Crested duckling

[The Mama Chicken]

I just realized that one of my Rouen ducklings is crested. At least I think that's what the poofy feathers on top of the head are. I had 2 with the poofs but it (and another) got carried off by a hawk the other day.

 

[Detlor Poultry]

Glad to hear you still have a fluff-head.
Has anyone told you about breeding crested ducks? (the stories I could tell you)

 

[The Mama Chicken]

No, I know nothing about it. I just realized that Goose has a fluffy head, but that's it.

 

[Detlor Poultry]

Well, don't ever breed two crested ducks together if you can help it. I could lay out all the genetic hargin-flargin, but I'll simple it to laman's terms: If you do breed two cresteds together, a third (or more) of the hatch are doomed to die.

 

[The Mama Chicken]

Ah, one of those fatal gene things. I only have one right now, but I'll remember that in case I get anymore. Thanks Det! Goodness knows I've been having enough trouble with my hatches lately without throwing fatal genes into the mix.

 

[Detlor Poultry]

Yep, as far as I know, it has something to do with the fatty tissue --holding the crest-- expanding into the brain. O_O

 

[Jared77]

Is it a simple recessive trait then?

 

[Detlor Poultry]

Incompletely Dominant
1 dose = Crest
0 dose = No crest
2 doses = cerebral distortion

 

[The Mama Chicken]

Incompletely Dominant
1 dose = Crest
0 dose = No crest
2 doses = cerebral distortion

Okay, so Goose (the duck) has a crest. All of it's offspring will have crests then? If it turns out to be a boy then all of my future ducklings will have a crest?

 

[Detlor Poultry]

Okay, kinda not sure, but it sounds like I confused you a bit. Since Goose is alive, Goose has 1 dose. If he is bred to a non-crested duck, the ratio will be
50% (+/-) 1 dose Crest
50% (+/-) 0 dose straight