Welsh Harlequin Ducks

The Welsh Harlequin duck originated in 1949, developed by Leslie Bonnet, a duck breeder in Wales. Imported to the USA between 1968 and 1980, this unique breed is now popular throughout the country. As a descendant of the Khaki Campbell, the Welsh Harlequin is an excellent egg producer, capable of laying 240-300 eggs per year, making it a fantastic choice for backyard flocks.

This breed is also known for its foraging skills and is frequently showcased in poultry shows across the USA. For those experienced in sexing ducklings, Welsh Harlequins can be sexed at hatch by subtle differences in bill color, with around 85% accuracy. Generally, males have darker bills, while females have lighter bills with a dark tip, though this distinction fades after a few days. For guaranteed accuracy, vent sexing is recommended. At Chicken Coop Company, we offer the Silver Welsh Harlequin variety of this exceptional duck for sale.

Appearance:

Feather Color: The Welsh Harlequin Duck is most commonly found in two primary color variations: golden and silver. The golden Welsh Harlequin has a soft golden-yellow body with darker markings around the wings, while the silver Welsh Harlequin has a silvery-white body with a subtle metallic sheen. Both variations have distinctive black markings on the wings and around the eyes, giving them a sharp and attractive appearance.
Body Type: The Welsh Harlequin is a medium-sized duck with a streamlined, athletic body. It is not as heavy as commercial meat ducks, but it has a strong, well-proportioned build, making it an excellent dual-purpose breed. The body is slightly more compact than some other egg-laying breeds, with a broad chest and a slim neck.
Head and Beak: The Welsh Harlequin has a small head with a slender neck, and its beak is typically orange or yellow. The eyes are dark, and the head has a smooth, rounded shape, which complements its elegant body structure.
Size: The Welsh Harlequin Duck is a medium-sized breed, with females (hens) typically weighing between 4 to 4.5 pounds, while males (drakes) usually weigh between 4.5 to 5.5 pounds. While not as large as some meat breeds, their size makes them ideal for both egg production and small-scale meat production.

Temperament:

Friendly and Docile: The Welsh Harlequin Duck is known for its gentle, friendly, and calm nature. These ducks are easy to handle, making them a good choice for families, small farms, or homesteads. They are generally not aggressive and are well-suited for living in a mixed flock with other poultry. Their docile temperament also makes them a great choice for those who want to interact with their ducks regularly.
Active and Inquisitive: These ducks are naturally curious and active, enjoying exploring their environment, foraging for insects, seeds, and small plants. They are social animals and thrive in the company of other ducks, making them ideal for free-range environments where they can roam and forage. Their inquisitive nature also makes them good at pest control, as they love to root around in gardens and fields.
Good for Free-Range: Welsh Harlequin Ducks do particularly well in free-range systems. They are active foragers, constantly moving around and looking for food. However, they can also be kept in pens or coops as long as they have enough space to move around and access to clean water. They enjoy water for swimming, cleaning, and bathing, so access to a pond, kiddie pool, or other shallow water source is essential for their well-being.

Egg Production:

Excellent Egg Layers: One of the primary reasons the Welsh Harlequin Duck is so popular is its outstanding egg production. This breed is known for laying a high number of eggs, often around 250 to 300 eggs per year, making them one of the best egg-laying duck breeds. They are especially prized for their reliable and consistent egg production.
Egg Quality: The eggs laid by Welsh Harlequin Ducks are typically white and medium-sized. These eggs are prized for their rich, creamy texture and are excellent for baking, cooking, and even making custards or other egg-based recipes. Their eggs are often considered to have a richer flavor compared to chicken eggs.
Consistent Egg Layers: Welsh Harlequin Ducks tend to lay eggs consistently, even in the winter months, although egg production may slow down when daylight hours are shorter. They are particularly productive in the spring and summer months, but their reliable laying patterns throughout the year make them an excellent choice for those looking for a steady supply of eggs.

Health and Care:

Hardy and Resilient: The Welsh Harlequin Duck is a hardy breed, capable of adapting to a variety of climates. While they thrive in mild to temperate conditions, they can also handle cold weather as long as they have a dry, sheltered space to protect them from extreme cold. Their resilient nature and strong immune systems make them less prone to diseases compared to some other breeds.
Low Maintenance: These ducks are relatively low-maintenance in terms of care. They do well on a balanced diet of high-quality duck feed, supplemented with access to fresh greens, insects, and natural forage. Clean water is essential, both for drinking and for bathing, as ducks are aquatic animals that need access to water for cleaning and grooming.
Health Considerations: Welsh Harlequin Ducks are generally healthy, but like all poultry, they can be susceptible to common duck diseases such as coccidiosis, mites, and botulism. Regular health checks, clean housing, and access to clean water will help prevent most health issues. They should also be monitored for external parasites like lice or fleas, and proper sanitation will help keep the flock healthy.

Housing:

Adequate Space: Welsh Harlequin Ducks need enough space to roam and explore. Whether raised in free-range conditions or in a pen, they should have access to grassy areas, clean water, and shelter. Ducks need space to move, forage, and interact with each other. A secure, spacious coop or pen with access to an outdoor area is ideal.
Clean Water: Like all ducks, the Welsh Harlequin Duck needs access to clean water, not only for drinking but also for bathing and keeping their feathers in good condition. If you don’t have a pond or natural water source, a large kiddie pool or duck pond is ideal.
Protection from Predators: Since Welsh Harlequin Ducks are calm and gentle, they are vulnerable to predators, especially at night. A secure coop with strong fencing is essential to protect them from raccoons, foxes, birds of prey, and other predators.

Show and Ornamental Qualities:

Poultry Shows: The Welsh Harlequin Duck is sometimes entered in poultry shows, particularly in heritage or utility classes. Its beautiful plumage, excellent egg production, and calm nature make it a desirable bird for exhibition.
Ornamental Value: The Welsh Harlequin Duck is also valued for its ornamental appeal. Its graceful stature, attractive coloration, and friendly temperament make it a wonderful addition to any farm, garden, or backyard flock. While it is a utility breed, its beauty and gentle nature make it a delightful companion to have around.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a Welsh Harlequin duck?
A productive, friendly backyard duck known for excellent egg production and good foraging.

How many eggs do Welsh Harlequin ducks lay?
They can lay between 240-300 eggs per year.

Can Welsh Harlequin ducklings be sexed at hatch?
Yes, experienced individuals can sex them by bill color with about 85% accuracy.

Is the Welsh Harlequin duck cold hardy?
Yes, Welsh Harlequins are generally cold hardy and well-suited to various climates.

Where can I buy Welsh Harlequin ducks?
The Silver Welsh Harlequin variety is available at Chicken Coop Company.

Welsh Harlequin Ducks Facts

Poultry Show Class: Ducks, Light Weight
Weights: Hen—–4 1/2 lbs
Drake—–5 1/2 lbs
Purpose and Type: Egg Laying; Exhibition
Egg Color: White
Egg Production: 100-150 a year
Egg Size: Large
Temperament: Very Calm
Gender Accuracy: 90%
Fertility Percentage: 60-75%
Broody: Setters
Mating Ratio: 8 Females to 1 Male
Roost Height: Floor
Place of Origin: Wales
APA: Yes, Recognized by the Standard of Perfection 2001
TLC: Watch, Considered a Sustainable Heritage Duck Breed.
Breeder Farm Source: Poultry Breeding Farm developing our bloodline or strain of pure Silver Welsh Harlequin Ducks since 1992.

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