Aztec Bantam Duck
Alternative Names
Aztec Duck
Status
The Aztec is a very rare bantam duck breed created by Holderread Waterfowl Farm in 1983. It was designed to be a small, attractive duck that is hardy, easy to breed, and good for small keepers. Today, the breed is nearly extinct and only survives in a few private flocks.
Origin
Developed in the United States by David Holderread by crossing small, hardy ducks somewhere between the shape of wild mallards and Call ducks.
Identification
Aztecs are small bantam ducks. They are not as long and slim as a mallard but not as round and short as a Call duck. They have a neat, balanced body shape and are known for being attractive, alert, and active.
Behavior
They are hardy, energetic, and good at foraging. They are also calm and easy to manage. Females are good mothers and willingly hatch and raise their own ducklings.
Breeding
Aztec ducks lay around 40–100 eggs per year. They are better breeders than Call ducks, which often struggle with hatching. Aztecs are fertile, broody, and raise ducklings well. Some lines have been crossed with mallards or Call ducks to keep the bloodline healthy.
Conservation
The breed is close to extinction. Holderread no longer keeps them, but a few dedicated breeders are working to preserve the remaining birds in small flocks.