Black Swedish Ducks

Right now they are pets while we figure out the best thing for them.

We were told they were Mallard babies abandoned by their mom and needing a new home, so imagine our surprise when they grew up to become Black Swedish ducks! Fortunately, we are happy to have Black Swedish ducks as they are somewhat rare as well as a great all-purpose duck. They are good layers, grow to a substantial weight and are excellent foragers – this fits in well on our mini-farm. If you are looking for a duck that will do well in your backyard or on your small farm, Black Swedish may be a good choice for you.

Swedish Ducks are one of the heartiest of all the breeds, with a calm disposition. Their body type is very close to the Pekin duck and adult weight is around 8 lbs for the drake and 7 lbs for the hen. Blue Swedish was admitted into the American Standard of perfection 1904 Swedish ducks are not normally shown but they make excellent backyard ducks. Swedish ducklings make entertaining pets and are very active.

HISTORY

Black Swedish ducks are usually not exhibited. They are combined with a Silver Swedish to produce Blue Swedish ducks which are prized for their unusual color. While they are not used for exhibition, Black Swedish make great farm ducks. They like to forage, they will hatch their own eggs if allowed to, and they are plentiful layers. They also have a striking visual appeal. When two Black Swedish breed, they breed true to color and the ducklings are also black.

Whether you are looking for a pet, a bird that can be raised for meat, or you want eggs, the Black Swedish is a good choice. If your goal is to exhibit your ducks, you should choose Blue Swedish.

FACTS

Production: Like all Swedish ducks, these lay between 130 and 180 eggs per year. They reach table weight in about 16 weeks.
Temperament: Generally, Black Swedish are calm. They tend to be a little shy, and they love to roam and forage.
Colors: Black with a white bib on the chest.
Status: American Livestock Breeds Conservancy Conservation Status: The ABLC lists all Swedish ducks under the Watch category, meaning there are fewer than 10 primary breeding flocks worldwide.
Body Type: Black Swedish are medium-sized ducks, similar in shape to Rouens or Khaki Campbells. Their feet are neither particularly far forward, nor excessively back on their bodies, so they are good swimmers, but also walk on land comfortably.
Standard Weights: Old Male 8 lbs, Old Female 7 lbs, Young Male 6.5 lbs, Young Female 5 lbs
Classification: American Poultry Association Class (APA) Yes, Recognized by the Standard of Perfection Black Swedish are not standardized but Blue Swedish are a medium duck. ALBC: Watch Status, Considered a sustainable heritage duck breed.
Weight: Hen ——-7 lbs Drake—-8 lbs
Purpose: Laying and Meat Production
Egg Color: Mostly White with occasional gray
Egg Production: Excellent
Country of Origin: China. As early as 1835, the Blue Swedish Duck was being raised by farmers in Pomerania, which back then was part of Sweden, thus the name.