The Swedish Blue Duck is also referred to as the Blue Swedish. They are a domestic duck that was popular in Europe due to their superior meat quality and their coloring that gave them the ability to elude predators. They are hardy ducks with distinctive plumage.
The ducks were originally used for egg and meat purposes. They are used for the same purposes today, but they can also make enjoyable pets. Since they don’t fly well, they are ideal garden pets.
A pair of Blue Swedish Ducks can produce ducklings with color variations. Read on to learn more about this interesting duck breed.
Quick Facts About the Swedish Blue Duck
| Breed Name: | Swedish Blue |
| Place of Origin: | Sweden |
| Uses: | Eggs, meat, ornamental pets |
| Drake Size: | 6.6–8.8 pounds |
| Duck Size: | 5.5–7.7 pounds |
| Color: | Gray, blue, white |
| Lifespan: | 8–12 years |
| Climate Tolerance: | All |
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Egg Production: | 100–150 eggs per year |
| Flying Ability: | Poor |
Swedish Blue Duck Origins
The Swedish Blue Duck was developed by farmers in Swedish Pomerania, with the first notable mention of the breed in 1835. The duck was used for eggs and meat. The first Swedish Blue Ducks arrived in the United States in 1884, and they were added to the Standard of Perfection of the American Poultry Association in 1904. At the time, they were listed as “Swedish,” with the only color variety as blue. There are several varieties of the Swedish Blue Duck today.
Swedish Blue Duck Characteristics
The Swedish Blue Duck is a friendly, easy-going bird. They can fit into any established flock, but they do get territorial during mating season. They can show aggression to all ducks during this time.
This is a foraging breed that doesn’t like to be confined. These ducks like to roam and prefer orchards or enclosures where they can have free range. If you have these ducks in your garden, they make an efficient natural insect control.
They can also be loud. Swedish Blue Ducks have a yelling quack. If you have multiple ducks of this breed, they can be noisy.
While the Swedish Blue Duck is easy to care for, they do require certain considerations. Shelter from the elements, easy access to food, and proper fencing to keep them safe from predators will help them stay healthy and happy. Since they don’t fly well, protection from outsiders is important.
As they roam during the day, trees and shrubs can provide shelter for them and help them keep out of sight if necessary.
Uses
The Swedish Blue Duck was bred as a utility bird and is used for meat and eggs, producing up to 150 eggs per year. These ducks are calm and docile, so they also make great pets. They can make ornamental additions to established flocks and aren’t high maintenance. They are suitable for new duck owners due to their ease of care.
Appearance & Varieties
Swedish Blue Ducks are medium-sized birds with interesting color patterns. Males have dark-blue heads and green bills. Females have grayish-blue bodies, heads, and bills. Both sexes have white bibs that stand out against their otherwise dark plumage.
What’s interesting about these ducks is that a breeding pair will produce different varieties of Swedish ducks. Half of their offspring will be the traditional Swedish Blues. One-quarter of the offspring will be Black Swedish Ducks, with black plumage and white chests. The remaining quarter will be Silver or Splashed White Swedish Ducks, which are a light gray color.
However, a breeding pair of Black Swedish Ducks will only have Black Swedish offspring. If a Silver Swedish duck and Black Swedish duck mate, they will produce only Swedish Blue ducklings.
Population/Distribution
The Swedish Blue Duck is on the Critical Breeds List of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The Swedish population today consists of about 163 breeding ducks. There are fewer than 2,500 individuals in the United States, and they are on the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy watchlist. For these reasons, the Swedish Blue Duck is considered endangered.
Are Swedish Blue Ducks Good for Small-Scale Farming?
Swedish Blue Ducks make great additions to small-scale farms. If you have the space for these beauties to roam and don’t mind the noise that they make, they will make wonderful companions for years to come. In terms of breeding, if you are interested in ducklings, it’s best to keep at least two females for every male to ensure success and reduce fighting.
If you’re using these ducks for meat or eggs, they will give you high-quality products. As long as they receive the care that they need, they will be low-maintenance, friendly birds that you’ll enjoy having on your farm.
The Swedish Blue Duck is an interesting bird with unique markings. The ducks were originally used for meat and egg production, but many people today use them as easy pets to care for in their flocks. Unfortunately, this breed is considered endangered. If you’re interested in owning Swedish Blue Ducks, you’ll be helping to conserve this beautiful and threatened breed.
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Featured Image Credit: Dlabajdesign, Shutterstock