The Crested Duck is a breed of domestic fowl known for its distinctive crest, which stands out on its head. This is due to a genetic malformation of the skull. Not every duck in the breed has a crest, but ones that do are heterozygous for the genetic trait.
Crested Duck Origins and Uses
The origins and uses of Crested Ducks differ based on whether we look at them in the wild or in a domesticated fashion.
In The Wild
Crested ducks have been domesticated for hundreds if not thousands of years, so they no longer exist in the wild. Ducks like them have been depicted in paintings for centuries, marked by the distinctive crest.
Most researchers think that the breed originated in Western Asia, in the area once called the East Indies.
Domestication
Crested ducks were introduced to Europe at least 300 years ago. They quickly became a popular breed. They are good layers and desirable roasting birds, but their popularity was largely due to their distinct appearance. This caused them to be widely bred as pets and companions.
Historical And Modern Uses
Their use throughout history was fairly similar to their use in modern times. They are still frequently kept as pets as well as for eggs.
Butchering
Crested ducks are also sometimes kept as meat birds. This is because they grow quickly to a good size. At full maturity, they usually reach between five and seven pounds.
Physical Characteristics of Crested Ducks
Of course, the most distinctive physical characteristic of Crested ducks is their crest. This is from a genetic malformation of the skull, causing their feathers to stand up around and over their head. Some Crested ducks have an uneven crest that lies to one side, though this is considered undesirable among breeders since it is difficult to breed out of the bloodline.
Height
There does not seem to be a standard height quoted among adult Crested ducks. However, they are widely considered a “medium-sized” breed, except the bantam version, which is notably smaller.
Weight
Crested ducks usually weigh between five and seven pounds once they reach adulthood. Drakes weigh seven pounds on average, with hens weighing about six. Crested ducks reach this adult-size quickly, which makes them ideal meat birds.
A bantam version of the Crested duck breed was recognized in the late 1990s. Bantam males reach about two and a half pounds at full maturity, with hens reaching just under two pounds on average.
Coloring
For many years, white and black Crested ducks were the only variations that were officially recognized. Now, because of extensive cross-breeding, you can find them in almost any color. Though white and black remain the only colors recognized by the USA Standard of Perfection, buff, blue, and gray are also popular colors.
Feathers And Patterns
Crested ducks are usually a single, solid color, though they may be a mix of several depending on their parentage. Their feathers are extremely similar to most other ducks, with the exception, of course, of their distinctive crest.
The crest is the result of a bone malformation, not a misalignment of the feathers themselves. However, it causes the feathers to stand up on the head, sometimes looking like fluffy down. The crest is often compared to a hat, wig, or distinctive hairstyle.
Male vs. Female
Male and female Crested ducks are virtually identical in every way but size. Both sexes have the characteristic crest (or may not, depending on their inherited genes) and may be almost any color.
The most noticeable difference between males and females is that the males are slightly bigger as with most duck breeds. Females may be more vocal, though even they are moderately quiet ducks.
Comparison to Other Duck Breeds
Crested ducks are friendly, calm birds that are quieter than most. Unlike many other duck breeds, they do not squawk, quack, or honk (except for rare occasions when they need help).
Unlike many other breeds, Crested ducks walk with their bodies nearly parallel to the ground. This distinct walk is characteristic of the breed and has to do with the unique formation of their legs and other parts of their skeleton.
Do Crested Ducks Fly?
Crested ducks can fly, but are poor fliers in comparison to other breeds. Their large wings and hollow bones are typical of most duck breeds. However, their larger bodies make them unable to fly for more than a short distance.
However, they can achieve “sprint” flying speeds of about 95 km/59 miles per hour for short distances.
Crested Duck Lifespan
Crested ducks have a similar lifespan to most other domesticated ducks. On occasion, it may be shortened due to certain health problems that are characteristic of the breed.
Crested ducks are most commonly found in captivity, either as pets or domesticated farm ducks. In this setting, they generally have a lifespan of between eight and 12 years, which is typical for domesticated birds.
Though standard Crested ducks are no longer found in the wild, related breeds such as the Patagonian Crested duck may live as long as 20 years in natural habitats.
Common Health Issues
Crested ducks are prone to a few health issues, usually concerning the crest itself. Some ducks within the breed have unusual fat bodies in their crest, which causes them to be top-heavy. This depends largely on where the crest is on their skull, particularly in relation to their brain.
Many Crested ducks have a distinctive wobbling gait and may be unable to stand up on their own if they fall or are knocked down. The crest may also cause neurological issues such as seizures, which can be fatal.
Crested Duck Diet
Like most other domesticated duck breeds, Crested ducks usually eat commercial duck food in the form of pellets.
Adults
Adult Crested ducks eat store-bought duck food if kept as pets. They are also good foragers and may eat insects, plants, berries, and small fish. If foraging in the water, they will eat from the surface rather than diving down to find food.
Ducklings
Like other duck breeds, Crested ducklings should eat a duckling starter. This includes a variety of larvae and insects specially formulated to their unique nutritional needs.
How Often To Feed
Ducklings have an extremely quick metabolism and need constant access to food. Let them free feed until they are at least three weeks old. Adult ducks should be fed twice a day, morning and evening.
How Much To Feed
Adult ducks need to eat six to seven ounces of food a day.
Crested Duck Breeding and Egg Production
Crested ducks can mate with other Crested ducks or with other breeds. Depending on the parents, the ducklings may or may not have crests. When a Crested duck breeds with a duck of a separate breed with no crest, you can usually expect roughly one-third of the ducklings to be crested.
Do They Mate For Life?
Like most other duck breeds, Crested ducks do not mate for life. They do, however, mate seasonally, which means that they will keep the same mate for the year before finding a new one the next year.
When Do They Start Laying Eggs?
Crested ducks reach maturity between five and six months old. At this point, females start laying eggs and do so regularly for the next few years.
How Often Do They Lay Eggs?
Crested ducks lay eggs every week at an average rate of three to four eggs a week. This amount increases when their eggs are fertilized.
How Many Eggs Do They Lay?
Crested ducks lay between nine and 13 eggs at a time. A mature female will lay between 100 and 130 eggs a year.
What Do The Eggs Look Like?
The eggs of Crested ducks are large and may be either off-white or have a bluish tinge. They weigh between 80 and 90 grams.
Brooding
Fertilized Crested duck eggs take about 28 days to hatch. However, the mothers are rarely broody. In general, Crested ducks are not very involved mothers and do not care attentively for their eggs or ducklings.
Crested Duck Behavior
Crested ducks are friendly, gentle birds that tend to be calm. They may be nervous, especially around a lot of noise.
Movements
The most characteristic movement of Crested ducks is their distinctive wobbly gait. This is not universal among the breed but may occur depending on the size and positioning of their crest. All Crested ducks walk with their bodies almost parallel to the ground.
Distinctive Behaviors
Distinctive behavior of Crested ducks includes this unusual tottering walk, which is a result of the crest affecting their mobility. Crested ducks that walk in this way may be prone to falling over and cannot stand up again on their own.
Keeping Crested Ducks as Pets
Crested ducks have been kept as pets and ornamental birds for centuries. They have a quiet, friendly, and gentle nature. Though they are not usually excitable, Crested ducks may be nervous and need calmer environments to feel at ease.
Another factor that makes Crested ducks good pets is that they are a fairly quiet breed. Unlike many duck breeds, they do not squawk, quack, shriek, or holler, except when they are in distress or need help. Females may be slightly louder than males, but they also rarely make noise.
When they do make noise, their sounds include soft quacks or calls when they are in distress. Mother ducks may make a high trill to call to their ducklings.
Unlike chickens, most ducks do not have a pungent odor. They are relatively clean birds and do not attract parasites like fleas, ticks, or mites. However, their droppings may be smelly.
Tips On Crested Duck Care
Ducklings need a safe enclosure with constant access to food, water, and a heat lamp. Provide adult ducks with a clean, dry shelter where they can protect themselves from bad weather and any animals coming into the yard.
Crested Duck Cost
A Crested duck, either an adult or juvenile, is highly affordable. They usually cost between $7 and $15, depending on where you buy them and the sex of the bird. You can buy them from local farms or hatcheries in your area.
Noteworthy Facts about Crested Ducks
- The crest is often referred to as a ‘top knot.’
- This crest is puffy and generally large.
- Male and female Crested Ducks look almost identical.
- In the UK this duck was once a popular dinner.
Info Table
| Purpose | Pets, Eggs, Meat |
| Country of Origin | Unknown, Western Asia |
| Breed Class | Medium |
| Weight – Drake | 7 lbs. |
| Weight – Hen | 6 lbs. |
| Eggs Per Year | 100-130 |
| Egg Size | Large |
| Egg Weight | 80 to 90 grams |
| Egg Production Age | 5-6 months |
| Diet | Commercial pellets or duckling feed |
| Lifespan | 8-12 years |
| Flying Ability | Poor |
| Personality | Calm, gentle, friendly, quiet |
| Distinguishing Features | Crest on top of head, distinctive gait |
| Varieties | Standard Crested Duck Bantam Crested Duck |
| Cost (USD) | $7-$15 |