Many fanciers will know John Blizzard, this editions Breeder. John has been breeding ducks since 1994. His first pairs of duck came from Norm Parish in South Australia, they were Calls and Mallards. John keeps many types of waterfowl. His current collection includes Pekin, Rouen, Cayuga, Runners, Elizabeths, Calls, Black East Indian, Silver Appleyard and Mallards.
Johns favourite breed is the Call duck. They are small, rare and a challenge. John started showing in 1996. He enjoys showing as it gives him the opportunity to meet different people, compare his birds and enjoy knowing that when he wins an award for one of his birds that his efforts are being recognised.
How do you prepare your birds for show?
For show and breeding, birds are moved from larger outside pens into a shed where there are 24 smaller pens, each being 2 m x 6 m. The ducks are kept on either sawdust or mesh to keep them clean. When preparing for show he only needs to check that they have clean bills and feet.
What do you feed your waterfowl?
Wheat during the off season and pellets during the show and breeding season.
Johns hints for Beginners is to begin with one or two breeds and buy good stock to start with. John should be commended for his dedication and commitment to preserving some of the rarer waterfowl breeds in Tasmania.