Welsh Harlequin Duck
Breed Origin and Appearance:
The Welsh Harlequin was developed in Wales by Leslie Bonnet in the mid-1940s. Bonnet started breeding these ducks by crossing two other breeds, the Khaki Campbell and the Dutch Decoy. He aimed to create a breed that was not only beautiful but also had high egg-laying ability. The Welsh Harlequin is a medium-sized duck with a distinctive, colorful plumage. The drake's plumage is mostly greenish-blue, while the female's is buff-colored with brown speckles. They have a long, streamlined body, a moderately long neck, and a broad, flat bill.
Uses:
Welsh Harlequins are primarily raised for their egg-laying ability. They are known to lay up to 300 eggs per year, making them one of the most productive duck breeds in terms of egg-laying. These ducks are also popular as ornamental birds and are sometimes kept as pets.
Large Fowl:
The Welsh Harlequin is classified as a large breed of duck, with an average weight of 2-2.5 kg for females and 2.5-3 kg for males.
Cockerel:
The male Welsh Harlequin duck is called a drake. They have a distinctive greenish-blue plumage, with a white ring around their necks. Drakes are slightly larger than females, with an average weight of 2.5-3 kg.
Hen colour:
The female Welsh Harlequin duck has a buff-colored plumage with brown speckles. They have a slightly smaller build than drakes, with an average weight of 2-2.5 kg.
Egg Colour and Quantity:
Welsh Harlequin ducks are known for their high egg-laying ability, producing up to 300 eggs per year. The eggs are medium to large in size and have a greenish-blue shell.
Average Egg Weight:
The average weight of a Welsh Harlequin duck egg is around 70 grams.
Care:
Welsh Harlequin ducks are relatively easy to care for and require similar care to other duck breeds. They should be provided with a clean and dry living area that is protected from predators and harsh weather conditions. These ducks also require access to fresh water for drinking and bathing, as well as a balanced diet that includes a mixture of commercial feed and fresh greens.
In summary, the Welsh Harlequin duck is a popular breed among duck enthusiasts for its attractive plumage, high egg-laying ability, and gentle nature. These ducks are relatively easy to care for and are suitable for both commercial egg production and as pets.
