Saffron Turns White

As expected, our cute Saffron duckling is turning whiter with every passing day. 

Every few years we get a throwback from a mallard to a domestic type hybrid Pekin duck. From research, it appears that  domestic ducks ancestors are mallard ducks, and white ones originate from selective breeding. They carry a single recessive mutation to a MITF gene which regulates melanin production...hence some with pure white plumage ! 

This single recessive mutation will continue to pop up periodically. Sadly, literally  a dead giveaway to the predators, being so easily spotted day or night ! Saffron's sibling Ebony, although dark will no doubt also carry the mutation, just like their  mother. Short video enjoying life below.