How soon do crested ducks start having neurological problems?

[TomCahalan]

I was looking for pekin ducks but the only thing that I could find in my area were these "assorted ducks" Three of them have crests, the other three don't, but look to be the same breed (yellow, with some faint brownish striping on their heads). I plan on eating them when they get to about 8 weeks or so, or when they start having problems, whichever comes first.

 

[Jpat]

Most of the issues are before they hatch, and the ones that do hatch its usualy instantly noticable, But it can set in months later

if only one of the parents have a crest you can still get healthy babies

 

[Isaac 0]

We won't be able to tell you an exact date when they will start having problems, that depends on genetics and the environment they are kept in, I would avoid keeping males with the crested females, as males tend to grab onto females heads which can sometimes cause damage to the brain and cause neurological problems. Most problems occur before or after just they hatch .

 

[TomCahalan]

Thank you both, it is good to know that they will probably be fine until slaughter time. I may keep the non-crested females (if there are any) to join my flock of runners.

 

[Isaac 0]

Thank you both, it is good to know that they will probably be fine until slaughter time. I may keep the non-crested females (if there are any) to join my flock of runners.