Swedish Blue duck which is also known as Blue Swedish is a breed of domestic duck developed by the farmers in Pomerania. It’s a pretty old duck breed and developed in the year of 1835.
Pomerania was part of the Sweden at that time, but today it is known as modern northeast Germany, Holland and Belgium. This duck breed is similar in size to the Rouen ducks, and they have a mallard ancestry.
The breed was mainly developed for domestic uses, such as for meat and eggs production. They are also good as ornamental ducks and as pets. The Swedish Blue duck was first imported into the USA in the late 1800s.
And it was accepted into the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in 1904. At present it is considered to be an endangered duck breed.
And the breed has been listed on the ‘Watch’ list by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Which means there are less numbers of Swedish Blue duck available. Learn more about this beautiful duck breed below.
Swedish Blue Duck Characteristics
The Swedish Blue duck is a medium sized duck breed. It is similar to the Rouen ducks in size. It is a beautiful bird and has a striking appearance with wonderful black heads, white bibs and a lovely light blue body. Their body is similar to the Pekin duck.
Their white colored bibs run from under the bill halfway down the breast. The head is of medium length. There are also some white on the wings of Swedish Blue duck that creates a very eye appealing color contrast with the blue.
The plumage of both drakes and ducks is an uniform bluish slate. And the legs of these ducks have a characteristic brownish color giving them an upright stance similar to that of the Khaki Campbell ducks.
The head of the drakes has a slightly darker blue coloration compared to their body, and their plumage has a glossy green hint. And the head and bill of the ducks are the same blue slate color of the body.
The legs of both male and female ducks are reddish-brown, with irregular markings of greyish-black. The drakes are heavier than the ducks. Average body weight of these ducks is about 2.5 to 3.5 kg, and the average body weight of the drake is about 3 to 4 kg. Photo from Wikipedia.
Uses
The Swedish Blue duck was developed mainly as an utility bird. The breed is suitable for both meat and eggs production.
Special Notes
Swedish Blue ducks are very calm and friendly birds, and they are one of the heartiest of all the duck breeds. They are considered as excellent ducks for the beginners. They are suitable for both meat and eggs production. Ducks will lay about 100-150 per year.
The egg color of these ducks is white, green or blue tinted. The breed is a very good forager and good for free range duck farming. But they can’t do well in confinement. Sometimes they are quite a noisy breed.
The ducks have a loud yelling type quack. While the drakes have a low pitched tone but can raise the loudness of their quack to rival the ducks. The Swedish Blue duck is a pretty slow maturing breed, but they provide well-flavored meat.
They are very hardy birds and on average can live for 8-12 years. The ducks are tend to be broody. Review full breed profile of this duck breed in the chart below.
| Breed Name | Swedish Blue |
| Other Name | Blue Swedish |
| Breed Purpose | Dual Purpose (eggs & meat) |
| Special Notes | Calm, Friendly, Docile, Very Hardy |
| Breed Class | Medium |
| Broodiness | Average |
| Ducks | 2.5 to 3.5 kg |
| Drakes | 3 to 4 kg |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Egg Color | Mainly white, also lay green or blue tinted eggs |
| Egg Size | Large |
| Egg Weight | 80-95 grams |
| Egg Productivity | Medium |
| Flying Ability | Poor |
| Rarity | Common |
| Varieties | Blue, Black, Chocolate, Rust, Splash |
| Country of Origin | Sweden |
Swedish Blue Duck Facts
The Swedish Blue ducks are known for their distinctive blue-grey color and their calm and friendly temperament. Here are some interesting facts about Swedish Blue ducks.
- Origin: Swedish Blue ducks were developed in Sweden in the 20th century by crossing various breeds of ducks, including Pekin, Muscovy, and Blue Swedish ducks. The breed was developed for its meat and egg-laying capabilities.
- Appearance: Swedish Blue ducks are medium-sized ducks with a distinctive blue-grey color. They have a long, broad bill and a rounded head. They also have a long, streamlined body and a slightly curved tail.
- Dual Purpose: Swedish Blue ducks are considered a dual-purpose breed, meaning they are used for both their meat and their eggs. They are known for their flavorful meat and their ability to lay a good number of eggs.
- Calm Temperament: Swedish Blue ducks are known for their calm and friendly temperament. They are easy to handle and are a popular choice for backyard flocks and small-scale farming operations.
- Good Foragers: Swedish Blue ducks are good foragers and are able to find their own food if given access to a natural environment. They are particularly fond of slugs, snails, and other insects.
- Hardy Breed: Swedish Blue ducks are a hardy breed that can adapt to a variety of climates and environments. They are well-suited to cold and damp climates and can thrive in areas with poor grazing conditions.
- Good Layers: Swedish Blue ducks are good layers, with hens laying up to 150 eggs per year. Their eggs are typically larger than those of other duck breeds and have a rich, flavorful yolk.
- Broody Hens: Swedish Blue hens are known for their broody behavior, meaning they are inclined to sit on their eggs to hatch them. This can be a useful trait for farmers who want to hatch their own chicks.
- Friendly With Other Ducks: Swedish Blue ducks are known for their friendly and docile temperament, making them a good choice for mixed flocks of ducks.
- Fast Growing: Swedish Blue ducks are fast growing and can reach market weight in as little as 8-10 weeks. This makes them a popular choice for meat production.
- Good Meat Quality: Swedish Blue ducks are known for their flavorful and tender meat. They have a good meat-to-bone ratio and are popular among chefs and foodies.
- Good Flyer: Swedish Blue ducks are good flyers and can fly up to 100 feet in the air. This can be a useful trait for farmers who want to keep their ducks contained within a specific area.
- Cold Tolerant: Swedish Blue ducks are cold-tolerant and can handle temperatures as low as -30°C. This makes them a good choice for farmers in colder climates.
- Good Swimmers: Swedish Blue ducks are good swimmers and are well-suited to living near bodies of water. They have waterproof feathers that keep them warm and dry in the water.
- Disease Resistance: Swedish Blue ducks are resistant to many common duck diseases, including avian influenza and duck viral enteritis. This makes them a low-maintenance breed to keep.
- Easy to Care For: Swedish Blue ducks are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. They do not require elaborate housing or feeding systems and are generally low-maintenance animals.
- Good Mothers: Swedish Blue hens are good mothers and are attentive to their young. They will protect their chicks from predators and teach them how to forage for food.
- Social Animals: Swedish Blue ducks are social animals and enjoy being around other ducks. They are happiest when kept in flocks and can become stressed if kept alone.
- Varied Diet: Swedish Blue ducks have a varied diet, consisting of insects, snails, slugs, aquatic plants, and other foods. They can also be fed a commercial duck feed to supplement their diet.
- Good for Pest Control: Swedish Blue ducks are excellent for pest control, as they love to eat insects, snails, and other pests that can damage crops or gardens.
- Exhibition Quality: Swedish Blue ducks are a popular breed for exhibitions and shows, as their distinctive blue-grey color and sleek, streamlined appearance make them a striking addition to any flock.
- Conservation Status: Swedish Blue ducks are listed as a “watch” breed by the Livestock Conservancy, meaning their population numbers are declining and they are in need of conservation efforts to protect the breed for future generations.
- Crossbreeding: Swedish Blue ducks are often crossbred with other breeds of ducks to create new and unique varieties. Crossbreeding can result in different color patterns, feather types, and other traits that are not found in purebred Swedish Blue ducks.
Tips for Raising Swedish Blue Ducks
Swedish Blue Ducks are an excellent choice for hobby farmers or small-scale poultry keepers, as they are relatively easy to care for and can be raised for both meat and eggs.
If you’re considering raising Swedish Blue Ducks, there are a few key tips and best practices that you should keep in mind to ensure that your ducks are healthy, happy, and thriving.
Provide a suitable living space
The first and most important aspect of raising Swedish Blue Ducks is providing them with a suitable living space. Ducks need access to both water and land, so it’s essential to provide them with a secure and comfortable coop that has both a water source and a dry area for sleeping and nesting.
Swedish Blue Ducks are relatively large, so you’ll need to provide them with plenty of room to move around and stretch their wings. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 4 square feet of floor space per duck.
Keep their living space clean
Cleanliness is critical when it comes to raising ducks, as they are susceptible to various diseases and infections if their living space isn’t kept clean and dry. You should clean out the coop at least once a week, removing any wet bedding, droppings, and other debris.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the water source in the coop is cleaned regularly and that any standing water is removed to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Provide a healthy diet
Swedish Blue Ducks, like all ducks, need a healthy and balanced diet to thrive. They require a high-protein diet that includes a mix of grains, seeds, and other plant-based foods.
You can provide your ducks with commercial duck feed, which is specially formulated for their dietary needs, or you can supplement their diet with fresh greens, such as spinach, kale, or lettuce, as well as insects and other small invertebrates.
Give them access to water
Ducks are waterfowl, and they need access to water to stay healthy and happy. Swedish Blue Ducks are no exception, so you’ll need to provide them with a clean and shallow water source that is at least a few inches deep.
This can be in the form of a small pond, a kiddie pool, or a large waterer. It’s essential to change the water regularly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and to keep the water clean and fresh.
Provide them with company
Swedish Blue Ducks are social animals, and they thrive when they have other ducks to socialize with. If you’re raising just a few ducks, it’s essential to provide them with plenty of opportunities to interact with each other.
If you’re raising a larger flock, it’s best to keep a ratio of one drake (male) to four or five ducks (females) to prevent fighting and aggression.
Keep them safe from predators
Like all poultry, Swedish Blue Ducks are vulnerable to predators such as foxes, raccoons, and birds of prey. It’s essential to keep their living space secure, with fencing that is at least 6 feet tall and covers the top of the coop to prevent attacks from above.
Additionally, you should avoid leaving food or water sources out overnight, as this can attract predators to your ducks.
Monitor their health
It’s essential to monitor your Swedish Blue Ducks’ health regularly. Look out for signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in their droppings.
If you notice any concerning symptoms, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian who specializes in poultry care. Regular checkups and vaccinations can help prevent illnesses and ensure that your ducks are healthy and thriving.
