Breed Information & Characteristics Of Crested Ducks

Breed History and Origin

The crested duck is a dual-purpose breed with a medium-weight domestic duck. Though the origin of the crested breed duck is not identified exactly, this breed has been around before the 1600s. Around seventeenth century the crested duck was portrayed for the first time in Dutch. Probably the breed was originated in the East Indies and with the successive development in Europe, they were brought there by Dutch ships. In the mid-1800s, the crested ducks came to the U.S. In 1910, the British Standard admitted the breed. In 1874, the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection admitted the white crested breed and then in 1977, the black variety was added. Any color of crested duck is permitted in the UK and other several other European countries.

Characteristics of Crested Ducks

Crested duck is a medium-sized striking duck-breed and has very prominent features. The crested ducks’ bodies are carried at the angle so that their medium-sized neck stands in a straight position. A thick crest or a ball of feathers cover their head. This head crest seems like an Afro. The color of beak and legs of white-crested ducks is pale orange and are long. But the beak and leg color of Black variety is dark grey.

Uses of Crested Duck Breed

As mentioned earlier the crested duck breed are dual purpose means suitable for both eggs and meat production. But mainly they are used for exhibition and ornamental purposes and are good as a pet also.

Here is the profile summary of crested duck breed

Breed Name	Crested
Other Name	None
Breed Purpose	Eggs, Meat, Exhibition, Pets, Ornamental
Breed Class	Medium
Broodiness	Poor
Special Notes	Friendly, Calm, Fast Grower
Weight	Drake: About 3.2 kg, Duck: About 2.7 kg
Egg Size	Large
Egg Color	Off-White
Climate Tolerance	All Climates
Egg Productivity	Medium
Egg Weight	About 80 to 90 grams
Varieties	White, Black
Rarity	Common
Flying Ability	Poor
Country of Origin	Unknown (Probably from East Indies)

Special Notes

The crested duck breed naturally friendly and calm and are fairly quiet birds. Because of the friendly behavior crested duck can be raised as a pet. It’s a good meet duck breed. The ducks are quite good layers of the large eggs but like Bali ducks, they are not good foragers. The Bali is considered as Runner Duck version of the crested duck.

Breeding Conditions

Crested ducks can be seen online and at feed stores, they appear so adorable to people that some purchase them. Unfortunately, people mostly do not research and study behind the gene. This crested gene is the genetic defect. In reality, the ‘crest’ is formed from the fatty tissues which cover the gap in the skull. The crested gene is linked to neurological and seizures problems as well. According to many people, it is not advised to breed 2 crusted ducks and is considered cruel. The brain of many of them grow outside the skull and many of them die within their shells. Mostly the ducklings that do not inherit the crested gene are likely to hatch.

Breeding Tips

The breeding strategy that is recommended is to breed the non-crested duck by the heterozygous crested duck. 50% of the ducklings hatch out normal while remaining ducklings are crested. Another thing to care about is when the crested ducks are kept for breeding then make sure that the drake is not a too aggressive breeder. If drake grabs the crest of duck too hard it may cause some serious damage.

Other Considerable Issues

One big issue when petting crested duck is feces. Those who are familiar with other pet birds might be aware of bird diapering. But this typical bird diaper system is not suitable for duck or geese. There is a harness that is similar to diaper system will hold the diaper on the duck or goose. Ducks can spread avian flu and salmonella to humans that is why it is prohibited by homeowner associations and local ordinances. With proper precautions, this issue can be avoided. Cleanliness and avoiding the exposure are vital in the prevention of salmonella and avian flu.