Welsh Harlequin VS. Buff. (From Metzer)

[ducklover700]

So, I placed my order with Metzers for Buff, and Welsh Harlequin. I originally assumed I would keep two WH, and one buff; but after seeing the quality of Metzer's Harlequins from other BYC pictures I'm wondering if I should keep two buff, and one WH instead. Metzer's birds are all beautiful of course, but since the WH aren't as high quality, I'm questioning my decision. Thoughts? I haven't owned either breed before, so I'm mostly going off of their looks, however some insight from someone whose owned them before would be helpful.

Thank you! Also, I'd like to see your Buff, and WH pictures (from Metzers only please). I have found a good amount of WH pics but not Buffs from Metzers.

ETA: there's a poll up top too.

 

[Tahai]

Are you planning to show, is that why you're concerned?

 

[ducklover700]

My sister might show them we're not sure, but mainly I would hate to keep a WH over a nice looking buff if the harlequin ended up being a bad representative of the breed; and I've heard that metzer WH aren't very good representatives. (I have very limited space which is why I'm trying to compare the breeds, and find out if Metzer WH are decent or not to decide what to keep)

 

[ducklover700]

It's kind of hard to explain, but I guess what I'm asking is of the two breeds from Metzer, which are a higher quality? (closest to breed standard)

 

[larkflying]

I have no experience with Buffs but there was a wide variation in my WH's. I think it is possible you could end up with some nice looking, correct to standard ducks in either breed. Even the premium hatcheries/breeders have ducklings of different qualities. The only way to know would be to keep them till they were all feathered out, I'd think. My WH's had a lot of color changes as they grew older . . . I think though that you want to sell the ducklings, so you wouldn't want to keep the extras that long.

Buff ducks probably don't have the gold and silver phases that the WH's have, so they might be a better choice just because of that. I'd keep what you like the best!

I have my WH"s for eggs, so I don't care much how correct to standard they are, as they are doing a great job laying.

 

[zooweemama]

My Maggie May at 5 weeks old.
No complaints about her. She is from Metzers. I think they Runners look really good too. I have Runners from Ideal and they look like squat mut ducks. But the ones from Metzers look great. Not like Holderreads but we are pleased. We have another WH named Snickers and she has a bit of a white mask on her face.

 

[zooweemama]

I have Buffs from Metzers too. (I have a lot of breeds from Metzers). They are really pretty.I have one from Ideal too and they don't seem to differ all that much in quality for this breed. My Buff from ideal is 10 weeks old now. His head is not that standard dark that I see from others Buff drakes. My girls are from Metzers and they are 7 weeks and still getting their feathers. They are behind the other ducks getting their feathers in oddly. I honestly love the WH more- eye candy. The Buffs are noisy and chatty, my WH are probably the quietest of all my breeds (but not as quiet as any of the drakes).

 

[Tahai]

http://www.metzerfarms.com/DuckBreedComparison.cfm?CustID=966312

If you go to the second chart on this page, Metzer's has done a self-evaluation of the quality of their various breeds. They are a well respected breeder, so you can trust they were honest in their evaluation.

Welsh Harlequin colors don't really settle down until their second year, so if you want a duck you can evaluate from an early age, you might be best choosing to breed the Buffs.

If you want ducks for eggs, though, keep the Harlequins.

 

[ducklover700]

They're mostly just a pet flock, and for their eggs. So, the coloring in the WH isn't TOO important. Thanks for everyone's comments, and opinions! I appreciate it. We'll see how they are when they get here, I'll probably just pick from who ends up being more friendly, and who gets along together nicely. definitely watch out for pictures on Wednesday afternoon.

 

[ducklover700]

http://www.metzerfarms.com/DuckBreedComparison.cfm?CustID=966312

If you go to the second chart on this page, Metzer's has done a self-evaluation of the quality of their various breeds. They are a well respected breeder, so you can trust they were honest in their evaluation.

Welsh Harlequin colors don't really settle down until their second year, so if you want a duck you can evaluate from an early age, you might be best choosing to breed the Buffs.

If you want ducks for eggs, though, keep the Harlequins.

Thank you! I'll go check it out, and see what they say.