Blue Favorite ducks are considered very popular. Many farmers are engaged in their cultivation. It is easy to care for birds. At the same time, they have high productivity parameters and have low-fat meat. In addition, representatives of this breed are characterized by rapid weight gain, which makes them attractive to many breeders. A characteristic feature of the birds is their beautiful bluish-gray plumage.
Origin of the breed
This breed of duck is also called Pharaoh. It was received in Russia. This happened in 1998. The ducks were bred at a poultry farm located in the Blagovarsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Blue Pharaoh was an intermediate result, but it turned out very good. Peking ducks were used as a base. An interesting option would be a favorite crossed with an Indian duck.
To this day, there is debate as to whether this breed is independent or is a factory cross. In fact, it would be more correct to call her a cross favorite.
External description and characteristics of blue favorite ducks
Ducks of this breed look unusual. Their feathers are characterized by an original shade, which is a mixture of gray and blue. A distinctive feature of birds is the birth of ducklings, the shade of whose feathers is very different from the parent. The maximum weight of adults reaches 5 kilograms. Birds gain this mass within six months.
Ducks of this breed are characterized by a massive, elongated body. It is quite heavy and characterized by a low location. In this case, the chest protrudes forward. The medium and strong neck is complemented by a small head with a large beak.
Small wings fit well to the body. Ducks are also distinguished by short legs. They come in gray or yellow. The eyes are dark in color. Over a long period of existence, many shades of feathers of this breed were obtained - blue, red, ash, white, black. There are also colorful specimens.
This breed is considered meat-eating. These ducks quickly gain body weight, but this does not affect productivity parameters. When creating optimal conditions for birds, the weight of drakes is no more than 6 kilograms.At the same time, ducks weigh a maximum of 5 kilograms. Young ducks, 2 months old, weigh 3 kilograms. They can be used for sale or for your own needs. Birds should be sent for slaughter up to 5 months. Older birds have tough meat. At the same time, weight does not grow so quickly.
Females begin laying eggs at 8 months. In a year, a duck lays 150 eggs. The weight of 1 piece is maximum 90 grams. To get the maximum amount of eggs, it is recommended to include a special one in the menu. feed for laying hens. It increases the number of ovulations. Moreover, productivity parameters do not depend on climate. Ducks lay eggs well at low or high temperatures. Not only meat and eggs are suitable for sale, but also down and feathers. Such raw materials are considered to be of very high quality.
Main pros and cons
How to properly keep and care for a bird
Raising birds at home has certain features. Ducks can be raised in different climates. This is very important for Russia, since most regions of the country experience serious temperature contrasts in summer and winter.Not all bird breeds are able to withstand such fluctuations without reducing productivity parameters.
It is permissible to keep representatives of this breed in a light hangar, a shed without insulation, or an aviary. When constructing a building for ducks, it is important to ensure that there are no drafts. In addition, it is recommended to systematically bathe the birds. You can even use an old bathtub for this. However, a natural reservoir is considered the best option. There the birds will be able to find plant or protein food.
High humidity in the poultry house is considered normal. To avoid excessive parameters, it is worth making deep litter in the area of the drinkers. It should consist of sawdust. It is also permissible to leave an earthen floor in this place.
Birds have a strong immune system, so they can constantly walk in the fresh air.
Representatives of the breed are characterized by a calm and docile disposition, which makes it possible to keep these ducks in a common poultry house. They feel great around chickens and other birds. However, when keeping birds together, it is important to place drinking bowls in an open range. The fact is that chickens can hardly tolerate increased dampness in the barn.
Features of diet planning
Birds are unpretentious in their diet. Ducks can be easily fattened using feed. It is also permissible to use cereal feed types. Birds can get plant food while walking. If possible, they also find food in a body of water.
To accelerate weight gain in ducks, it is recommended to use mash. Vegetable scraps are also an excellent option for feeding. It is permissible to feed birds boiled potatoes. They also eat zucchini and pumpkin.There are no particular difficulties in preparing a diet for ducks, since birds practically do not encounter digestive disorders or intolerance to certain types of food. A prerequisite is the absence of spoiled food in the diet. Such products can cause food intoxication, which will negatively affect weight gain.
Breeding rules
To successfully breed birds, it is first of all important to learn to distinguish ducks from drakes. To determine the sex, you should pay attention to the tail feathers. The male has 2 upturned feathers, while the female does not have them.
Such ducks do not have a clearly expressed maternal instinct. Therefore, incubation can only be carried out by another hen. An incubator is also suitable for this purpose. Sometimes females do sit on eggs. However, this is the exception rather than the rule. Therefore, it is not recommended to count on this.
If incubation is not possible, it is permissible to purchase day-old ducklings from farms. This breed is characterized by minimal mortality, so this option is considered cost-effective. It is advisable to raise chicks from your own eggs only if it is necessary to obtain a large number of birds or if it is not possible to purchase them on the farm.
Possible diseases and methods of combating them
Representatives of this breed are characterized by a high degree of disease resistance. Adult birds are almost not susceptible to pathologies. Ducklings sometimes encounter various problems. This often happens in the first days of life.
When raising birds of this breed there is a risk of the following problems:
- Vitamin deficiency is considered a common disorder that occurs in ducklings.The cause of the problems is deviations in diet. To avoid the development of the disease, it is recommended to add “Fitocalcivit” to the food of young animals. This premix contains all the important elements.
- Urovsky disease - occurs when there is a lack of minerals in the body. As a result, birds begin to pluck each other's feathers and eat them. For the treatment and prevention of pathology, it is recommended to use “Fitocalcivit”.
- Omphalitis is an inflammatory lesion of the umbilical tubule of a non-infectious nature. For treatment, it is worth using weak solutions of antiseptics, which are used for rinsing.
- Cuticulitis is an intestinal pathology that most often affects ducklings under 1 month of age. To combat the violation, use a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Blue Favorite ducks are very popular among farmers. To achieve success in growing them, it is important to follow a number of recommendations.
