Duck breeds?

[Jrd7788]

My friend recently gave me these ducklings and was wondering if anyone has any ideas on their breeds. They have from what I could tell from the adults they have muskovy and mallards and mixes and just a whole bunch of others. Two of the ducklings have poofson their heads. Any ideas? Thanks

 

[fatty and friends]

the duckling that looks like a mallard is most likely a rouen, the others are mix breeds but will look like black swedish when fully grown

if by “poofs on their heads” you mean crested ducks, i recommend having an emergency vet available just in case. most crested ducks have brain issues

 

[MeanCheek]

One looks like a mallard, but if they keep multiple breeds together, they are probably mutts that will turn out to be a dark brown/black.

 

[Jrd7788]

the duckling that looks like a mallard is most likely a rouen, the others are mix breeds but will look like black swedish when fully grown

if by “poofs on their heads” you mean crested ducks, i recommend having an emergency vet available just in case. most crested ducks have brain issues

Yes, they have tiny little tufts on their heads. What do you mean by brain issues?

 

[MeanCheek]

Yes, they have tiny little tufts on their heads. What do you mean by brain issues?

If I remember correctly, the crest is caused by a deformed skull. Brain tissue "leaks" out and causes the feathers to mass?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Here is information https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/the-truth-behind-crested-ducks.707110/
having tiny crest shouldn't be much of a problem unless you have a drake in the mix. Drakes use the feathers on the female's head and neck to hold on while mating.
These little ones have small crest hopefully you'll not see any problems you'll just have to keep any crested females away from drakes.
I would def get them on a good feed and add Nutritional yeast to it. 1 Tab to each cup of feed until at least 10-12 weeks old. Nutritional yeast will give them the niacin they need to have healthy legs which are very important.
Your new duckings are adorable.

 

[Jrd7788]

One looks like a mallard, but if they keep multiple breeds together, they are probably mutts that will turn out to be a dark brown/black.

They have all sorts of ducks that they rescued and others tbh at were given to them lol

 

[Jrd7788]

Here is information https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/the-truth-behind-crested-ducks.707110/
having tiny crest shouldn't be much of a problem unless you have a drake in the mix. Drakes use the feathers on the female's head and neck to hold on while mating.
These little ones have small crest hopefully you'll not see any problems you'll just have to keep any crested females away from drakes.
I would def get them on a good feed and add Nutritional yeast to it. 1 Tab to each cup of feed until at least 10-12 weeks old. Nutritional yeast will give them the niacin they need to have healthy legs which are very important.
Your new duckings are adorable.

Ahhhh ok. If any of these turn out to be drakes I’m rehoming them because I have chickens and don’t want THAT to happen. You know…. lol.. so they should be on if I don’t have drakes then

 

[ruthhope]

Ahhhh ok. If any of these turn out to be drakes I’m rehoming them because I have chickens and don’t want THAT to happen. You know…. lol.. so they should be on if I don’t have drakes then

Any crested drakes really should not breed and so should be rehomed to someone who is not raising ducklings by hatching their own eggs. I have a crested drake and he lives with my all drake flock. My son has a crested female and she lives with his all female flock. He has recently taken one of my rescued drakes, but he takes the eggs as soon as they are laid, and we eat them.

Our two crested ducks do not have neurological conditions. They are both smaller than our other pekins, but otherwise fit and active -- and very cute. I wouldn't chose a crested duckling, but I take what comes in rescues and try and give them a happy life.