The Truth Behind Crested Ducks

[Kevin565]

Many people see crested ducks at feed stores and online. The crest appears to be adorable to some people leading them to purchase their first crested ducks. Unfortunately many people do not take the time to do the research behind the gene. The crested Gene is a genetic defect. The "Crest" in reality is just fatty tissue covering a gap in the skull. This gene is also linked to seizures and neurological problems. Breeding Crested ducks is even more of a challenge. Breeding 2 crested ducks is simply not advised and considered cruel by many people. Many will die in their shells as well as have their brains grow outside of the skull. The few ducklings that don't inherit the gene are most likely to hatch. Obviously when breeding for a crested duck that would be a problem. The recommended breeding strategy is to breed a heterozygous crested duck to a non crested duck. 50% of the ducklings should be crested while the remaining should hatch out normal. Also, when keeping crested hens for breeding you must be very careful your drake is not a overly aggressive breeder. If he grabs onto the duck's crest too hard t he can cause serious damage. So before you go out and buy that "Cute Fluffy" duckling make sure you know what you are getting yourself into

 

[Valntyn]

I had read somewhere (probably here) that the crest was a defect, but I didn't know to what extent. Though I'm not a lover of the cresteds, this information was interesting to learn. Thanks for sharing & hopefully it helps others.

 

[Habibs Hens]

wow i didnt know that

i never did consider buying any crested but after reading this is something i dont think i will ever consider

plus i prefer crests on the animals that it ment to be on

like cuckatoos, cranes, peacocks and my cream legbars lol

 

[CochinBrahmaLover]

No to all crested...

Except silkies... and polish.... and, well, chickens.,..

 

[Whittni]

Do you have some links or documentation as proof (conducted studies etc) behind your statements?

 

[Kevin565]

The lethal effects of the gene if fairly well noted but below are a few sites for people who wish to know more information on it.

http://www.domestic-waterfowl.co.uk/crested.htm

http://www.faithvalleywaterfowl.com/crested_call_genetics.html

http://www.metzerfarms.com/Articles/CrestedDucksUnusualBrains.pdf

 

[Miss Lydia]

The lethal effects of the gene if fairly well noted but below are a few sites for people who wish to know more information on it.

http://www.domestic-waterfowl.co.uk/crested.htm

http://www.faithvalleywaterfowl.com/crested_call_genetics.html

http://www.metzerfarms.com/Articles/CrestedDucksUnusualBrains.pdf

This is valuable info Kevin and should be put with the stickies.

 

[Kevin565]

Thanks Miss Lydia! I hope if people know more behind the gene they will think twice before they purchased a crested specimen.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks Miss Lydia! I hope if people know more behind the gene they will think twice before they purchased a crested specimen.

I understand what your saying but will that keep people from breeding for them? what happens to the lil duckling in the feed store that doesn't get bought because it's crested? I hate to think about it. I think that if folks buy a crested duckling that it should start with them, that they don't breed this duck and produce more crested. We the consumer have a big responsibility.

 

[Kevin565]

I understand what your saying but will that keep people from breeding for them? what happens to the lil duckling in the feed store that doesn't get bought because it's crested? I hate to think about it. I think that if folks buy a crested duckling that it should start with them, that they don't breed this duck and produce more crested. We the consumer have a big responsibility.

You do make a valid point. Sadly, I doubt it will have any effect on people who breed crested individuals. They clearly know what the gene does but it does not seem to matter to them. Unfortunately saving the little ducklings also encourages the production of more crested ducklings. I don't believe there is any clear cut answer to the crested gene crisis. Hopefully the more people know about the gene the less people want them. If crested ducks aren't in demand anymore then eventually hatcheries would stop selling.