Swedish Blue

Did You Know?

• In 2007 the FAO listed the Swedish Blue's worldwide conservation status as 'critical'; by 2023 it was 'at risk/endangered' in Sweden, with a 2021 population of 282.
• Breeding two blue birds yields 25% black, 50% blue, and 25% pale blue-white or silver offspring, following Mendelian genetics.

History

The Swedish Blue originated in Swedish Pomerania, with the first documented mention in 1835. Some birds were exported to the United States in 1884, and the blue variety was added to the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1904 as the 'Swedish'. In 2007 the FAO listed its worldwide conservation status as 'critical'; by 2023 it was 'at risk/endangered' in Sweden, where the 2021 population was 282. The American Livestock Conservancy listed it as 'watch' in 2023.

Characteristics

The Swedish Blue is a medium-sized duck, shorter and broader in body than breeds like the Cayuga or Orpington, with a rounded, plump, full-breasted body and a straight, fairly flat back about half as long again as it is broad. The body is carried at about 20° to the horizontal, and the head is long, oval and finely made. Three colour varieties exist, but only the blue is standard; their distribution follows a single dilution gene. Breeding two blue birds yields 25% black, 50% blue, and 25% pale blue-white or silver. Breeding black and pale forms together produces all blue offspring. Blue females may pale with age, remaining usable for breeding. The breed is distinguished from the Pomeranian Duck by its white primaries.