Different Duck Breeds Explained

Raising ducks in my backyard is fun, profitable and tasty. Through trial and error I have discovered that different duck breeds will produce different results and should be chosen according a specific agenda for having waterfowls in the backyard. Consider your goals when selecting ducks - Are the ducks primarily for eggs, meat, entertainment, pest control or yard décor? Mothering ability also plays an important role in the breed you select. Start with a reputable breeder and healthy stock, then use these breed differences to select the one(s) best suited for your needs. 

Egg Production 

If you want to raise ducks primarily for their eggs, select Indian Runners or Khaki Campbells. Indian Runners will produce between 150 and 300 eggs per year. Adult birds weight about 4 pounds and they make excellent foragers, but poor mothers. 

Khaki Campbells are great egg producers and will provide you with between 250-350 eggs per year. The 4 pound adult bird is not socialable, is a lousy mother, but will keep your landscape pest-free at all times.

Meat 

If tasty meat to eat or sell is your priority, than raise the Pekin, Muscovy or Rouen duck breeds. Pekins will provide you with 125-225 eggs per year while growing to a mature weight of around 10 pounds Pekins are pretty, with all-white feathers and a calm, personable demeanor. The make average foragers and mothers, but their mild-flavored meat is a winner. 

The Muscovy breed will give you less than 125 eggs per year, but they make excellent foragers and mothers. These large-sized (about 12 pounds) ducks are colorful, quiet and have a puppy-like personality. 

Rouens look like large mallard ducks and will reach a mature size of around 10 pounds, Rouens produce less than 125 eggs per year, are average mothers but excellent foragers.

Multi-Taskers 

If you want a duck breed that can do it all, try Welsh Harlequins or Magpies. 

The Welsh Harlequin breed will produce 230 - 330 eggs annually while growing to reach a mature weight of 5 pounds. Their excellent foraging skills will keep your landscape and garden pest-free while they fatten themselves up for your roasting pan. This breed is calm, easily sexed by bill color, but make poor mothers. 

Magpies are exceptionally beautiful ducks that will produce between 200 and 300 eggs annually. The Magpie breed is an excellent forager, but poor mother. 

Source:

Metzer Farms