Golden Star Hybrid

[protodon]

I've ordered some ducklings from McMurray hatchery and I thought I would try a few of the Gold Star Hybrids ducks they have. Part of the reason I am ordering is because I'd like mroe duck eggs but does anyone know anything about these birds? I've only ordered females and from what I read they are probably indistinguishable from KC hens. Does anyone know what breeds go into making these birds. McMurray's website says they won't breed true in future generations. Other hatchery's seem to carry the same exact duck though. Metzer calls it the Golden 300 Hybrid. I'm sure they lay a few more eggs than say, a KC does but I wonder if it's just a ploy to get you to part with a tiny bit more of your money since they cost a bit more than other breeds.

 

[Duck Keeper]

They're just a cross between a bunch of highly producing breeds.

When you compare chicken and ducks' laying abilities, ducks win almost every time. I don't think it would be profitable to buy an extra expensive bird to get relatively the same amount of eggs; most smaller breed ducks lay an egg nearly every day, day in and day out.

I think you'd be fine getting runners and khakis if you want high egg production - otherwise just get what you like the looks of! Most ducks do the same things, even if they have different personalities.

But hey, they're your ducks, get a couple to try out if you want.


I personally recommend getting a whole bunch of different breeds to see which ones you like the most.

 

[CityChicker]

I am not sure about McMurrays, but the hybrid egg layers are bred in sex-linked matings (most often) so that the ducklings can be sexed by color upon hatching. They typically cross two high producing lines and the offspring of course probably has some of what is called "hybrid vigor" as well from being first generation crosses.

To do the cross as a sex-link, they need to use a brown drake (probably most often a Khaki) on a black or grey duck (like a Swedish, Cayuga, etc...). I agree with Duck keeper. Get what you like. Ducks in general are so prolific. There are several different breeds that will give you 200-225 eggs per year.

 

[protodon]

Thanks for letting me know how the sex-link might work. I do have a couple KCs and a runner and a bunch of blue swedish and crosses. My main reason for ordering ducklings was to get cayugas but I also want more eggs so I figured I would try these hybrids as well to fill out my order. If I could have some cayugas that laid like KCs, runners or these hybrids then I'd be all set!

 

[Stormyhorse]

I think that it is a cross between a Khaki Campbell and another common domestic duck.....
I recently got one, a female as well. I've heard that they are extremely hardy, being a hybrid.

 

[Speceider]

I think that it is a cross between a Khaki Campbell and another common domestic duck.....
I recently got one, a female as well. I've heard that they are extremely hardy, being a hybrid.

They are not a hybrid (cross between 2 different species).....they are a cross-breed (cross between 2 types of the same species).

Clint

 

[Stormyhorse]

Cool, I actually never knew. I'm sorta young, just interested in poultry, but thanks for letting me know because I probably would have just gone on calling it a hybrid.

 

[Deester]

I have had 3 Cayuga's. 2 died and I have one original one left, she is 2 years old. This spring I ordered 3 of the KC hybrids and another Cayuga. The KC should just about be getting ready to lay their first eggs. Personalities are different. Cayuga' seem much more relaxed....it could be that I don't remember the adolescent stage too. My Cayuga's have be good egg layers but not the best. I bought the Hybrid KC to see if I'll get more eggs. That remains to be seen.

I don't know who will lay first that'll be interesting the KC or the Cayuga.

Denise

 

[Amiga]

Please let us know!

 

[Cklass90]

Does anyone know where you can buy adult gold 300s? I live in idaho