Magpie Mystery

[yotetrapper]

Well, it is to me at least. I have 2 ducks... a hen and drake Magpie. For the Easter hatch, I hatched out 4 baby ducks from this pair. Those are the only ducks I have, so cross breeding is not a consideration. 3 of the four ducklings are yellow and black, with yellow and black feet, like this one....




But the fourth duckling is solid yellow, with solid yellow feet, not a drop of black on it.

Thoughts?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Well, it is to me at least. I have 2 ducks... a hen and drake Magpie. For the Easter hatch, I hatched out 4 baby ducks from this pair. Those are the only ducks I have, so cross breeding is not a consideration. 3 of the four ducklings are yellow and black, with yellow and black feet, like this one....




But the fourth duckling is solid yellow, with solid yellow feet, not a drop of black on it.

Thoughts?

What a cutie...

As for the yellow one ... Somewhere in the wood pile lol

I have no idea.

 

[Krazyquilts]

I was wondering if the yellow one has developed any black on it or if it is still just yellow?

 

[yotetrapper]

@Krazyquilts Nope, he's still all yellow. But, I think I solved the mystery. I found another magpie thread on here and posted the question on it, and someone told me magpies will occasionally throw an all white duck... and that since those white ducks breed true when bred to each other, are known as their own breed... Stanbridge Whites. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/325268/what-can-you-tell-me-about-stanbridge-white-ducks

Anyhow, here he is.

 

[Krazyquilts]

Wow, that is so interesting! I kind of wondered if it was something like that, since I read this statement on Holderread's website, albeit about Silver Appleyards but it stands to reason that might occur in other breeds too:

"Due to the Silver Appleyard's genotype, it is common for them to produce some solid white offspring. The White Appleyard has identical physical and productive qualities as the Silver and is useful when a pure white duck is desired."

I hope you will continue to post pics of your little Stanbridge White and its hatch mates as they grow.