Is this Welsh Harlequin Duck pure breed?

[HomesteadofCao]

I just got this pair of Welsh Harlequin ducks and I'm wondering if they are pure breed. They are about four months old. After looking at them I realized that they had a ton more brown feathers than any of my other ducks which made me wonder if they are pure breed. I have other Welsh Harlequin ducks that are 4 years of age and some brown feathers have grown in but not as MUCH as what these youngsters have. The cage that they are in for right now is temporary just for quarantine they will be moved into something better soon. Thanks!

 

[TwistedTayy]

Mine looked like that as they grow, as they molt they will grow into their adult plumage. But they look purebred to me. They may also just be younger than you were told.

 

[HomesteadofCao]

Thanks, how old do they look to you?

 

[ibarbidahl]

14-16 weeks is a good guesstimate. So 4 months is about right. They are molting into their 1st adult feathers now. (his chest is naked) The next 3-4 weeks should show him with his full nuptial plumage green head, etc. His legs should lose the grey and turn bright orange as well. She will lose some of the brown and get a bit lighter.
What you are seeing is actually closer to the "standard of perfection" - and yes they are darker as ducklings than adults.

 

[HomesteadofCao]

Thanks for all the information. This really helps.

 

[Smiles-N-Sunshine]

I have some variation in the 11 Welsh Harlequin hens I raised from Metzer (pictured at 10 weeks, back of drake's head in center) and 8 from Cackle.

 

[tmpar]

My two females just finished molting and they are always darker in the colder months.