Crested Ducks

"Crestopher"

With the powder-puff of feathers on its head, the Crested Duck is truly striking. It is a medium-weight dual purpose breed. The ducklings grow fairly quickly, making them good birds for the table, and they are good layers.

An adult drake weighs about 7 pounds, and his mate about 6. The Standard of Perfection (USA) recognizes two forms: Black and White. Other varieties, such as Grey (Mallard coloration), Buff and Blue have been developed by breeders, and crests may appear on others, such as the female shown on this page. Crests should be large and sit symmetrically on the center of the head. The body should be carried nearly horizontally.

The crested gene in these ducks is linked to a lethal condition during incubation. Ducklings carrying both genes (homozygous) for the crest do not survive to hatch. Of those that do hatch, typically 1/3 of them will not have crests. It is easy for breeders to see how the crests will develop on the newly hatched duckling, so that they can select stock to raise and sell off the rest as day-olds, rather than having to feed them until they grow up.