sapseason
In the Brooder
- Feb 20, 2022
- 3
- 0
- 10
Unfortunately, the last couple of ducklings from a failed clutch were found in the coop this morning. Projected hatch date was in a couple of days. Parents are Buff Orpingtons and they have no contact with other ducks.
What's really interesting is that both ducklings were pure silver. Last spring, I hatched out 75 in an incubator from the same group (original group was 12 hens, I only have a few of them now) and all of them came out yellow. I cracked open the ones that didn't pip and they were all yellow as well.
Anyone have any idea why these were silver? I know there used to be different varieties of the Orpington (blue/lavender) so I'm wondering if we got a recessive trait for silver plumage in that group. It's possible they would have changed color while they aged, but as I mentioned last year they were all yellow before and just after hatch. What do you think, funky trait or maybe a health issue?
I really hope these girls give it another go someday because it would be interesting to see what the babies look like.
What's really interesting is that both ducklings were pure silver. Last spring, I hatched out 75 in an incubator from the same group (original group was 12 hens, I only have a few of them now) and all of them came out yellow. I cracked open the ones that didn't pip and they were all yellow as well.
Anyone have any idea why these were silver? I know there used to be different varieties of the Orpington (blue/lavender) so I'm wondering if we got a recessive trait for silver plumage in that group. It's possible they would have changed color while they aged, but as I mentioned last year they were all yellow before and just after hatch. What do you think, funky trait or maybe a health issue?
I really hope these girls give it another go someday because it would be interesting to see what the babies look like.
