???genetic defect???

[kw]

Can ducks have the male curl (like a genetic defect)? Like a hen with spurs? (which isn't common but not unheard of).

I'm suppose to have a breeding pair of welsh harlequins but the duck has me pondering.

 

[duckluck]

You might have a bad case of "I think so's" from the breeder.

Anybody ever hear of such a defect? I *have* heard that a duck can take on male plumage if an ovary loses its function...but I don't think that's genetic, more like an ovary just having a malfunction or defect. What I have heard is color though, don't know about the curly feathers.

 

[froggie71]

Haven't seen that myself.

I do know that males can at times not have the curl. Our drake lost it's curl after a fight, though it did grow back. I have heard of a female taking on male colors when losing it's mate. (think that was peacocks though)

 

[CityChicker]

I don't know. Anything is possible. I don't think I have ever seen that though. The differences between a male and female Welsh Harlequin should be obvious though. Do you have pictures?

 

[kw]

Sorry, it took me so long to get back to the matter at hand. I'm pretty sure my "duck" is a Drake. Now I'm just not exactly sure what breed "HE" is? Any advice or suggestions would help. Here are Pics of HIM.

 

[pardygwyn]

Looks like my Metzer Welsh Harlequin drakes with extra white on the neck. I have a duck from the same shipment who I suspect would look like that if she were a drake, lots of white with barely any brown up top.

 

[cw]

can we fry her up momma?

 

[cw]

his days are #ed

 

[TK Poultry]

My drake doesnt really have a curl but ya that is a Metzer Welsh Harlequin drake

 

[kw]

Thanks, everyone!