So I am getting a duckling to show in 4-H but I can't decide on a Welsh Harlequin or a Magpie. I would like to know which one is better as a pet and would do a great job in shows?? I've done some research about each of their temperament and they both sound like great birds. I would love your input and can you post pics of show quality ducks of these two breeds?
I would go with the Welsh Harlequin. They are calmer than the Magpie. They are also critically endangered and are on the livestock conservancy list. Their show quality is above average. Sorry, I don't have any pictures. Welsh Harlequin ducks are also quieter than the Magpie. Magpie ducks can sometimes fly away and Welsh Harlequins don't.
I would go with the Welsh Harlequin. They are calmer than the Magpie. They are also critically endangered and are on the livestock conservancy list. Their show quality is above average. Sorry, I don't have any pictures. Welsh Harlequin ducks are also quieter than the Magpie. Magpie ducks can sometimes fly away and Welsh Harlequins don't.
I love both those breeds! I have never had welsh harlequins but the females sure are BEAUTIFUL! If I could have some I would! I have one magpie drake and I LOVE him! He has a great personality, he reminds me more of a dog than a duck. Always happy and curious. Show quality magpies are hard to find though. Most dont have the ideal coloring. If you can find a place that sells show quality magpies I say go for it! They are more uncommon than welsh harlequins also. Magpies are a small/medium breed but they don't fly. They can jump and flap their wings to get off the ground a few feet, but all standard duck breeds can do that. Good luck choosing!
I love both those breeds! I have never had welsh harlequins but the females sure are BEAUTIFUL! If I could have some I would! I have one magpie drake and I LOVE him! He has a great personality, he reminds me more of a dog than a duck. Always happy and curious. Show quality magpies are hard to find though. Most dont have the ideal coloring. If you can find a place that sells show quality magpies I say go for it! They are more uncommon than welsh harlequins also. Magpies are a small/medium breed but they don't fly. They can jump and flap their wings to get off the ground a few feet, but all standard duck breeds can do that. Good luck choosing!
Your duck sounds great! i agree the Welsh Harlequin females are gorgeous! I can't have anymore drakes so this duckling would have to be a female. I was just going to get my magpie from olsens grain next month, but I think I'm going to try a Welsh Harlequin instead. If you have pics of show quality magpies can you post them please?? Thanks for your help
I just have a few more questions. What color of Welsh Harlequin should I get silver or gold?? i heard somewhere that show quality magpies shouldn't have markings under their eyes is that true?? Can I order only one duckling from metzer farms? I have four other ducks at my house already and don't need or want more than one extra duckling.
They are supposed to have a black cap on the top of their heads, a black "saddle" on their back and a ring of black around their rear.
This is my boy He is not show quality but I still love him! Boy and girl magpies all have the same patterings.
If you are going with welsh harlequins I would go with silver. The minimum amount of ducklings you can order from metzer is two because they need the body heat and companionship of other ducklings. All hatcheries will ship a minimum of two. You may be able to find a home for the extra duckling near you.
This is what show quality magpies look like.
They are supposed to have a black cap on the top of their heads, a black "saddle" on their back and a ring of black around their rear.
This is my boy
He is not show quality but I still love him! Boy and girl magpies all have the same patterings.
If you are going with welsh harlequins I would go with silver. The minimum amount of ducklings you can order from metzer is two because they need the body heat and companionship of other ducklings. All hatcheries will ship a minimum of two. You may be able to find a home for the extra duckling near you.
Okay thanks for all the help!! I will ask some people if they want the extra duckling. When I get this WH or magpie we will have five ducks total and that is the limit. Thanks again!!
Okay thanks for all the help!! I will ask some people if they want the extra duckling. When I get this WH or magpie we will have five ducks total and that is the limit. Thanks again!!
