I need help identifying my duck...

[easttxchick]

Snowy hen. Looks like her fertility should be great, too, in case you're interested in raising some of her young 'uns.
She's precious!

 

[Senna95]

"Is anyone able to tell me why different breeds of ducks can be identical colours? It's so odd to me that the colours can match so well and yet the body shape is different."

Well, it's sort of like you can have different breeds of dogs (ie labs, great danes, or greyhounds) and they can all be black.

And you're right about just about everything, except that ducks can fly. SOME ducks can fly, and a mallard is one of them! So are calls, East Indies, and Australian spotteds, along with, of course, any of the non-mallard derivatives like wood ducks, pin-tails, manderines, etc. Oh, and of course muscovies.

Your hen is beautiful. I miss mine, she was attacked by something (a raccoon I think) when she was sitting on her nest of about 15 eggs. I was devastated, especially since she was exceptionally beautiful (to me..... she was like yours. A light colored head. Most breeders breed for the fawn colored hood) I got some more this year and am hoping to have some babies next year. Do you have a drake?

 

[hcppam]

Quote:
Okey doke. It looks like we have a match. Female snowy mallard. Is anyone able to tell me why different breeds of ducks can be identical colours? It's so odd to me that the colours can match so well and yet the body shape is different. (It's clear I know nothing about poultry isn't it). All I know about ducks so far is what my ducky has taught me:

1. Ducks are adorable but MESSY
2. Ducks aren't real fussed on physical displays of affection
3. The best way to a Duck's heart is through regular offerings of crispy lettuce or corn kernels
4. Ducks CAN FLY...really well
5. Cold miserable weather is not excuse not to have a fabulous time in the pool
and
6. Sometimes a duck's best friend is a chicken
7. Sometimes a human's best friend is a duck

LOL, All true...and a chicken is one of my ducks best friend.

 

[Annie75]

Quote:
Easttxchick (excuse my ignorance) do you mean Snowy Call duck or Snowy Mallard? I've added this photo to demonstrate her size (it's not the best pose because I was trying to demonstrate her wing decoration. She likes it, honest.

Oh and also, how can you tell her fertility? (I wish I could have told mine by looking at myself and maybe could have saved a bundle by avoiding so much of failed IVF).

Oh and Senna, nope I don't have a drake....yet. That's why I wanted to be sure she was a girl and also what kind she was because I'd love to get her a boyfriend. I'm sorry you lost yours and 15 eggs as well. I actually started off with two identical ducks...but silly me didn't realise they could fly and they flew away. I got Daisy back though after I posted signs - never found her friend.

I love this website. It's heaps of fun. I don't really talk to anyone about my pets...I tried to strike up the conversation at work and didn't find any kindred spirits...and here you all are!!

 

[easttxchick]

Sorry for not being clear, Annie.
Based on her size I would say Snowy Mallard. She's a real beauty.
Yeah, they could care less about you stretching their wings out to show their colors-they know they're beautiful and don't mind showing it off.

 

[Senna95]

Annie, where do you live? I'm sure I'll have some extra drakes this year.

 

[tbitt]

Quote:
Well your co-workers SUCK!

Mine gave up and go along with my animal stories!

 

[animalpro24]

1. She's a call
2. It's a girl
3. She looks like she could be a snowy mallard or something like that.

 

[Annie75]

Quote:
Oh so she's a snowy mallard call duck? Man, I must sound really dumb. I thought that call ducks and mallard ducks were two different types of duck.

And thanks so much for your offer Senna, but the little eggs would need to go in an international postpack because I'm in Brisbane, Australia. (I wish I was in the US...I've spent a lot of time there and find you lot very easy to relate to for some reason). Tee hee, I wonder if American Call ducks have a little American accent

 

[easttxchick]

Quote:
Oh so she's a snowy mallard call duck? Man, I must sound really dumb. I thought that call ducks and mallard ducks were two different types of duck.

And thanks so much for your offer Senna, but the little eggs would need to go in an international postpack because I'm in Brisbane, Australia. (I wish I was in the US...I've spent a lot of time there and find you lot very easy to relate to for some reason). Tee hee, I wonder if American Call ducks have a little American accent

No, you're not dumb at all. Snowy is a variety(color). Mallard is a breed.
I don't believe your girl is a Call based on her size. She IS marked/colored like a Snowy Call, but I believe she's a Snowy Mallard.