Ducks on the Homestead
Meet the Runner, Cayuga, and Welsh Harlequin Ducks
Ducks are a delightful addition to any homestead—charming, efficient, and surprisingly productive. At Mema’s Inclination, we raise three exceptional breeds that offer beauty, utility, and a touch of farmyard magic: Indian Runner Ducks, Cayuga Ducks, and Welsh Harlequin Ducks.
🏃♀️ Indian Runner Ducks
The Gardeners in Feathers
Runner Ducks are nature’s pest control. These upright, bottle-shaped ducks are constantly on the move, patrolling your garden and fields for slugs, snails, and other bugs. Unlike traditional ducks, Runners don’t waddle—they run!
- Egg Production: 250–300 eggs per year
- Temperament: Active, comical, and easy to manage
- Best For: Natural pest control, high egg yields, and entertaining homestead companions
- Colors: Available in fawn & white, black, chocolate, and more
These ducks don’t need a pond to be happy, just fresh water and room to roam. Their lean, upright shape and hilarious antics make them a favorite with kids and visitors alike.
🌌 Cayuga Ducks
The Jewel-Toned Layers
Cayugas are one of America’s only native duck breeds, known for their stunning iridescent black-green feathers and quiet disposition. They’re a top choice for dual-purpose homesteading: good layers and excellent meat birds with uniquely dark plumage.
- Egg Production: 100–150 eggs per year, often starting out with black or charcoal-colored shells
- Temperament: Calm, quiet, and cold-hardy
- Best For: Heritage breed preservation, backyard eggs, and rich, flavorful meat
- Bonus: Their striking appearance makes them a showstopper on any farm
Cayugas are a piece of living history, perfect for those passionate about sustainable farming and rare breeds.
🎨 Welsh Harlequin Ducks
The Elegant All-Rounder
These beautiful, light-colored ducks are as useful as they are graceful. Welsh Harlequins are prolific egg layers and one of the few duck breeds where sex can be determined at hatch by bill color—making flock planning easier for homesteaders.
- Egg Production: 250–300 eggs per year
- Temperament: Friendly, docile, and great foragers
- Best For: Eggs, backyard pets, and families new to ducks
- Appearance: Delicate coloring with soft creams, light browns, and metallic greens
Welsh Harlequins combine the best traits of utility and beauty. They thrive in mixed flocks and are gentle with children and newcomers to poultry care.
🦆 Why Ducks on the Homestead?
- Less Mess than Chickens (with proper water management)
- Cold Hardy & Weather Tolerant
- Great Egg Layers—Even in Winter
- Eat Garden Pests Without Scratching Up Plants
- Wonderful with Kids & Great for Education
At Mema’s Inclination, we raise all our ducks on pasture with plenty of room to waddle, run, and splash. Whether you’re looking to start a flock or add new breeds to your homestead, our Runner, Cayuga, and Welsh Harlequin ducks are here to help you grow something beautiful and sustainable.
Extraordinary Flavor. Rare Breeds. Raised Right on a Small Family Farm.