The Shetland duck is now a critically endangered breed of domestic duck. It was originated in the north of Scotland in the Shetland Island. Due to the breed’s appearance, it is thought to have developed in the Blue duck or from the Pomeranian duck.
Shetland duck is indigenous. It’s believed that the Shetland duck was brought by the Vikings.
Today it’s one of the most bizarre breeds of ducks and warrants special attention to conserve this particular breed.
The breed was believed extinct in the early 1990s before a flock was found at the Shetlands and breeding was begun to improve their numbers.
Shetland duck breed information
Shetland duck is known as a small breed of duck. It’s similar in appearance to the ancestors, the Pomeranian, and Swedish Blue duck of it.
It is a little bigger than the Mallards, and a bird. The strain is black with a white bib, also usually has blue invoices.
The two drakes and ducks have a deep color that is black at maturity using a white bib. Even though the bib will be intermittent.
The primary difference between drakes and duck will be their beaks. The ducks have a beak that is almost black the drakes have green beaks.
The drakes have color in their own legs, however, the legs of the ducks are black. The ducklings are brown with buff breasts, and the color contrast will increase in accordance with their age.
Adult Shetland duck has a glossy black plumage shot with green/blue. But with a white breast and sometimes white stains on the mind also.
The plumage boost with these ducks’ era in accord.
The normal bodyweight of the Shetland duck is about 1.8 kg and drakes weight about two kg.
Shetland duck breed benefits
The Shetland duck is raised chiefly for egg production. The breed is not acceptable for meat production because of its size.
Shetland ducks are quite tough and cold hardy breed. They are quite great and always active foragers, busy ducks.
They are extremely friendly with serene temperament. They’re lovable and effective little birds to anyone, even they are great breed for those beginners.
Ducks lay up to 150 eggs each year and tend to go broody. Their egg colour is white.
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We have incubated six ( shetlands?) that are now two weeks old. Real cute and growing rapidly in their brooding pen which is in a twenty six foot greenhouse in the day and back in the home for nighttime.
We have an enclosure ready with an ark next to our 15 hens area which is fully netted because of the Avian flu outbreak here.
When will it be save to let them outside to live?