Most ducks sold today are ducklings of seven to nine weeks. Young duck is delicious, but do not buy frozen duck as you will not be able to judge the pliability of the backbone which is a tell-tale sign of age. The skin of a fresh duck should be dry, soft and smooth. It should not be slimy or smell strongly. Some ducks are bred to be less fatty and have more meat on them, e.g. Gressingham or Barbur.