Best Breeds of Duck for Eggs

Raising ducks can be one of the most enjoyable and enriching experiences, especially for those who want to primarily eat food that they have produced themselves. If you are interested in raising ducks for the production of eggs, then you should ensure that you purchase a breed of duck that is particularly well known for its ability to produce eggs in large quantities.

Khaki Campbell

The Khaki Campbell is without a doubt the best duck for the production of eggs. This particular breed is a product of several different types of duck, including Rouen, Mallard, and White Indian Runner. A Khaki Campbell hen can regularly produce over 300 eggs per year, which outdoes most breeds of chicken and is on a par with the White Leghorn, the breed of chicken frequently used in commercial egg production. They are very easy to raise and have a mild temperament, and they are also easy to care for, as they eat both commercial duck food as well as forage. This duck, with its excellent egg production and beautiful appearance makes a fine addition to any backyard flock.

Runner Duck

This breed has a distinguished history and originally hailed from India, from whence they were exported to the United Kingdom. One of the most unique characteristics of this breed of duck is their upright carriage (in contrast to the more horizontal build of most breeds) and walking habit, which is often more of a walk than the waddle that is traditionally associated with ducks. Some varieties of this duck can lay almost an egg a day, making them one of the best breeds of ducks for eggs. They also usually do not go broody, meaning that they will spend more time laying eggs and less time attempting to hatch them. They are also very quiet, making them a perfect addition to a backyard flock.

Buff Orpington

This breed, which shares its name with a breed of chicken and, like that chicken, this bird is considered dual-purpose, meaning that it is equally good for egg or meat production. It is also a lovely bird for ornamental purposes, due to the lustrous buff color of its plumage. The Buff Orpington breed of duck is capable of producing as many as 220 eggs per year, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a breed of duck to produce eggs. However, they are currently dwindling in numbers (they are listed as threatened), so it is very important that this special breed of duck does not die out.

Whether you just want a few duck eggs for baking or whether you want a steady supply, there are a number of breeds of duck that are well-suited to egg production. Be sure to add one of these fine breeds to your flock.

Sources
Information for this article obtained from DuckHobby.com.