In this case mom was one of my Lilac Cayugas for sure, but dad could be one of three options. The obvious choice is the drake that brooded with them, a Blue (not sex linked, he was from my Black Cayuga on Buff duck). Those options are Black, Blue and Splash sometimes called Silver. Two quitter eggs had Black Cayugas, not sure why they quit unless there’s something in there about sex/temp? I’ll have to see if I keep these long enough to see if they’re male or female. (Parents pic is months old)
The Silver and Black combo is required to produce Blues (it’s Metzer’s strategy for getting only Blue Swedish most of the year).
I think Splash is mostly white with spots of varying size, Blue or Black and not-orange bills and feet. A lot of variation allowed. And like all Blacks, they lighten up with age so could eventually have pure white feathers although bill/feet stay the same. They are pretty, but don’t fit my color projects. The Blue genes are tricky, but imo make really attractive ducks and drakes. Anconas are not APA recognized, but I think their standard pattern is Splash, not as defined or perfected as Swedish or Magpie. Also why they can have a lot of variation in their patterns and colors, SplashxSplash leads to more Splash.
Breeding is just selection of traits, whether intentional or just backyard unintentional. So carry on with those traits that are important to you and work for your farm.
