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[70%cocoa]

Actually, Mallards can be partially white when mixed with domestic ducks,

Yes, that is true. If birds are not white all over though, other genes like the Runner Pattern gene or Bibbed genes are possibly more likely candidates than all-white ducks like Pekins. Just guesses.

Duck colour genes rarely play by the rules though....all sorts of things can pop up, even when you think you know exactly what the parentage is. Colour genes are very malleable. That's why we have so many different colours of duck today - all derived from Mallards but a world of beautiful colours and patterns

 

[WoodsmithFarm]

I'm sorry everyone is being so harsh. Honestly, I think it was really nice of you to give everyone a heads up. And I think you did a really good job of being transparent about what you know and what you don't. I hope all your ducks are doing well. And thanks for your input!

 

[QuackedUp]

I'm sorry everyone is being so harsh. Honestly, I think it was really nice of you to give everyone a heads up. And I think you did a really good job of being transparent about what you know and what you don't. I hope all your ducks are doing well. And thanks for your input!

WoodsmithFarm,

Thank you... I appreciate your kindness. I was just trying to be helpful... I don't pretend to know anything... All I can do is relay facts of my particular situation... Thank you!

THANK YOU!

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

personally i would like photos to be posted of said adult feathered duck to go along with the claims. Sure would help remove guessing and speculation. would also either provide visual proof or put to rest what has been said as false. either way photos should always accompany a claim such as this.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

actually, are these the ducks in question?

<a href="https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/image/view/album/6226864/id/5180324/sort/display_order"><img src="https://www.backyardchickens.com/image/id/7581001/width/400/flags/LL"></a>

<a href="https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/image/view/album/6226864/id/5186643/sort/display_order"><img src="https://www.backyardchickens.com/image/id/7614904/width/400/flags/LL"></a>

<a href="https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/image/view/album/6226864/id/5186647/sort/display_order"><img src="https://www.backyardchickens.com/image/id/7614916/width/400/flags/LL"></a>


if so they look just like hatchery quality mallards. hatchery quality often does not truly represent the breed you are buying. some breeds arrive looking better than others. Look at hatchery runners and then go look at EQ/SQ runner, they are night and day on quality thanks to small breeding programs, and culling for type and watchful breeding. Buy from a hatchery (1000's of birds) and you will get the quality that comes with open or pasture style breeding and not pairing or setting up trios that compliment each other for type. You did indeed get what you paid for, hatchery quality mallards.

 

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[CelticOaksFarm]

actually this is a great post, it is educating people on the difference between quality stock, and hatchery stock. They are in no way the same thing, and unfortunately many buy from hatcheries thinking they will be getting birds who look just like the pictures of the breed standard. most dont understand that hatcheries are culling large numbers of breeders and setting up breeding pens of 3-6 birds to produce off spring to meet the standard. they run large pastures and pens with 100's of a breed together. so you can get genetic oddities and color mutations. there is also such a thing as a white mallard. You yourself said you arent a duck expert, so by posting here you are helping others who are buying pets understand that there is a chance for non breed standard birds to come when purchasing from a hatchery. It happens, most are happy with their pets.

You never mentioned what you fed, but a vet is specialized in fixing and curing, dont know many who also specialize in dietary needs. I would trust the word of one of this countries largest QUALITY breeders concerning protein levels over a Dr. Because sadly even a Dr who graduates last of their class is still called Dr. Dont know the one you goto, dont know their focus of study in avian medicine so dont get offended by blanket statements. Doctors dont always know best when all they do is practice medicine and not spend decades breeding as some of the more well respected breeders in the country have.