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The Great Duck Disguise
The Great Duck DisguiseMetzer Farms August 2026 Newsletter
As the seasons begin to shift, so do our feathered friends. In this month's newsletter, we're explaining the mystery behind drakes that suddenly look like hens, featuring a beautiful breed spotlight, sharing helpful flock tips, and highlighting what's happening here at Metzer Farms.
Every summer, countless duck owners do a double take when their handsome drake suddenly loses his vibrant colors and starts looking suspiciously like one of the hens. Has he changed sexes? Is he sick? Is something wrong?
Thankfully, the answer is no. What you're seeing is called eclipse plumage, a completely natural part of a drake's annual molt and one of the most fascinating survival adaptations in the waterfowl world.
During this annual transformation, drakes trade their flashy breeding feathers for a dull camouflage "disguise" at the exact time they become temporarily flightless. It's an incredible example of how evolution helps ducks survive one of the most vulnerable periods of their lives.
In our latest blog, we explain:
Why drakes suddenly change color
The surprising hormone responsible
When to expect it each year
How to tell drakes from hens during eclipse season
What every duck owner should know to keep their flock safe
Read the full blog to discover the remarkable science behind your drake's summer disguise.
We're planning future newsletters and want to know what you want to learn about. Take our quick survey at the link below, and we'll share the results in our September newsletter!
Developed in England during the 1930s by renowned poultry breeder Reginald Appleyard, the Silver Appleyard was bred to be the complete farm duck. This beautiful heavyweight breed quickly earned a reputation for its versatility, combining excellent egg production, flavorful meat, and a calm, friendly temperament.
Don't let their size fool you. Silver Appleyards are some of the best foragers among the heavyweight duck breeds, happily searching for insects, weeds, and other tasty treats around the yard. They're also known for being attentive mothers, with many hens readily hatching and raising their own ducklings.
If you're looking for a breed that does a little bit of everything, the Silver Appleyard is hard to beat.
Why we love them:
🥚 One of the best egg layers among heavyweight ducks
🌿 Excellent foragers that enjoy free-ranging
🦆 Calm, friendly personalities
💛 Beautiful silver, white, chestnut, and green plumage
🏡 Great all-purpose breed for homesteads and backyard flocks
Whether you're raising ducks for eggs, enjoying them as backyard companions, or simply admiring their striking appearance, the Silver Appleyard is a breed that truly lives up to its reputation.
📸 Check out all the beautiful Silver Appleyard photos that our customers have shared on our Facebook page HERE! Find your flock friends & share your photos, too.
Last month, we talked about why backyard flocks often slow down their egg production during the heat of summer. If your egg basket has been looking a little emptier lately, don't worry. You're not alone!
The good news? You don't have to wait for your flock to start laying again to enjoy delicious duck eggs. Our fresh duck eggs are available year-round and shipped straight from our farm to your kitchen.
Take advantage of peak peach season with this light, puffy breakfast that's made even richer with duck eggs. Their larger yolks and higher protein content create an incredibly fluffy texture and beautifully golden finish.
Ingredients
3 duck eggs, room temperature
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup whole milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons butter
2 ripe peaches, sliced
Directions
Preheat your oven to 425°F with a 10-inch cast iron skillet inside.
Blend the duck eggs, flour, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Carefully remove the hot skillet and add the butter. Once melted, swirl to coat the pan.
Arrange the peach slices in the skillet, then pour the batter over the top.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. (Avoid opening the oven while it bakes!)
Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a drizzle of local honey.
Metzer Tip: Duck eggs create an extra-rich batter that rises beautifully, making them perfect for Dutch babies, popovers, and other baked treats.
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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