Silver Appleyard Drake Question

[Bluecharm7]

I bought Silver Appleyard ducklings from a commercial breeder last year. They appear to be doing very well the females are laying almost daily even through winter.

However, my drake’s head is barely green. It was green initially then kinda has been graying (almost like old age) has set in but he is just a year old.

I feed the ducks the Nutrena all flock feed because I also have chickens and it’s easier. Could this change in color be cause for concern at all of just a result of buying from a “commercial” hatchery?

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BYC!

Drakes will molt a few times during the year, Depending on where you are he could be in the middle of an eclipse molt which usually happens right before spring so he can have new feathers for the breeding season.

Does he look anything like this?

 

[Bluecharm7]

I couldn’t find a recent photo but this was him in Aug. I guess he never got fully green.

 

[Isaac 0]

I couldn’t find a recent photo but this was him in Aug. I guess he never got fully green.

Beautiful duck!


I had a male Rouen that had bad head coloration, It never seemed to be completely green,
Maybe just give him some time and it it might turn completely green or it might just be that way due too genetics.

 

[chickens really]

He is in eclipse and many Appleyard Drakes will have a brownish sltripe still around their eyes as they mature. Not a totally green head.

 

[Bluecharm7]

Thank you both for the help! This is the first time I have owned ducks. But they are a blast!

I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t a cause for concern.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I couldn’t find a recent photo but this was him in Aug. I guess he never got fully green.

Beautiful!