duck

The Co-operative duck

All Co-operative fresh primary Truly Irresistible duck is British and raised to Freedom Food RSPCA standards.

Situated in rural Suffolk, our supplier operates a fully integrated production system, with breeding, hatching, growing and processing all taking place within a small area of East Anglia.

All Co-operative fresh ducks are carefully reared and cared for to the exacting welfare standards set by the RSPCA and inspected by Freedom Foods.

Day-old chicks from the hatchery are reared on one of the specially selected farms, in an open environment with natural light and straw bedding.

All the farms are committed to the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group’s (FWAG) Diversity of Wildlife plan—promoting biodiversity around the locations in which they operate.

All Co-operative Truly Irresistble Ducks are Pekin ducks, which are white feathered and as the name implies, this type of duck originated in northern China. Historical records show that this kind of duck has been domesticated in China for at least 2000 years so it is hardly surprising that it holds a special place in the traditions of Chinese cuisine. Thousands of years ago Pekin ducks could fly, but for the last few centuries at least they have been content to stay down to earth. Likewise as day-olds they can swim instinctively and can even learn to do so later in life. On the other hand, provided they have water to drink and to preen themselves they are perfectly happy to live on dry land. Pekin ducks are naturally gregarious and are reluctant to stray far from the security of the flock. This is in marked contrast to, for example, Barbary ducks which tend to behave aggressively to each other if crowded together.