Anyone with Blue Swedish ducks?

[~*MissouriSweetpea*~]

I'm looking at different duck breeds and so far like what I've read about them. I'm wanting an attractive bird that can be dual purpose for meat and eggs. Just wondering what your experiences with them have been.

Are they natural brooders?

 

[treldib]

We have a Black Swedish, which is the same breed, just a different color. Shes a great duck and a surprisingly good layer. She consistently lays about 6 eggs a week, although the eggs are much smaller then the Golden 300's eggs, they are still bigger than the chickens' eggs. She also makes a nest out of the bedding every morning and rolls all the eggs; chicken eggs, duck eggs, and even the ceramic eggs, into it before going to join the rest of the flock at the feeder/waterer/pond. I strongly suspect she will go broody one of these days. I definetly would reccomend a Swede to a new Duck owner who wants a Pekin-like Duck thats not as bland as a Pekin

ETA:

 

[Oregon Blues]

Swedish are the personality kids. They make great pets. I think they are the most beautiful of all, with their slate color and neat white bib. They lay more than some, but they are not the breed if egg laying is a high priority.

The Silver Appleyards lay more eggs, but eat more feed.

Welsh Harlequin would be my recommendation if you want a nice friendly duck that lays lots and lots of eggs.

You can expect about 150 eggs a year from a Swedish. That's plenty for me, but not enough if you plan an egg selling business.

 

[SparkyCrows]

I adore my swedish

 

[~*MissouriSweetpea*~]

Thanks so much for chiming in!

I don't mind having less eggs and 150 a year is plenty for me! Heck..100 is plenty! LOL It'll be nice to have variety (with chicken and duck eggs). Can't wait to get the enclosure done and order my babies!