Raising Large Fowl Welsummer, RC Rhode Island Red,
(02-15-2008)
Duck Breeders
Classes:
Heavy
Medium Light Weight Bantam
Ducks are not only popular for exhibition purposes, but useful and profitable for the production of meat and eggs. The many variations in size, type and color patterns give breeders of ducks a wide range from which to choose a variety most suited to their desires. From the large, heavily-meated White Pekin to the racy Runner or from the large White Aylesbury or the massive, beautiful Rouen to the tiny Call and East Indie, there is ample variety from which to choose.
The Crested ducks capitalize on a unique feature to give them a distinctive appearance. While not considered a top commercial duck they do offer their owners a breeding challenge with good recovery for the family table.
The Muscovy originated in South America. It is a distinct race, and when crossed with other races of ducks its progeny is sterile. The period of incubation for eggs of this variety is thirty-five days instead of twenty-eight, as with other races of ducks. The difference in size of drakes and ducks is remarkable, as the males are much larger than the females.
The Runners are very distinctive in type; in fact, type is the most important characteristic of the breed. In judging Runners, the typical shape must be given first consideration. A ringed-in enclosure may be used when judging Runners so they can be judged on the move for correct carriage and gait, Runners move with a quick step, quite unlike the waddle of other ducks.
East Indies and Calls are the Bantams of the duck family. They should be small in size, although type should not be sacrificed for smallness.
During the summer old drakes with the color pattern of the Gray Runner, Mallard, Rouen and Gray Call shed their showy male plumage and take on a plumage resembling that of the female. In the fall they, molt again and take on the male plumage. Young drakes also carry the less showy female color before they take on adult plumage. English Magpie Ducks are quite similar in type to Khaki Campbells, share their English origin and like the Campbells are a high-egg yield, triple-purpose breed.
The skin of all domesticated races of ducks is more or less yellow, with the possible exception of the Aylesbury and Muscovy, the skins of which are pinkish white.
Indian Runners produce white eggs, although tinted eggs are common in some strains. Runner ducks are the greatest layers known for the weight and number of eggs produced yearly. The Cayuga and the Black East Indie lay a very characteristic egg. When production begins the eggs are practically black, but as production progresses the black pigment more or less disappears and the eggs are blue. The Rouen egg is blue-shelled: although white-shelled eggs are not uncommon.
The larger breeds of ducks are noted for their market and table qualities.
SOURCE: American Standard of Perfection copyright 2001 All Rights Reserved.
