition to backyard flocks.
Whether you're looking to enjoy farm-fresh eggs for your family or start selling duck eggs locally, the White Layer is an excellent choice. Reliable, hardworking, and beautiful, this breed proves that sometimes the simplest choice is also one of the best.
Fun Fact: A healthy White Layer can produce around 280-300 eggs per year, putting them among the top egg-laying duck breeds in the world!
Fill a shallow bowl or kiddie pool with a few inches of cool, clean water.
Add the fruits and veggies, letting them float.
Watch your ducks bob, splash, and snack their way to staying cool!
💡 Metzer Tip: Offer treats in moderation (up to about 10% of your ducks' daily diet) and always provide plenty of fresh drinking water alongside treats.
For the Goose Lovers... and the Patriotic Duck Fans! 👕
Our newest goose tees have officially landed, and we can't wait for you to see them! Whether you're a devoted goose keeper or simply love showing off your waterfowl pride, these designs are made just for you. Plus, our patriotic Fourth of July duck tees are still available! While they won't arrive before Independence Day, they're the perfect shirt for summer cookouts, county fairs, homestead events, or any day you want to celebrate your love of waterfowl. Browse both collections and find your new favorite tee!
Egg-citing News for Our Youngest Flock Fans!
Youth sizes are officially here! Every t-shirt on our website is now available in youth sizes, so the whole family can show off their flock pride together.
Sizes Youth XS-Youth XL.
Looking to grow your conservation efforts? Whether you're expanding your breeding program, investing in new equipment, or promoting a heritage breed, this could be a great opportunity to help bring your project to life.
Microgrant Applications Are Now Open (2026–2027)
The Livestock Conservancy is now accepting applications for its annual Microgrant Program, which supports projects involving breeds on the Conservation Priority List (CPL).
Grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 are available for:
How's your flock enjoying summer? Are they spending their days splashing in the kiddie pool, lounging in the shade, or demanding endless watermelon treats?
We'd love to hear how your feathered friends are doing! Take our quick Summer Flock Check-In and tell us about your birds, your biggest summer challenges, and your favorite warm-weather memories. Your responses help us create newsletters, blogs, and videos that answer the questions you care about most.
It only takes a couple of minutes, and who knows... your flock's answer might even inspire a future newsletter or social media post!
You’re the heart of what we do, and your experience means everything to us. One of the best ways to support Metzer Farms is by sharing a quick review. It only takes about 30 seconds, and your feedback helps future customers feel confident starting their own flock.
Your insight not only helps others choose the right birds, but also helps us continue improving and providing the best possible experience. We truly value your feedback.
Thank you for being part of the Metzer Farms family. We appreciate you!
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