Description
🦆 Overview
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Origin:
Developed in Wales in 1949 by Leslie Bonnet, starting from a pair of unusually colored Khaki Campbells. -
Breed Type:
Light-weight, domesticated breed. Known for both egg production and meat quality, though often kept for eggs or ornamental value.
🎨 Appearance
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Coloration:
The Welsh Harlequin has a striking plumage with iridescent green, cream, chestnut, and black markings. -
Sexual Dimorphism:
Males and females look different:-
Drakes (males): Green heads (like Mallards), chestnut breasts, and silvery bodies.
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Hens (females): Mottled cream and brown with a more muted, but still lovely, appearance.
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Auto-sexing:
Chicks can be sexed at hatch by bill color—females have darker bills, and males have lighter.
🥚 Egg Production
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Excellent layers:
They can lay 250–300 white or light blue eggs per year. -
Consistency:
They’re considered one of the most reliable heritage laying breeds. -
Broodiness:
Unlike Khaki Campbells, Welsh Harlequin hens sometimes go broody and can raise their own ducklings.
🌿 Temperament and Behavior
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Docile and calm:
They’re known for their friendly, easygoing nature—great for small farms or backyard flocks. -
Good foragers:
They’re active and love to forage, making them well-suited for free-range setups. -
Non-fliers:
Like most domestic breeds, they don’t fly and are easy to manage.
🏡 Why People Love Them
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Beautiful and ornamental
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Fantastic egg layers
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Gentle with kids and other animals
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Manageable size and weight
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind
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They enjoy space:
While friendly, they like to roam and forage. A good yard or pasture is ideal. -
Watch for predators:
Like most domestic ducks, they rely on you for protection, especially at night.
Summary
The Welsh Harlequin is an all-around winner: beautiful, productive, and friendly. Whether you’re looking for eggs, a starter duck for your homestead, or a charming addition to your flock, this breed is hard to beat.
Would you like a care guide or advice on integrating them with other animals?