Blue Swedish Ducklings.... But HOW?

[RiverNorth92]

I have a small flock of ducks. The three of them I inherited after the passing of a close friend. She had two Rouens and a Pekin. Last year, I added what I THOUGHT were three Saxony ducks to the mix. One was lighter colored and one was darker colored, but they look exactly how a Saxony duck should look. The wild card was that one of the ducklings came out completely white, but large. She also has a pale, yellow bill and yellow feet. I originally thought, "Oh, somehow a Pekin got thrown in there, no big deal." I'm inexperienced, so I learned something about coloration of ducklings and breeds - cool.

So, explain this to me. One of the Rouen ducks went broody and I decided to let her hatch out her eggs. I made a nice cozy, safe spot for her and built a separate pen for her future brood. Everything went well and five ducklings hatch. In the photo, you can see the mother standing on the left behind the water. One of her ducklings - the one you can kind of see standing next to her - is small and clearly looks like a Rouen. Another is larger and colored like a Saxony - the one standing in front of the waterer. BUT THREE OF THEM are colored like the ducklings in the water. They are dark gray with white chests. They look just like Blue Swedish ducks - but I didn't think I had any Blue Swedish ducks!! How in the world could this happen?

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[sourland]

Mallard derived crosses can show up in a variety of colors. I have had blue and black Swedish looking ducks from Rouen/Pekin crosses.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have a small flock of ducks. The three of them I inherited after the passing of a close friend. She had two Rouens and a Pekin. Last year, I added what I THOUGHT were three Saxony ducks to the mix. One was lighter colored and one was darker colored, but they look exactly how a Saxony duck should look. The wild card was that one of the ducklings came out completely white, but large. She also has a pale, yellow bill and yellow feet. I originally thought, "Oh, somehow a Pekin got thrown in there, no big deal." I'm inexperienced, so I learned something about coloration of ducklings and breeds - cool.

So, explain this to me. One of the Rouen ducks went broody and I decided to let her hatch out her eggs. I made a nice cozy, safe spot for her and built a separate pen for her future brood. Everything went well and five ducklings hatch. In the photo, you can see the mother standing on the left behind the water. One of her ducklings - the one you can kind of see standing next to her - is small and clearly looks like a Rouen. Another is larger and colored like a Saxony - the one standing in front of the waterer. BUT THREE OF THEM are colored like the ducklings in the water. They are dark gray with white chests. They look just like Blue Swedish ducks - but I didn't think I had any Blue Swedish ducks!! How in the world could this happen?
View attachment 3918662I

They are beautiful

 

[Jenbirdee]

I have a small flock of ducks. The three of them I inherited after the passing of a close friend. She had two Rouens and a Pekin. Last year, I added what I THOUGHT were three Saxony ducks to the mix. One was lighter colored and one was darker colored, but they look exactly how a Saxony duck should look. The wild card was that one of the ducklings came out completely white, but large. She also has a pale, yellow bill and yellow feet. I originally thought, "Oh, somehow a Pekin got thrown in there, no big deal." I'm inexperienced, so I learned something about coloration of ducklings and breeds - cool.

So, explain this to me. One of the Rouen ducks went broody and I decided to let her hatch out her eggs. I made a nice cozy, safe spot for her and built a separate pen for her future brood. Everything went well and five ducklings hatch. In the photo, you can see the mother standing on the left behind the water. One of her ducklings - the one you can kind of see standing next to her - is small and clearly looks like a Rouen. Another is larger and colored like a Saxony - the one standing in front of the waterer. BUT THREE OF THEM are colored like the ducklings in the water. They are dark gray with white chests. They look just like Blue Swedish ducks - but I didn't think I had any Blue Swedish ducks!! How in the world could this happen?
View attachment 3918662I

little sweeties!!