Crossbred

Crossbred mulard ducks are first-generation hybrids between a Muscovy duck and a domestic duck descended from the mallard. The term is sometimes used because mulard is not a true breed: two mulards cannot be mated to produce a stable line. Commercial birds are commonly made with Muscovy sires over Pekin-type hens for a large, fast-growing table duck, while smaller farm crosses may show more variable shape and plumage. Some have the heavier body and quiet manner of Muscovies with the softer feathering and growth pattern of domestic ducks.

Keeping crossbred mulards calls for attention to weight, footing, and water management. They do best where they can move on non-slip ground, bathe or at least dunk their heads, and rest in clean bedding protected from predators. Feed needs depend on whether they are raised for meat, maintained as pets, or kept in a small mixed flock. Since most are sterile, replacement birds come from parent breeds, not from the mulards themselves.

Colors: Barred, Black, Black and White, Blue, Blue Fawn, Bronze, Chocolate, Chocolate and White, Lavender, Pied, Ripple, Self-Blue, Solid, White, White-Headed