Posted by Rick Turner on December 20, 2013 at 5:56 PM
Posted by John Tobias on December 21, 2013 at 12:04 AM
Looks like some sort of domestic duck cross to me.
Posted by Sandy Scott on December 21, 2013 at 12:05 AM
That's the cotton ball head duck! Only kidding - I've never seen one of those.
Posted by Rick Turner on December 21, 2013 at 9:54 AM
What is this partner called then?
Posted by Marty Kramer on December 21, 2013 at 12:09 PM
I have seen this type of duck in Washington State in the pond at Fort Steilacoom. I believe it is a domestic. Take a look at http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/Ducks/Crest/BRKCrestedDucks.html
Posted by Rick Turner on December 21, 2013 at 1:00 PM
A crested duck it must be.
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.
Discussion
5 repliesMany 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.