Description
Welsh Harlequin Ducklings
Breed Overview and Origin
The Welsh Harlequin Duck is a calm, attractive, productive duck breed known for strong egg laying, good foraging ability, and beautiful silver-patterned plumage. If you want a backyard duck that can provide plenty of eggs while still adding beauty to the flock, this breed is an excellent choice.
Welsh Harlequins originated in Wales in 1949. Leslie Bonnet developed the breed from Khaki Campbell stock, which helps explain why Welsh Harlequins are such productive layers. The breed came to the United States between the late 1960s and 1980s and has since become popular with duck keepers who want a useful, attractive, heritage-style laying duck.
Cackle Hatchery® offers Welsh Harlequin Ducklings and specifically sells the Silver Welsh Harlequin variety. Cackle has developed its pure Silver Welsh Harlequin bloodline since 1992, and the breed is listed with The Livestock Conservancy as Watch status.
Appearance and Characteristics
Welsh Harlequin Ducks have soft, attractive plumage with a lighter, patterned look than Khaki Campbells. Since Cackle offers the Silver Welsh Harlequin variety, customers can expect the silver color type rather than the gold variety.
Drakes and hens look different as they mature. Drakes develop more colorful markings, while hens usually show a softer, creamier patterned body. Their calm nature and attractive feathering also help make them good show ducks.
Cackle’s Duck Breeds List Comparison Chart lists Welsh Harlequins at 4.5 to 5.5 pounds, with egg laying and exhibition as the main purpose, good egg production, a very calm temperament, APA recognition, and Watch status with The Livestock Conservancy.
Welsh Harlequin Duck vs Khaki Campbell Duck
Welsh Harlequins descend from Khaki Campbell ducks, so the two breeds share strong egg-laying ability and active foraging instincts. However, they have different looks and slightly different flock appeal.
Choose Welsh Harlequin Ducks if you want a calm, attractive, heritage-style duck with good egg production and show potential. Choose Khaki Campbell Ducks if you want a more egg-focused duck with a lighter body and active, practical farm-duck reputation.
Cackle’s Keeping Ducks for Eggs article describes Welsh Harlequins as a lightweight heritage breed developed in Wales that can lay as many as 300 large eggs per year. It also notes that they are active foragers, calm birds, and similar in body type to the Campbell duck.
Egg Production
Welsh Harlequin Ducks are excellent egg producers. Your source copy notes that they are capable of laying at the top end of 240 to 300 eggs per year, making them one of the better choices for customers who want duck eggs for the kitchen.
Cackle’s Heritage Breed Spotlight: Welsh Harlequin Duck says Welsh Harlequin hens begin laying at about 6 to 8 months of age and may continue laying until 8 or 9 years old. It also notes that hens lay large eggs with white or, rarely, pale green shells.
Duck eggs are excellent for baking and cooking. Cackle’s How Many Eggs Does a Duck Lay? explains that duck egg production varies by breed, strain, age, feed, health, weather, and daylight hours. For customers who want to keep hens laying well, Cackle’s Ducks for Eggs: How to Keep Your Ducks Laying Well is a helpful internal resource.
Sexing Welsh Harlequin Ducklings
Welsh Harlequin ducklings are known for a useful day-old sexing clue. At hatch, experienced handlers can sometimes tell males from females by bill color with about 85% accuracy. Normally, males have an overall darker bill, while females have a lighter bill with a dark spot near the end.
That visual difference disappears within a few days, so it must be checked early. Even then, the most accurate method is still vent sexing by someone trained and experienced.
For customers, this means Welsh Harlequins may offer a helpful early clue, but bill color is not a perfect guarantee.
Foraging and Farm Use
Welsh Harlequin Ducks are good foragers and active birds. They can work well in backyards, gardens, orchards, homesteads, and small farms where customers want ducks that search for bugs, greens, and other natural forage.
Because they are lighter than heavy meat ducks, they move around well and enjoy exploring. Still, they need predator protection. Cackle’s Keeping Ducks for Eggs notes that Welsh Harlequins are active foragers but may need extra protection from predators and bad weather.
Cackle’s 12 Benefits of Keeping Ducks is a useful internal link for customers considering ducks for eggs, pest patrol, entertainment, and backyard value.
Temperament and Suitability
Welsh Harlequin Ducks are very calm, which makes them appealing for backyard flocks, small farms, families, and show projects. They are active without being overly difficult to manage.
Their calm temperament and attractive plumage also make them good candidates for poultry shows. Your source copy notes that Welsh Harlequins are shown at many poultry shows throughout the United States.
With proper care, they make practical and enjoyable ducks. Provide clean drinking water deep enough to dip and clean their bills and nostrils, dry bedding, secure nighttime housing, predator protection, and enough room to forage.
Keeping Ducks With Chickens
Some customers want to keep ducks and chickens together. That can work in some setups, but ducks have different water and bedding needs.
Ducks splash water, dampen bedding, and need water access that supports healthy bills and nostrils. Cackle’s Keeping Ducks Together with Chickens explains why first-time duck owners should not manage ducks exactly like chickens.
For a mixed flock, plan housing carefully. Dry bedding, a smart water setup, and enough space can help both ducks and chickens stay healthier.
Fall Duck Shipping
For customers looking for ducks outside the main spring season, Cackle notes that fall duck shipping may be available for Welsh Harlequins. Customers should check the Welsh Harlequin Duck fall shipping page and the Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping dates.
Cackle Hatchery® cannot ship ducks to Hawaii. Keep this shipping note clear so customers can plan before placing an order.
Is the Welsh Harlequin Duck Right for Your Flock?
Choose Welsh Harlequin Ducks if you want:
A productive egg-laying duck
A calm backyard duck
A good forager
A Silver Welsh Harlequin variety
A duck descended from Khaki Campbell stock
A breed developed in Wales
A show-quality duck with attractive plumage
A duck that may lay at the high end of 240 to 300 eggs per year
A duckling breed with limited early bill-color sexing clues
A fall duck shipping option when available
Overall, Welsh Harlequins are an excellent choice if you want eggs, calm temperament, beauty, and foraging ability in one duck. They are lighter than heavy meat breeds, but they bring practical egg production and wonderful backyard value.
If customers are still comparing duck breeds, direct them to Cackle’s Duck Breeds List Comparison Chart or the main Ducks for Sale category.
Breed History and Preservation
Leslie Bonnet developed the Welsh Harlequin in Wales in 1949 from Khaki Campbell duck stock. The breed’s Campbell background helps explain its strong egg production, while its softer plumage pattern gives it a more ornamental look.
Welsh Harlequins came to the United States between the late 1960s and 1980s. Since then, they have gained attention from backyard keepers, small farms, and show poultry enthusiasts.
Cackle’s Heritage Breed Spotlight: Welsh Harlequin Duck describes the breed as a dual-purpose meat and egg duck that grows slowly to a live weight of about 4.5 to 5.5 pounds. It also notes that Welsh Harlequin hens can be good setters and protective mothers.
Recognition and Availability
Welsh Harlequin Ducks entered the American Standard of Perfection in 2001, according to Cackle’s product listing. Cackle’s page also notes that the hatchery has developed its pure Silver Welsh Harlequin bloodline since 1992.
Cackle sells Welsh Harlequin Ducklings for customers who want a calm, productive, attractive duck for eggs, foraging, backyard enjoyment, or exhibition.
Before planning an order, customers should check Cackle Hatchery’s Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping dates.
Cackle Hatchery® cannot ship ducks to Hawaii.
Related Breeds and Helpful Cackle Hatchery® Resources
If you like Welsh Harlequin Ducks, you may also want to compare Khaki Campbell Ducks, White Layer Ducks, Golden 300 Hybrid Layer Ducks, Runner Ducks, Saxony Ducks, and other egg-laying ducks in Cackle’s duck category.
Helpful Cackle articles include Heritage Breed Spotlight: Welsh Harlequin Duck, Breed Spotlight: Welsh Harlequin Ducks, How Many Eggs Does a Duck Lay?, 12 Benefits of Keeping Ducks, Ducks for Eggs: How to Keep Your Ducks Laying Well, Keeping Ducks for Eggs, Furnishing Nests for Laying Ducks, and Keeping Ducks Together with Chickens.
For comparison shopping, use Duck Breeds List Comparison Chart, Ducks for Sale, and Availability Chart.
FAQ: Welsh Harlequin Duck
What is a Welsh Harlequin Duck?
A Welsh Harlequin Duck is a calm, productive domestic duck breed developed in Wales from Khaki Campbell stock. It is known for egg production, foraging, attractive plumage, and show value.
Where did Welsh Harlequin Ducks originate?
Welsh Harlequin Ducks originated in Wales in 1949. Leslie Bonnet developed the breed from Khaki Campbell ducks.
When did Welsh Harlequin Ducks come to the United States?
Welsh Harlequins came to the United States between the late 1960s and 1980s.
Are Welsh Harlequin Ducks good egg layers?
Yes. Welsh Harlequins are excellent egg producers. Your source copy notes that they may lay at the top end of 240 to 300 eggs per year.
When do Welsh Harlequin hens start laying?
Cackle’s heritage spotlight says Welsh Harlequin hens usually start laying at about 6 to 8 months of age.
What color eggs do Welsh Harlequin Ducks lay?
Welsh Harlequin hens usually lay white eggs, though they may rarely lay pale green eggs.
Are Welsh Harlequin Ducks good foragers?
Yes. They are active foragers and can do well in backyard, farm, and homestead setups with safe space to roam.
Are Welsh Harlequin Ducks calm?
Yes. Cackle’s duck comparison chart lists Welsh Harlequins as very calm.
Are Welsh Harlequin Ducks good backyard ducks?
Yes. They make good backyard ducks because they are calm, productive, attractive, and useful for eggs and foraging.
Are Welsh Harlequin Ducks good show birds?
Yes. They are shown at poultry shows throughout the United States and have attractive silver-patterned plumage.
Can Welsh Harlequin ducklings be sexed by bill color?
Sometimes. At hatch, experienced handlers may identify sex by bill color with about 85% accuracy. Males usually have a darker bill, while females often have a lighter bill with a dark spot near the end.
How long does the bill-color sexing clue last?
Only a few days. The bill distinction disappears quickly, so it must be checked at hatch.
What is the most accurate way to sex Welsh Harlequin ducklings?
Vent sexing by an experienced person is still the most accurate method.
Are Welsh Harlequin Ducks related to Khaki Campbells?
Yes. Welsh Harlequins descended from Khaki Campbell stock, which helps explain their strong egg-laying ability.
Can Welsh Harlequin Ducks live with chickens?
Sometimes, but ducks and chickens have different water and bedding needs. Cackle’s Keeping Ducks Together with Chickens can help customers plan a mixed flock.
Does Cackle Hatchery® offer Welsh Harlequin Ducks in the fall?
Cackle notes that customers looking for fall duck shipping should check the Welsh Harlequin Duck fall shipping page for current seasonal options.
Can Cackle Hatchery® ship Welsh Harlequin Ducks to Hawaii?
No. Cackle Hatchery® cannot ship ducks to Hawaii.
Where can I check Welsh Harlequin Duck availability?
Check Cackle Hatchery’s Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping options.
pinkducklover –
We ordered 2 ducklings to go along with a bunch of chickens that were shipping at the same time. Unfortunately one duck was unhealthy after arriving & did not make it. The other duck thrived, despite being an only duckling, and is a beautiful duck. I have 4 older WH ducks that were ordered from a different hatchery and this one duck outshines them all in both looks and size.
Agata B (store manager) –
Ordered 5 Welsh harlequin ducks. 1 male and 4 females. Delivered and sexed correctly! All 5 are doing well and girls are laying at 6 months pretty much daily. Gorgeous birds! I have some welshies from a show stock and there is very minimal difference in those from the Cackle. Highly recommend!
Agata B
thefitzfamily8 –
I bought 4 Welsh Harlequin ducklings that arrived in March. I was very excited about these birds as I have always wanted some.
But, here it is May, and all four of them are dead. They are very badly bred and suffer from severe leg issues. I would just go out there to check on them and they would be limping so bad they couldn’t even walk, I would separate them out, and they would still die as they couldn’t walk. It was very disappointing as they are expensive birds and I expected to get what I paid for, but I didn’t. I have been raising ducks for years and know when something is wrong, genetically, and these ducks leg’s issues were genetic.
They also looked more like Silver Appleyard ducks then Welsh Harlequins.
They were very sweet birds though, which is my only pro.
I would not recommend Cackle Hatchery’s waterfowl to anyone. Maybe their chickens are good, I don’t know, but I don’t plan to find out for fear I will waste my money again.
smschnakenberg –
Ducklings arrived safe and healthy! They are now 3 months old and still are healthy and happy. The only thing, and this is totally my personal preference is, they are too golden-tan for my liking. I was expecting my hens to be a silver/white-grey with a dark beak. But other than their color, I am thrilled with the waterfowl!
Barb –
Very spunky!
My ducklings hatched 4-1-2020. While the weather can be touchy that early in the season my ducklings arrived very spunky right out of the box! They were all eating and drinking within minutes! The heat pack was still warm when I got them.
I ordered 6 females and one male and am very happy with them all.
They are 10 weeks old now and gorgeous! They have grown astoundingly fast and are doing great.
Thank you Cackle for the excellent care taken in shipping my birds.
Cathy –
Best duck ever
We received a lovely Welsh Harlequin in our Cackle surprise in early May, 2018. Kessler became a family favorite, smart, calm, and a reliable layer. We thought enough of her to hatch out her eggs (dad a Pekin, also a Cackle bird).
We have four of her children. She passed away suddenly a month ago. I miss her horribly and can’t find Welsh Harlequins to make my flock complete again.
The perfect pet duck. RIP Kessler, little mamma duck.
Ryan –
Excellent Ducks
We ordered four welsh harlequin ducks from cackle Hatchery and they all arrived safely. They all have their own personalities and are so much fun! Thank you Cackle hatchery for such excellent ducks!
duckchickquailjoe –
Great Ducks!
I wanted a more rare duck breed than the feed store ducklings so I ordered 4 ducks and got 4 ducks 31 days later. They were healthy, hungry and very cute.:)
Patrick Aldis –
Ducklings in 2020
First of all, with it being 2020 and considering current events, I’d like to thank cackle hatchery for staying open during the U.S. coronavirus outbreak and for getting my ducklings to me.
I ordered a variety of ducklings; black and blue swedish, fawn runners, khaki campbells, and some others. But the majority of the ones I ordered were Welsh Harelequins. So, I’m leaving the review on this page.
I got pretty much everything I asked for so far as I can see. I can’t tell ducklings genders just yet and I understand mistakes happen. But based on the paint on their head, I seem to have gotten everything. And, I even got an extra Khaki Campbell.
They were a bit sluggish when I first open the box, no doubt tired from trip in the mail. After giving them some food and water, they perked right up. But, even before feeding and watering them, they still seemed curious and inquisitive despite how exhausted they were. I could see them raising and tilting their heads to get a better look at the world as soon as I pulled the lid off the box.
Today will be the third day I have had them. And they’re still looking good and energetic. Its adorable seeing them eat a piece of crumble and vigorously bob their head trying to swallow it and then go get some water to wash it down. I’ve also noticed when I talk to them, they seem to peep a bit louder in response.
I would say I’ll order again next year, but, truth be told, I’ve actually already ordered again this year, though, the other order is what amounts to about 80 chickens on top of the 20 I already own. If I had to guess, in be leaving my chicken review on the splash laced red wyandotte page since I ordered about 8 of them since I found the red and white to be such a striking pattern.
But, until then, thank you for getting my ducks to me during this time. I’m already looking at ordering guineas next year.
Hilltop coop –
Great bird
I bought 6 females and recieved them live and healthy. They are a skittish breed but great egg layers. Roughly 1/day for 3 months straight so far. Buying more due to demand for my area
Doug and Pam –
Thanks
My husband and I drove over four hours to pick up Welch Harlequin ducks. Of course, we ended up with more than our order because we walked in and found lots of other ducks to choose from. The guys at the counter were great and help us with our purchases. We really enjoyed our trip and will definitely buy from you again!
Tim –
Fantastic Females!
Cackle Hatchery did a great job! We ordered 10 female Welsh in March 2019. And here 5 months later we have ZERO green heads or Drake feathers, still no eggs yet, but they should start soon. Their not the best heritage breed for all black bills and blue wing tips, but i have read theres 2 or 3 different Welsch breeds and I would say we have a mix of all 3. Some black bills, some grey bills, some speckled orange, some black spots with blue tips, some brown spots with brown tips, and a couple Golden or Buff colored, but all Beautiful. And we even got a free addition so we have ended up with 11 beautiful Welsh Harlequin Duck hens. Good job Cackle !!!
E –
Lovely girls
I have two welshes with one being three months old and one that’s five weeks old. They are both sweet but not quite comfortable around people yet. My youngest one has a beautiful dark bill, and my oldest gets along great with my chickens. Beautiful birds and I highly recommend them.
chicken lady –
good egg layer
I got a few of the welsh harlequin ducks and ended up giving them to a local farmer, except for one female. She has been laying eggs all winter, so great egg layer and she is a sweet duck. I must note that these are not friendly like Pekins. They are very skittish and do not like any noise or sudden movements. Not the best choice if looking for a pet.
Meri –
Welshie ducks
I ordered 6 ducklings in 20016. They were so healthy and strong, I was very happy with them. I never lost a single duckling. Unfortunately 5/6 of the straight run ducklings were drakes. I only had one hen. She is a very good layer.
Colby –
Good
Well I recieved 6 ducks all alive, ordered five. Thank you cackle, the post office is the only area of problem being that the local branch closed at 12 noon!
Nick (verified owner) –
Amazing pets, friendly, funny and the best of all we have
Ok, so we bought lots of ducks from Crackle…Pekins, Cuyugas and more but these Welsh are by FAR my favorite. They are hilarious, friendly, funny, active and smart as heck! (For a bird of course) We have many but decided to pickout two for ‘pets’ on the porch and the rest in cages for now till they are big enough for the ponds..SO loving, so nice to hold and be petted, blow dried, and hand fed. Even the ‘wild’ ones outside awaiting being ponded are affectionate and friendly. As the pekins ages (6 weeks) the get less hold me hold me, but not the Welshy boys. With voices now changing its hilarious to hear the quack/fart/whistle sound as the enter the teenage years ! I HIGHLY recommend these ducks.
Bea –
My first time ordering through the mail.
I bought 6 WH ducklings to come to northern MN. They all arrived alive and healthy. Very lively little things. All are doing well. I was very nervous some would die but not a single death and all are thriving. This was the best price I could find for the small order. Only wish that I could have bought sexed ducklings. All 5 stars and two thumbs up.
Sofie and Dylan –
Great Experience
We’ve had a great experience with Cackle Hatchery. We had ordered just 1 Welsh Harlequin, but knew it would be risky to send one by himself. So we paid for 2 more, and we were even sent a fourth. All of the ducklings arrived healthy and hungry! They each have their own personalities already. We were nervous with the shipping but the mailman was ecstatic when delivering them to our door. Thank you Cackle Hatchery for our newest additions, and the U.S Post Office for handling them with care. I will definitely be purchasing more ducklings in the future from your hatchery.
Cindy –
Love my ducks
I love my ducks, however I ordered 8 last year and discovered that 6 of them were male. I ended up having to get rid of 5 males because the males ganged up on the 2 females and killed one of them. I was thinking when i ordered them, that they would be about 50/50 male/female. Disappointed I spent all that money to end up with a pair of ducks.
Kim Washington May 2015 –
Thank You Cackle Hatchery
Thank You! The chicks arrived early this morning. On little turkey did not make it;however, you sent an extra so we received the exact number of (living) birds we ordered. They are all doing very well! As always, we are very happy with out ordering experience with Cackle Hatchery! Thank you!