Blue Swede Ducks Svensk blå anka Origination: Contrary to their name, the Blue Swede is believed to have been developed in Germany. Varieties: There are three varieties of the Blue Swede duck: Blue, Black and Silver. All varieties have white bibs which extend from under the bill to halfway down their breast. The outermost flight feathers should ideally be white. The Blue variety is more like a subtle grey-blue shade. Approximately 50 percent of the ducklings will hatch out blue, 25 percent will be black and the other 25 percent will be silver or white splashed. Classification: Blue Swedes are a heavy breed of duck. Drakes can weigh up to eight pounds and hens are usually seven pounds. Characteristics: The bill is dark blue or a yellowish-green. Legs are a browish orange or black. Their carriage is 25 degrees. Blue Swedes have a very large body. They are extremely hardy and one of the most active foragers among the large breeds of domestic duck. Eggs: Hens lay blue, grey or tinted eggs. They are known to be excellent layers. Category: They are members of the General-Purpose breeds. These ducks can be eaten but they are usually raised for exhibition purposes. Willy Written by: Michelle Shames 1/13/03 Property of Gander Gab All Rights Reserved     A Bee Bg