Fred Hams was born on a poultry farm in Kent where pedigree strains of popular breeds were bred. Although better known as a Poultry Club judge, Fred Hams qualified as a waterfowl judge in 1978. He first exhibited Aylesbury ducks in 1948, twenty years before he first exhibited poultry. Today he keeps exhibition Rouens and utility Khaki Campbells.

• The first domestic ducks; Commercial table breeds of duck; Commecial laying breeds of duck; pure heavy breeds of duck; Light, laying and dual-purpose breeds of duck; Bantam, miniature and Call ducks; The first domestic geese; Commercial breeding of geese; Pure breeds of geese; Waterflowl clubs, breeders and suppliers: further reading and places to visit.