Abacot Ranger
The Abacot Ranger is a light to medium domestic duck breed developed in England in the early twentieth century by Oscar Gray at the Abacot Duck Ranch. Also called the Hooded Ranger in some sources and maintained in Germany under the Streicherente name, it was bred from utility ducks with Khaki Campbell and Indian Runner influence. It is a mallard-derived duck, Anas platyrhynchos domesticus, with a trim body, active carriage, and strong sexual dimorphism in plumage. Drakes show a dark glossy head with a pale neck ring, while ducks are fawn, cream, and penciled with a softer head pattern. The breed was intended for eggs as much as for table use.
Small farms and hobby breeders keep Abacot Rangers as productive foragers that fit well in mixed poultry yards when given secure nighttime housing. They are lighter than Pekins, so they range readily and do not need large ponds, but they still need bathing water deep enough to clean eyes and nostrils. Breeding flocks are selected for clear markings, useful body size, fertility, and laying ability; crossing to similar brown or mallard-pattern ducks quickly blurs the Ranger pattern. Because the breed remains uncommon in many countries, buyers should look for stock from breeders who can explain their line and hatch results.
