Orpington Duck

The Orpington duck is an English dual-purpose domestic duck developed around Orpington, Kent, by William Cook and his family. It is best known in the buff variety and is often called the Buff Orpington or Buff duck, although older sources mention other color projects. Orpingtons are medium-sized, mallard-derived ducks with a broad utility body, good egg production, and enough substance for the table. In correct buff birds, the soft fawn-buff body color is important, with drakes typically showing a darker head and upper neck.

Small farms keep Orpington ducks for eggs, foraging, and heritage-breed meat without the extreme growth rate of commercial Pekin strains. They do well with pasture or garden access, but still need a balanced waterfowl ration, oyster shell for laying females, bathing water, and dry night housing. Breeders pay close attention to even buff color, body depth, bill color, and vigor, since generic buff-colored crossbreds may be sold under the name. As with many less common ducks, unrelated breeding stock is valuable for maintaining healthy lines.