Question about Barred Muscovies

[zebradreams07]

First post, bear with me...

These guys just popped up on my local Craigslist: http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/grd/3162054308.html
I haven't called yet, so I can't give any more details (age, gender, etc.) My guess is that they're young hens. My trio didn't produce a single egg this year so I'm looking to replace them, preferably with something a bit showier. I've never seen barred muscovies around here and these guys are stunning, but from what I've read the barring is likely to fade with age. Can someone who's familiar with this pattern tell me whether it's likely to remain noticeable, and how much it can be improved with selective breeding? Also, are the white chests likely to produce more white? The only white patterns I've read about so far are white head, true pied, and the white split version of pied (none of which explain my solid black hen with a single white feather on each wing.) I'm just starting to learn about Muscovy color genetics, but would prefer to raise ducks with little to no white.

Thanks for any advice! Hope these guys are still there when I get paid.

 

[flyingtnh]

We're relative newbies to ducks (1 year - see my post from yesterday about some things we've learned), but yes, the barred pattern will fade with age. Our chocolate barred was quite "blurred" by maturity, and I'd send you a pic but she was the one we lost to a predator.

I don't have an answer on whether the white-bibbed ducks will produce more white - we are not breeding for color - but would expect that to be the case.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

THere are two drakes and two ducks from the looks of things in that picture. The sun will fade feather colors, when they molt many return to darker coloration.

 

[jdywntr]

I found some old pics.
I had a drake that looked like this when young this pic was taken at the end of August


By the beginning of October


The end of November the same year.


I have 5 barred muscovy now, 2 black 3 chocolate and I am fully expecting them to become much more solid.

 

[zebradreams07]

Thanks! Are you keeping them around to improve the pattern, or do you just not mind that it fades out?

 

[zebradreams07]

Just called and the ducks are already sold :/

 

[Miss Lydia]

Just called and the ducks are already sold :/

sorry.

 

[zebradreams07]

I'll pick up some other stock for now, but I'll be keeping my eyes open! I love both the barred and ripple patterns.

 

[Kevin565]

. Sorry to hear these guys sold but hopefully you can find some more at a later date. Glad to have you here in the duck section