Although the usual expression to define strength refers to the Turks, “Strong as a Basque” might also be appropriate with regard to Basque strength games or even an unknown but particularly resistant breed of duck: the Kriaxera.
A rustic and resistant duck
Although originating in the Basque Country, the Kriaxera duck is also raised beyond this border, namely Béarn, the Adour basin, Chalosse and Marensin. More hardy than their traditional counterparts, this farm duck, whose origins date back to Gallo-Roman times, feeds on grassy pastures and in waterways.
To recognize it, its plumage is dark, embellished with iridescent feathers of blue and green. The Kriaxera weighs an average of 3.5kg, with ducks usually reaching 3kg but being less fertile than their classic peers.
In January 2021, for the 3rd time in 5 years, yet another episode of the H5N8 avian flu decimated duck farms in the region, surprisingly sparing the ugly duckling, the Kriaxera. Research is being carried out on this in order to determine the causes of their immunity.
