The Welsh Harlequin duck is a breed of domestic duck known for its colorful plumage. Welsh Harlequins are a medium to large sized duck breed that originated in Wales. They are popular exhibition and backyard ducks due to their striking appearance and friendly personality. One common question people have about Welsh Harlequins is how big they get. In this article, we will provide an overview of Welsh Harlequin size, weight, and growth rate.
Welsh Harlequin Size Overview
On average, a mature Welsh Harlequin drake (male duck) weighs between 7-9 lbs and is around 28 inches long. A mature hen (female duck) is slightly smaller at 6-7 lbs and 24-26 inches long. Welsh Harlequin ducklings and juveniles will be much smaller, growing rapidly in their first few months.
Here is a quick overview of Welsh Harlequin duck sizes:
| Age | Approximate Weight | Approximate Length |
|---|---|---|
| Duckling (newly hatched) | 2-3 oz | 3-4 inches |
| 6 weeks old | 1.5-2 lbs | 8-12 inches |
| 3 months old | 3-5 lbs | 16-20 inches |
| 6 months old | 5-7 lbs (hens) 6-8 lbs (drakes) | 22-26 inches (hens) 24-28 inches (drakes) |
| Adult | 6-7 lbs (hens) 7-9 lbs (drakes) | 24-26 inches (hens) 28 inches (drakes) |
As you can see, Welsh Harlequins experience rapid growth in their first 6 months, achieving most of their adult size by that time. Now let’s look in more detail at their growth timeline and factors that influence size.
Welsh Harlequin Growth Timeline
Hatching to 3 Weeks Old
Welsh Harlequin ducklings hatch weighing roughly 2-3 ounces and around 3-4 inches long from bill to tail. For the first couple weeks of their lives they will need to be kept warm with heat lamps or brooders since they cannot yet thermoregulate. Owners will need to provide them with starter feed formulated for ducklings to support their rapid growth at this stage.
3 to 6 Weeks Old
At 3 weeks old, Welsh Harlequin ducklings will weigh approximately 1/2 to 1 pound and be 5-8 inches long. Their juvenile feathers start to come in during this stage. You’ll notice their fuzzy duckling down starting to be replaced by real feathers. Ducklings are fully feathered by about 6-8 weeks old.
During this stage it’s important to give them plenty of swimming space as they become more active. Provide them with a kiddie pool or tub to play and dunk their heads in. Keep giving them a nutritious starter feed.
6 Weeks to 3 Months
From 6 weeks to 3 months old, Welsh Harlequin ducks experience very rapid growth. Their weight increases from around 1.5-2 pounds to 3-5 pounds. Their length also increases dramatically during this time from 8-12 inches to 16-20 inches.
At this juvenile stage, it’s important to switch them from a starter feed to a grower feed. The grower feed will have nutrients vital to support their fast growth rate. Provide sunflower seeds, vegetable scraps, crumbles, and treats in addition to the grower feed.
Make sure they have plenty of space to exercise and splash around. A small pond or kiddie pool works well. Natural grazing and foraging activities help develop muscles and keep them entertained.
3 to 6 Months Old
Between 3 to 6 months old, Welsh Harlequins reach nearly their adult size. Hens will weigh approximately 5-7 pounds and drakes 6-8 pounds. Length increases to 22-26 inches for hens and 24-28 inches for drakes.
At this adolescent stage, you can switch to an adult duck feed. Offer nuts, fruits, and greens as supplemental treats. Give them space to swim and walk daily. Separate adolescent drakes if they become aggressive. Some owners install floating duck houses at this stage.
6 Months to Adulthood
From 6 months to adulthood, Welsh Harlequins finish filling out. Hens reach an average weight of 6-7 pounds and length of 24-26 inches. Drakes range from 7-9 pounds on average and 28 inches long from bill to tail.
Their adult plumage will be fully emerged by now. Drakes especially will display their vibrant colors and patterns. Continue offering a balanced diet and opportunities for swimming and interacting. Monitor for any aggression issues, particularly with drakes. Welsh Harlequins reach full adult size by about 9-12 months old.
Factors That Influence Adult Size
Several factors contribute to the final adult size of an individual Welsh Harlequin duck. Here are some of the key influences:
Genetics
Genetics play a major role in determining the size a Welsh Harlequin will reach. Some bloodlines tend to run larger or smaller on average. Selective breeding can produce lines biased towards certain size ranges. The individual duck’s genetic makeup impacts growth potential.
Sex
As mentioned previously, drakes typically reach a significantly larger size than hens. The male sex hormone testosterone triggers increased growth, especially rapid muscle development and fuller feathering. Adult drakes are about 10-20% larger than hens on average.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is essential for Welsh Harlequins to achieve their full growth potential. Feeding them high quality feeds formulated for each life stage gives them the fuel for healthy development. Deficiencies or poor quality feed may result in stunted or slowed growth.
Environmental Factors
Elements of the duck’s environment can affect size. Access to swimming water helps exercise muscles and build strength. Crowded conditions may impede growth. Extreme cold or heat also creates stress that can inhibit optimal development. Good management practices reduce environmental impediments.
Health Status
Sickness, diseases, parasites, and injuries can all negatively impact growth. Any health issues that reduce appetite or nutrient absorption will limit size. Following preventative health practices helps ducks stay on track developmentally. Quick diagnosis and treatment of illnesses also supports growth.
Growth Rate and Curve
Welsh Harlequins exhibit a very rapid growth rate for the first 3-6 months of life. The most accelerated development occurs between 3 weeks to 3 months as ducklings turn into juveniles. Their weight may increase 5x or more during this time.
Growth starts to level off between 3-6 months as they near adult dimensions. Weight increases slow significantly. Welsh Harlequins reach approximately 90% of their adult size by 6 months old. The growth curve flattens further between 6 months and 1 year as they fully mature.
Here is a typical growth curve illustrating the rapid development of ducklings and juveniles followed by a tapering of growth rate:
As shown, the period of fastest accelerated growth occurs from hatching until about 3 months old. Increases in weight and length slow after this point as growth nears completion. Exact growth rates and curves can vary between individual ducks based on genetics, sex, and environmental conditions. But this general pattern is typical.
How to Maximize Growth Potential
Here are some tips to help your Welsh Harlequins achieve their maximum growth potential:
Provide Proper Nutrition
Feed high quality duckling and poultry feeds at first. Gradually switch to grower then adult feeds as they mature. Give snacks like vegetables, fruits, and treats. Always make sure clean water is available.
Allow Swimming and Foraging
Swimming exercises muscles and joints for proper development. Foraging allows natural behaviors and provides enrichment. Give them as much space as possible.
Maintain Proper Housing
Keep bedding clean and dry. Allow adequate indoor and outdoor space. Provide heating until fully feathered. Ventilate well but avoid drafts.
Administer Preventative Care
Follow immunization schedules for ducklings. Deworm and check for mites. Separate any unwell ducks promptly to avoid spread of illness. Trim overgrown beaks/nails if needed.
Practice Good Management
Monitor for aggression, especially among adolescent drakes. Protect ducklings from hazards. Handle ducks gently and minimize stress. Follow biosecurity protocols to keep flock healthy.
Conclusion
Welsh Harlequin ducks are a medium to large breed that reach an average adult weight of 6-9 pounds and length of 24-28 inches depending on sex. They exhibit extremely rapid growth, nearly achieving full size by 6 months old. Proper feeding, housing, health management, and care are vital to help Welsh Harlequins reach their maximum growth potential. With good practices, these striking ducks can thrive and grow successfully. Their lively and engaging personalities continue to make them a popular backyard poultry breed.
