The Welsh Harlequin duck is quite popular among duck owners for its excellent laying ability, good mothering instincts, and calmer personality. If you are interested in having ducks, maybe you’ll consider owning the beautiful Welsh Harlequin after learning about them here.

Breed History

The Welsh Harlequin was first developed in the UK in 1949 quite by accident. Leslie Bonnet worked with Khaki Campbell ducks and hatched out a batch of ducklings with a genetic anomaly that caused them to be lighter in color. Over the next 20 or so years, Bonnet refined the Welsh Harlequin breed from that original batch of ducklings, and by 1968 the first hatching eggs were imported into the United States by John Fugate of Tennessee. By the 1970s, there were enough Welsh Harlequin ducks owned by the right breeders to ensure a diverse gene pool. By 2001, the American Poultry Association recognized the Welsh Harlequin in the light silver color variety. At this time, it is still the only color recognized for the breed standard.

Personality

After its great egg-laying ability, the Welsh Harlequin is perhaps best known for its calm demeanor compared to other breeds. They often become quite attached to their human keepers and sometimes come looking for them to see what’s happening on the farm. Their calm, inquisitive nature makes the Welsh Harlequin a good choice for children learning to handle ducks. The Welsh Harlequin generally accepts changes to their environment and housing without getting upset and stopping their laying cycle. Unlike many other duck breeds, even the females are quieter and calmer.

Consider adding the Welsh Harlequin to your homestead if you’re interested in keeping ducks. Do you already own this wonderful breed? Leave us a comment below and tell us what you enjoy about them