About a month ago I was sent pure Pekin Duck eggs. The eggs varied in sizes but as a first time hatcher I assumed this was normal. I even inquired the breeder about the giant egg, and he said it was just a large egg. This was probably a good time to tell me that he had sent mixed eggs and had no clue what it could be.
Since I was expecting Pekins I didn't suspect anything unusual when 6 yellow ducklings emerged from their shells. Then the last hatched, it was black and yellow! An obvious mix. I didn't mind at all, I was actually really happy about my surprise egg. There were two this color but one died the day after pipping. Well, the surprises didn't end here. After the ducks were completely dry I noticed a puff on ones head. A crested Pekin!! I was so excited!!
I emailed the breeder to tell about my exciting hatch and to ask about the surprise eggs. I asked what the mix could be, and if the Pekin was actually crested. He informed me that he "sent whatever he had" and that my ducks could be White & Fawn Runner-Pekin mixes. He then asked how many stand upright like a Runner.
A few minutes ago it dawned on me that not just the dark one could be a mix, but all of them? I really didn't mind ONE mixed breed but all 8? That's totally misleading. My ducklings vary in yellows, and some even have light brown faces. After looking at Runner ducklings I can totally see how some can be mixed.
How long until I can tell what is what? Can you help me identify the breeds? I have TONS of pictures that I will add tomorrow but until then I will add a few that I have on here already.
Since I was expecting Pekins I didn't suspect anything unusual when 6 yellow ducklings emerged from their shells. Then the last hatched, it was black and yellow! An obvious mix. I didn't mind at all, I was actually really happy about my surprise egg. There were two this color but one died the day after pipping. Well, the surprises didn't end here. After the ducks were completely dry I noticed a puff on ones head. A crested Pekin!! I was so excited!!
I emailed the breeder to tell about my exciting hatch and to ask about the surprise eggs. I asked what the mix could be, and if the Pekin was actually crested. He informed me that he "sent whatever he had" and that my ducks could be White & Fawn Runner-Pekin mixes. He then asked how many stand upright like a Runner.
A few minutes ago it dawned on me that not just the dark one could be a mix, but all of them? I really didn't mind ONE mixed breed but all 8? That's totally misleading. My ducklings vary in yellows, and some even have light brown faces. After looking at Runner ducklings I can totally see how some can be mixed.
How long until I can tell what is what? Can you help me identify the breeds? I have TONS of pictures that I will add tomorrow but until then I will add a few that I have on here already.
