Help choosing a breed

[Aunt Sissys]

I am thinking about getting ducks to breed and sell ducklings. I can't seem to decide between Welsh harlequin or ancona ducks. They are both so cute, but my husband said I can only get one type. I am probably going to order them from a hatchery because I can't find any locally. Any positive feedback is appreciated.

 

[Aunt Sissys]

A dozen Ancona's in my family room. 1 chocolate, 3 Lavender and 8 black.

 

[Aunt Sissys]

Well, I'm going with the Ancona's. I found someone local that is selling ducklings and they seem like they have good genetics. Her originals were from Holderread. I also like that that they are female led. My boys voted for them because they look like holsteins. We should get ducklings around mid-march-ish.

 

[Ratchnick]

You need to decide what bird will serve you and your customers best.

Harlequins are a light breed, loads of eggs with good feed to egg conversion. They are to small to grow as meat.

Anconas are the queens of free range. (Female led forage patters) they still get 250 or so eggs a year, the best of any medium breed. They are big enough to eat if you want. You cant win ribbons at the fair but there is certainly an unofficial standard.

The most important thing above all else is that you get good genetics. You can get harlequins that lay 150 eggs a year or 300 eggs a year. So don't just get them from any hatchery. Here are some quality breeders.

Wh
https://www.holderreadfarm.com/

Ancona
https://alsquackery.com/

 

[Quatie]

Well, I'm going with the Ancona's. I found someone local that is selling ducklings and they seem like they have good genetics. Her originals were from Holderread. I also like that that they are female led. My boys voted for them because they look like holsteins. We should get ducklings around mid-march-ish.

That is exciting! Anconas are pretty darn cute ducks. I would love to have a couple some day. I am sure people will love to see your ducklings when you get them.

 

[Aunt Sissys]

That is exciting! Anconas are pretty darn cute ducks. I would love to have a couple some day. I am sure people will love to see your ducklings when you get them.

I will definitely post pictures when I get them. Getting the brooder ready this weekend. The hubs is working on clearing some trees for the mini barn and permanent duck house.

 

[Amer]

Welsh Harlequins are the one in the Standard, so if you want to show ducks or breed to the Standard, I’d go with them. They’re also little piggies though.

 

[black_cat]

Because we currently only have one pen and it would be more expensive to get both. But I'm hoping to talk him into letting me get both in the future.

Oh, are you looking to breed them? Then I'd go with the harlequins because of what Amer said about the standard. But if you're not looking to breed them, then I'd definitely get both.

 

[DuckGirl77]

Welsh Harlequins are one of my favorite breeds, they are very friendly and as one of the lighter breeds, pretty healthy. Also, if you plan on breeding, welshies from certain hatcheries/breeders can be sexed by bill color as day old ducklings, which may be helpful.

I have never kept Anconas, but have heard they are a great choice as well. I believe they are less common, which may work in your favor if you plan on selling ducklings. Either way, I don't think you'll be disappointed! Let us know what you decide!

 

[Aunt Sissys]

You need to decide what bird will serve you and your customers best.

Harlequins are a light breed, loads of eggs with good feed to egg conversion. They are to small to grow as meat.

Anconas are the queens of free range. (Female led forage patters) they still get 250 or so eggs a year, the best of any medium breed. They are big enough to eat if you want. You cant win ribbons at the fair but there is certainly an unofficial standard.

The most important thing above all else is that you get good genetics. You can get harlequins that lay 150 eggs a year or 300 eggs a year. So don't just get them from any hatchery. Here are some quality breeders.

Wh
https://www.holderreadfarm.com/

Ancona
https://alsquackery.com/

I did call holderread on Friday 1/29/21 and they don't have any Welsh Harlequin left. They are retiring the farm and selling off what they have left.
I was excited about that one because I would have been able to drive there.