Exhibition Welsh Harlequin
In 1949, the Welsh Harlequin was developed by Leslie Bonnet in New Wales. The breed originated from sports of his Khaki Campbell stock that were light colored. Thirty years of breeding and selecting later, the Welsh Harlequin made their way to the USA and finally into Canada. John Fugate and Dave Holderread expanded the gene pool in the US. There are two color varieties, golden and silver. We have raised both colors here but since we show, our focus is on the silver. Welsh Harlequin are tricky to show because of their plumage changes over their years. The difference from their juvenile plumage to eclipse to nuptial plumage can be very different. If I didn’t have my birds banded I would not even recognize them sometimes.
Welsh Harlequin are part of the light class of ducks and the silver variety was accepted into the Standard of Perfection in 2001. My first exhibition pair were hand selected by Dave Holderread when he began his journey of retirement. I have purchased exhibition welsh from across North America. The drakes are 5.5 pounds and duck hens weigh about 5 pounds. Eggs a large white egg. Duck eggs are a good alternative for people who are allergic to chicken eggs. We enjoy our welshie eggs in our baking and omelets. You can’t go wrong with these great foragers. Ours can be found in my flower beds all summer slurping up slugs and bugs. Dazzling plumage, great layers and wonderful foragers. Breeding quality and exhibition Welsh Harlequin pairs available each year.
Nature: Docile, active foragers
Egg Color: large white eggs
Eggs per year: 200-250 plus ( more with heat and lights)
Winter Hardy: They love winter
