Laying Ducks (Welsh Harlequin)

[Rosecomb-Ryan]

Hey all Im thinking of getting some ducks for eggs. I have a good friend who got some Welsh Harlequins from Metzer Farms and ended up with a quad (3 females and a male). They are this years ducklings and he wanted to sell them for 30$ for all. Would they be good layers? Would they be good setter? Im thinking of having them for setting on Indie and Call duck eggs would they be good for that also?



Thanks for your help,
Ryan

 

[FenDruadin]

Ooo... that's a good deal! Welsh Harlequins are one of the best layers, and also make good mothers, according to all reports. They also can be sexed with decent accuracy at a day old by the color of their bills, which is really helpful if you plan to breed them and sell some of the babies. They're beautiful as well.

I don't know how they do incubating other duck eggs, but I would think since they're listed as good mothers that they'd be fine for that.

Personally, I'd jump on it. It's less than $10 per bird, for full-grown birds (or are they juveniles?), in the perfect sex ratio. Nice!

 

[Dances with Ducks]

I second the cat's opinion!! What a deal! You have a perfect ratio, Welsh Harlequins are second or equal to Khaki Campbell ducks, which are better layers than the best breed of chicken. There are no garuntees you will get a broody, but with three female WH your odds are fairly good!! Great price!!

 

[kcardella]

Go for it! They are beautiful ducks.

 

[Wifezilla]

I have 3 Metzer girls. Very healthy ducks and they should start laying in the next 4 weeks or so.

$30 for a quad is a good deal. I paid $25 for my girls as day olds. I split an order with someone, but it was still a smaller qty so shipping was a good part of that price. I just bought a 4 month old drake from Holdereades for $7.

Welsh Harlequins are an offshoot of Khaki Campbells...the best egg layers EVER. Welsh Harlequins maintain the egg laying ability, but unlike Khakis, they will actually set a clutch of eggs. Most khakis don't but it does sometimes happen.