Breeding Ducks for the First Time

[HomeTweetHome1]

I have a gorgeous Golden 300 HyLayer hen, about 7-8 months old now, laying a large white egg every day. I want to breed her— I know that they are hybrids and can’t bear true offspring... Regardless of this, and because I’m personally a huge fan of mutt ducks, I’ve looked at available males in the area. I’ve narrowed it down to Pekin and Khaki Campbell.
Will there be harmful genetic defects/other issues caused by crossing the Golden 300 with a different breed?
Will they pick up traits from their parents, such as their egg laying abilities, or temperament?

I also have a mallard female. She was bought with the Golden 300– they’re both about 8 months old now. I want to breed her with another drake. I’m looking at getting a blue/fawn runner drake as well, and I’m very curious to see what would happen with that.
Does anybody have pictures of Mallard X Runner?

Another quick question:
Does hatch rate lower when breeds are crossed like such?

Thanks in advance.
Grace

 

[sourland]

The breeds you mention are all mallard derived so they can interbreed and produce viable, fertile offspring. One drake to one duck is generally not a good ratio as drakes are particularly aggressive sexually. A call drake might be better for mating with the mallard.

 

[HomeTweetHome1]

The breeds you mention are all mallard derived so they can interbreed and produce viable, fertile offspring. One drake to one duck is generally not a good ratio as drakes are particularly aggressive sexually. A call drake might be better for mating with the mallard.

The Golden 300 and the Mallard are together. They mount each other but are definite females. Will a Khaki drake harm the mallard if he attempts to mate with her, being so much larger?

 

[sourland]

If they have access to swimming water, a very large drake may inadvertently drown a smaller hen as 'getting the job done' can take longer when the drake is much larger. There is also the possibility of injury if breeding on land.

 

[HomeTweetHome1]

If they have access to swimming water, a very large drake may inadvertently drown a smaller hen as 'getting the job done' can take longer when the drake is much larger. There is also the possibility of injury if breeding on land.

Ok— I’m thinking of adding a few more hens (a pekin, a rouen, and a crested) that a neighbor is rehoming— but I don’t know what to do with the mallard. I’ve only had a handful of mallards and call ducks... Most of my hens are 6-8 pounds. I don’t want her to get hurt when I breed her. Should I sell her and just keep the big ducks?

 

[Miss Lydia]

@sourland

 

[sourland]

Given the availability of several larger females and the quickness of the mallard, she may not be bred or at least not excessively. I'd keep an eye on things and have a plan 'B' in mind.

 

[HomeTweetHome1]

Given the availability of several larger females and the quickness of the mallard, she may not be bred or at least not excessively. I'd keep an eye on things and have a plan 'B' in mind.

So should I keep her in with the other ducks and just keep an eye on her so she doesn’t get hurt?

 

[Miss Lydia]

@sourland

 

[sourland]

So should I keep her in with the other ducks and just keep an eye on her so she doesn’t get hurt?

I'd try that but monitor closely.