Duck Breed Focus - Crested Ducks

[sumi]

With the powder-puff of feathers on its head, the Crested duck is a truly striking bird. It is a medium-weight dual purpose breed of uncertain origins, the most credible possibility is that crested runner ducks (Bali ducks) were brought to The Netherlands on ships and crossed with local ducks. The crest found on these ducks does occur in Mallards and their derivatives from time to time though, as a mutation, so it is possible that they were bred from sports of common ducks. Through selection, crested ducks have been created. Though striking, the mutation causes a lethal allele combination when two crested ducks are mated together, can cause around 25% of the embryos to die in the shell and there are quite frequently other health problems in the surviving young that hatch, such as twisted necks. From the offspring there will be some crest-less ducks too. If a Crested duck is mated to a crest-less duck, some of the offspring will have crests and no lethal allele combination, leading to dead embryos.

The ducklings grow fairly quickly, making them good birds for the table and they are good layers. An adult drake weighs about 7 pounds, and females about 6 pounds. They were admitted to the APA's Standard of Perfection, which recognises two forms, Black and White, and the british Poultry standards in 1910. Other varieties, such as Grey (Mallard coloration), Buff and Blue have been developed by breeders, and crests may appear on others. Crests should be large and sit symmetrically on the center of the head.

Details:

Purpose: Exhibition, Utility: meat and eggs.
Eggs: 120 to 200 Eggs.
Origin: Unknown but possibly Asia.
Weight: Drake: 7 lb, Duck: 6 lb.


Pic by @LilDucky85


Pic by @Funky Feathers


Pic by @aduckstolemyheart


Pic by @Funky Feathers


Pic by @Funky Feathers

BYC Breed Reviews:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/crested-white

BYC Breed Discussions:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/837366/crested-ducks-the-whole-picture/0_30
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/418920/crested-duck-and-ducklings-thread/0_30


Do you own Crested Ducks? Are you a Crested Duck breeder? If so, please reply to this thread with the your thoughts and experiences, including:

· What made you decide to get this breed?
· Do you own them for fun? Breeding? Some other purpose?
· What are your favorite characteristics about this breed?
· Post some pics of your birds; male/female, chicks, eggs, etc!

 

[Funky Feathers]

When I had them I had some of the best

 

[Tevyes Dad]

According to Wikipedia, the White Crested was added to the American Standard of Perfection in 1874. The Black variant was added in 1977.

The mutation can show up in any breed of duck, so I am sure there are other things involved in the ASOP. I would guess it is just like you can get Mallard coloring in an Indian Runner, but that wouldn't make it a Mallard. So my understanding is that "Crested" is a genetic mutation that could apply to any breed and "White Crested" and "Black Crested" are recognized breeds (at least in the US).

I just know I love mine

For better:


or for worse:


As a duckling we thought he couldn't be cuter...


We may have been wrong...


He's a silly boy!!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks, that was one of the humongous sunflowers I grew last summer. This seems a good time for any kind of sun we can get!

The crested ducks are cute, they look like they are wearing little wigs on their heads. I would think the breeding issues would be a concern though.

There is alot of concern and controversy about Crested and especially breeding 2 crested together. On BYC we have seen heart ache and triumph with this breed.

What a gorgeous Sunflower, Not one I have been able to grow here.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have Murray Mcmurray Rouens and Khakis, one pair each and they hatched out a crested In August. I do not know which combo of breed(s) the duckling is. Could be any combo of those 4. The Rouen was the broody who hatched it.

These pictures are of the hatchling after her feathers came in after a few months.



These are of the duckling just days after hatch.










I forgot to add that we incubated and hatched between 15-20 eggs from these same ducks and none of those were crested.

Love that baby she turned into a beautiful duck.

 

[applebutter14]

i used to have creasted ducks, i bought them because my mom had them growing up and i thought it would be fun to have them, too. i bought 3 from our local feed store but when they were about month or 2 old one drowned in a baby pool.

- i was very upset - and i was planning on showing the other 2 but becasuse of the bird flu this year our poultry show was canceled. i kept the other 2 for a while but in august i sold them.

these ducks are very sweet and i loved having them around, they were very tidy with there water and were not nosy or flighty.

 

[silly4buttons]

This is my girl flo she about 6 months old. I just love her. When I am in the pen she will come and sit with me. I got her from ideal.

 

[N F C]

According to Wikipedia, the White Crested was added to the American Standard of Perfection in 1874. The Black variant was added in 1977.

The mutation can show up in any breed of duck, so I am sure there are other things involved in the ASOP. I would guess it is just like you can get Mallard coloring in an Indian Runner, but that wouldn't make it a Mallard. So my understanding is that "Crested" is a genetic mutation that could apply to any breed and "White Crested" and "Black Crested" are recognized breeds (at least in the US).

I just know I love mine

That's such a wonderful photo, it makes me smile!

 

[gardavis2]

Need help with heat in S. FL.
We have 6, 3week old ducklings that we're raising at home with the intention of releasing on our lake when they're old enough. They seem to always be panting no matter where we move them if they're not in their little pool. They're on our screened patio now which has a fan and it's covered. But they still look hot. How much heat can they handle? It's 91 today with a feel like of 100+. Thanks

 

[rp riley]

Need help with heat in S. FL.
We have 6, 3week old ducklings that we're raising at home with the intention of releasing on our lake when they're old enough. They seem to always be panting no matter where we move them if they're not in their little pool. They're on our screened patio now which has a fan and it's covered. But they still look hot. How much heat can they handle? It's 91 today with a feel like of 100+. Thanks

I don't know if you have already but try starting your own thread. Just go to the duck forum and press post thread