Ducks Breeds A-Z
Abacot Ranger
Feature by Rachel Sibbert
Welcome to the Abacot Ranger.
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The Abacot Ranger is a breed of domestic duck. It is also known as Hooded Ranger and as Streicher.
History
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Mr Oscar Gray of Abacot Duck Ranch, near Colchester developed the breed, originally called the 'Hooded Ranger' using Khaki Campbells and Indian Runners.
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The Abacot Rancher was later standardised by The Poultry Club and BWA in 1987.
5 week old ducklings
Appearance
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The breed is similar in shape to Khaki Cambells, athough larger.
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In the female, the head is fawn and the bill a dark slate grey.
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In the male, the head is black with a green lustre with a white ring around the neck and an olive green bill.
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The legs and webs are dark, ideally steely grey.
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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.
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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
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Developed for eggs and meat, they are a popular breed today for showing and egg production.
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Like other light ducks, this breed is lively and active and a good forager.
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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.
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They lay a fairly large white egg weighing between 60-70g and lay around 180 to 200 eggs per year.
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They are well suited to backyard keepers.
Photo credit: Tim Daniels (poultrykeeper.com)
Did you know?​
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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.
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They are a hardy peaceful duck and can live well past 10 years old.
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Abacot Rangers very rarely fly.
Photo credit: Tim Daniels (poultrykeeper.com)
