Crested Blue Swedish Duck: Profile, Facts, Eggs, Traits, Color

The Swedish Blue Duck, known as Svensk blå anka in Swedish, is a distinctive breed of domestic duck originating from what was formerly Swedish Pomerania, now part of northwest Poland and northeast Germany. Emerging in the nineteenth century, it bears similarities to other duck breeds but is characterized by a unique cluster of fluffy feathers atop its head, known as a crest. These ducks are primarily kept as pets or ornamental birds, appreciated for their unique appearance. However, it’s noteworthy that not all offspring of this breed will inherit the crested trait. Additionally, male ducks may exhibit behavior such as pulling out feathers during breeding season. In this article, I am going to describe Crested blue Swedish duck

Crested Blue Swedish Duck: Profile, Facts, Eggs, Traits, Color

Crested Blue Swedish Duck Genetics

Physical Description: The Crested Blue Swedish duck is characterized by its medium size and distinctive globular crest. It features blue plumage with a heart-shaped white bib on the front of the breast, adding to its unique appearance.

Genetic Considerations: Breeding Crested Blue Swedish ducks requires careful attention due to the presence of a lethal gene associated with crest production. Special mating considerations must be made to ensure the health and viability of offspring.

Blue Gene (Bl): The blue gene (Bl) specifically affects black plumage, resulting in blue plumage when present in the heterozygous state (Bl bl). Plumage colors other than black are unaffected by the blue gene.

Mating Patterns: When blue (Bl bl) males are mated with blue (Bl bl) females, the resulting offspring exhibit a specific ratio of plumage colors:

• 1 black (bl bl)
• 2 blue (Bl bl)
• 1 splash (Bl Bl), characterized by white plumage with a blue cast.

Variability in Plumage: Crested Blue Swedish duck chicks obtained from breeding may exhibit a range of plumage patterns, including black, blue, or splash. Variability in plumage coloration adds to the genetic complexity of breeding programs.

Traits of the Crested Blue Swedish Duck

Physical Characteristics: The Crested Blue Swedish duck is a medium-sized bird, with males typically weighing between 3 to 4 kg and females ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 kg. They are often likened to the body type of Cayugas and Orpingtons, although Swedish ducks should have shorter bodies with more width compared to these breeds.

Head and Plumage: These ducks possess medium, oval-shaped heads, and their plumage is characterized by a consistent blue slate color with darker lacing around the border of each feather. Drakes typically exhibit darker plumage compared to females.

Distinctive Features: One distinguishing feature of the Crested Blue Swedish duck is the white, heart-shaped bib found on the breast, extending up the front of the neck towards the mandible of the bird. This feature sets it apart from the Pomeranian Duck, particularly due to its white primaries.

Genetic Basis of Coloration: The blue coloration of the Crested Blue Swedish duck is attributed to heterozygosity in a dilution gene, contributing to its striking appearance.

Reproductive Traits:

• Incubation Period: Eggs laid by Crested Blue Swedish ducks require an incubation period of 28 days.
• Egg Characteristics: Most eggs are white, occasionally displaying a blue or gray tint.
• Egg Production: These ducks have moderate egg-laying capabilities, producing approximately 100 to 130 eggs per year. Fitness – Meditation – Diet – Weight Loss – Healthy Living – Yoga
  

Weight: The average weights for Crested Blue Swedish ducks are:

• Drakes: 7 lbs
• Hens: 6 lbs

Conclusion

The Crested Blue Swedish duck possesses distinctive physical characteristics, including its medium size, unique plumage coloration, and the presence of a white bib on the breast. Its genetic basis for coloration contributes to its striking appearance, making it a notable breed within the duck community. Additionally, its moderate egg-laying capabilities and moderate size make it a valuable breed for both practical and ornamental purposes.

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