Ducks Breeds A-Z
Abacot Ranger
Feature by Rachel Sibbert
Welcome to the Abacot Ranger.
The Abacot Ranger is a breed of domestic duck. It is also known as Hooded Ranger and as Streicher.
History
Mr Oscar Gray of Abacot Duck Ranch, near Colchester developed the breed, originally called the 'Hooded Ranger' using Khaki Campbells and Indian Runners.
The Abacot Rancher was later standardised by The Poultry Club and BWA in 1987.
5 week old ducklings
Appearance
The breed is similar in shape to Khaki Cambells, athough larger.
In the female, the head is fawn and the bill a dark slate grey.
In the male, the head is black with a green lustre with a white ring around the neck and an olive green bill.
The legs and webs are dark, ideally steely grey.
The ducklings have distinctive dark fringes around the tail and on the head and the bill has a darker tip. The male ducklings at this stage have more dark shading on the head.
The Abacot Ranger's standard weight is 6.6lb for a Drake and 5.5lb for a Duck female.
Photo credit: Tim Daniels (poultrykeeper.com)
Uses
Developed for eggs and meat, they are a popular breed today for showing and egg production.
Like other light ducks, this breed is lively and active and a good forager.
Wye College Duck Laying Test 1922-3 indicates the breed used to be one of the best: breed came top with 935 eggs in a 4 bird section.
They lay a fairly large white egg weighing between 60-70g and lay around 180 to 200 eggs per year.
They are well suited to backyard keepers.
Photo credit: Tim Daniels (poultrykeeper.com)
Did you know?
Abacot Ranger ducklings can be sexed easily from 8 weeks of age. The male has an olive green bill, whereas the female’s is a dark slate grey.
They are a hardy peaceful duck and can live well past 10 years old.
Abacot Rangers very rarely fly.
Photo credit: Tim Daniels (poultrykeeper.com)
