Which Saxony Drake do I Keep? *NEW PICS*

[1lpoock]

I think a bit of broken neckband is ok...its really only a tiny bit in the back too.

 

[1lpoock]

Just looked again and the blue band is really bad neck ring...i'd say orange!

 

[HidingInTheHenHouse]

Yes, butcher date is tomorrow. I think I will take my knitting outside and sit and watch the drakes for a while. If it is true the neck band fills in over time, then I think I will go for the blue band. Even if it's not true, I just don't think the coloration of the pink band on the body is good enough to make him the keeper.

I don't really want to keep the orange band because of his size. I am worried he will go over the upper limit for the breed standard, which is right around 8 lb.

 

[HidingInTheHenHouse]

Okay, now I am really unsure. I don't have an American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection, so I don't know, but Holderread's website shows a drake that is close to 10 lbs, and says he meets the standard.

So maybe orange band is the best choice after all?

It would figure. That was the one I was going to keep if no one had any opinions since he was the biggest.

Here he is again with another pic added:

 

[Duck Keeper]

He seems to be the most typey, and I would try for a larger size anyway, since so many of the 'rare' breeds can be bred so small.

I'm having that issue with one of my original Appleyards, she's a few pounds under both my drake and other duck, but I'm growing out their offspring and picking the best; then I'll see what I'm going to do.

Maybe you should keep two and have greater genetic diversity??

 

[DuckFanatic]

I think green band looks the sweetest.. even though he isn't up to par.. but looking the sweetest doesn't matter i suppose, when you are trying to breed quality ducks