Welsh Harlequin Ducks are a breed with a unique history , diverse economic consumption , and a teetering endangerment status . This duck’s egg is well suited for a multifariousness of uses , from meat and orchis output to lift sizable broods of duckling .
In addition to their practical uses , you wo n’t see a much prettier duck than the gorgeous Welsh Harlequin .
It ’s no secret why many farmers with an interest in inheritance breeds have choose this duck’s egg for their homestead .
About Welsh Harlequin Ducks
A Khaki Campbell duck’s egg breeder located near Criccieth , Wales , mark two mutant Light Within - coloredKhaki Campbellducklings and decided to breed for the genetic mutation . The Khaki Campbell semblance mutant was discovered in 1949 by Leslie Bonnet . From here , Welsh Harlequins were cautiously engender for 19 years before a breeder named James Fugate import hatching eggs to the US in 1968 .
Unfortunately , after 12 years in the states , Welsh Harlequin breeding flocks did n’t have a broad gene pond and were in need of some raw blood . In 1982 , new Welsh Harlequins were imported to the US and the breed was useable to the public by 1984 .
In 2001 , the Silver Welsh Harlequin was finally recognized by the American Poultry Association . Although the Silver Welsh Harlequin is the most common miscellanea in the states , the UK also has a golden variety of the stock .
Welsh Harlequin Breed Characteristics
1. Size and Weight
Welsh Harlequins are n’t improbably gravid ducks . However , they ’re not the little and most petite breed out there either . you may generally expect a Welsh Harlequin to weigh around 4.5 - 5.5 pound at full - grown weight .
2. Temperament
The Welsh Harlequin duck is generally a very teachable and relaxed breed with an easygoing tendency . you could await excellent foraging qualities out of this duck and plan on giving them plentitude of room to stray for their repast . In addition to their docile personalities and excellent forage qualities , Welsh Harlequin hens make excellent mothers .
3. Egg Production
Just like the Khaki Campbells they come from , Welsh Harlequins have prominent testicle production . A single Welsh Harlequin biddy can lay 240 - 330 eggs in a year . For those look for a reliable egg stratum , you may not need to search past this overachieving stock .
4. Meat Production
Welsh Harlequins are list as a threefold - design breed , but they are n’t going to be the meaty cover you raise . Nonetheless , Welsh Harlequins are hail for their production of thin , beautifully colored nitty-gritty . Many duck processors have also reported that the carcase deplume light incredibly well .
Taking Care of Welsh Harlequin Ducks
1. Feeding and Nutrition
Although this breed is known for excellent foraging skills , they will need their diets supplemented with feeds that ensure they get all the sustenance they take . If you ’ve ever raised ducks before , you likely already know what to bung ducks . However , if not , it ’s a good thought to learn up on all their food requirements .
When starting out with duckling , they ’ll demand a near starter to check that they start out life on the right foot . Waterfowl starter is idealistic , butchick starterworks in a pinch for feed ducklings . As your ducks produce , they may require some provender transitions before settling into the diet they ’ll eat for their adult lives .
For thosenew to raising duck , be sure to read all aboutwhat to feed ducksso you make love exactly how to care for your web - footed friend .
2. Housing and Fencing
Many people start out with poulet and add duck’s egg a few old age after , just assuming the needs are about the same . However , duck’s egg really have much more demanding accommodation necessity than chickens .
Insideyour duck’s egg business firm , provide a minimum of 5 - 6 - satisfying fundament per duck , and do n’t forget that extra space is always welcome . For the run , 12 - 15 - square foot per duck’s egg will keep everyone well-chosen . However , you’re able to always add more space when building your run .
One lesson I learned early on in poultry keeping is that it ’s always a expert idea to impart more space to your living after part than you think you ’ll require .
Unexpected addition always have a way of come about , especially when you ’re in the feed store and catch a glimpse of some adorable babies .
3. Health Issues and Care
you may expect your Welsh Harlequins to be racy and sound ducks as long as you buy from breeders with vigorous line . However , keep up with a healthy stack is up to you as a creditworthy animal keeper .
Parasite management , proper feeding , uninfected caparison , and common sense will help to check that your ducks live recollective and healthy lives .
4. Breeding
If you choose to breed Welsh Harlequins , you will be helping keep the population live , which this breed could for certain use . When choosing your genteelness stock for the next year , make certain to only select the most vigorous and hardy ducks . Do n’t choose birds with poor production , prominent and blocky bodies , or Mallard - corresponding facial markings .
Welsh Harlequin Breed Alternatives
1. Khaki Campbells
Like the chick that Welsh Harlequins derive from , Khaki Campbellsmakes a worthy stock alternative . Khaki Campbells are well known for their excellent egg product . When you lend these ducks to your raft , you may count on them to lie heap of good eggs for your farm .
2. Silver Appleyards
TheSilver Appleyardis another inheritance breed like the Welsh Harlequin and the two look remarkably similar . Silver Appleyards have slightly unspoilt meat output than Welsh Harlequins as well . On the flip side , you will find that Welsh Harlequins lie eggs more oft than a Silver Appleyard .
Did You Know?
Welsh Harlequins are actually able to be sexed from hatch by the colour of their bills ! I ’ve get five Welsh Harlequin ballock due to hatch in two calendar week and I ’m quite frantic about adjudicate out this method of sexing my ducklings . Male duckling have light bills while distaff ducklings will have a darker bill with a dark touch on the tip of her pecker .
I recently had the pleasure of farm - seance for a couple with a witching trio of Welsh Harlequins . I fell in erotic love with the beautiful plumage and sweet dispositions of these birds and I ’m certain you will too ! This is sure as shooting an excellent bird to deliberate adding to any homestead .
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