the_finch_family
Songster
Hi!
I was wondering if any of you have tried mixing up breeds like magpie ducks with larger mallards or something similar to that.
I currently have one wild mallard female, a mallard derived mix male (he's quite large, but I have no clue what breed he exactly is), a magpie male and female, and a small-ish pekin female.
I wonder, what could I expect from such mixes? Both my larger females (the pekin and the magpie) are laying eggs still today despite -15°C temperatures, could I expect the offspring of these girls and the mallard derived male to have less eggs throughout the year? Concidering how much more my mallard male likes the snow and the cold than the others, could such a mix possibly be hardier?
Could a mix between my magpie male and pekin female result in hardier, better egg laying ducks?
These are just speculations, I've only had experience breeding finches, so things such as the genetic links to egg laying potential and hardiness aren't exactly something I've had to look into as much as I'd have to with the ducks. I've mostly focused on behaviour, general health, intelligence and looks for my finches.
If any of you have links to some articles relating to duck breeding for size, egg laying and hardiness I'd really appreciate it!
I was wondering if any of you have tried mixing up breeds like magpie ducks with larger mallards or something similar to that.
I currently have one wild mallard female, a mallard derived mix male (he's quite large, but I have no clue what breed he exactly is), a magpie male and female, and a small-ish pekin female.
I wonder, what could I expect from such mixes? Both my larger females (the pekin and the magpie) are laying eggs still today despite -15°C temperatures, could I expect the offspring of these girls and the mallard derived male to have less eggs throughout the year? Concidering how much more my mallard male likes the snow and the cold than the others, could such a mix possibly be hardier?
Could a mix between my magpie male and pekin female result in hardier, better egg laying ducks?
These are just speculations, I've only had experience breeding finches, so things such as the genetic links to egg laying potential and hardiness aren't exactly something I've had to look into as much as I'd have to with the ducks. I've mostly focused on behaviour, general health, intelligence and looks for my finches.
If any of you have links to some articles relating to duck breeding for size, egg laying and hardiness I'd really appreciate it!