Ducks are among 4 poultry species that are commonly raised for eggs. Like most chickens, some duck breeds are primarily ornamental, others are ideal for meat and others for eggs production.
Khaki Campbell is one of the best duck breeds to raise for eggs. These ducks have been known to lay as many as 340 eggs per year. Khaki Campbell are active foragers and well suited to a variety of climate making them an ideal breed for all the farmers through out the world. Campbells are happier when they receive an adequate diet, calm environment and plenty of grazing space. Campbells sold as cross breed may not lay well so ensure the breeds authenticity when acquiring your animals.
Indian Runner and Buff ducks
Indian runner is a highly productive layer producing as many as 300 chicken sized eggs per year. The runners are voracious foragers and are categorised as light weight by APA.
Buff ducks are among duck breeds known as dual purpose. They weigh 7-8 pounds. Also known as the Orpington, buffs lay pure eggs than their smaller relatives but can produce more than 200 eggs each year. They are also ideal meat birds.
Welsh Harlequin and Magpie ducks
Welsh Harlequin are listed as critically endangered species by livestock conservancy. It is another light weight breed that produces remarkable amounts of eggs, often yielding more than 300 white eggs per year. This heritage breed can be raised for meat and hens tend to be broody.
Magpie are lovely light weight ducks typically black and white but also found in blue and white. They lay as many as 290 eggs per year. The eggs range from colour white & creme to Blue & green.
Ancona
Ancona is a medium sized duck, excellent dual purpose breed laying around 240 eggs per year and producing high quality flavour meat. Ancona comes in many colours and can produce a variety of white, creme, blue and green eggs. Ancona have calm dispositions and prefer ample foraging space.
The breed you choose will depend on the part where you live and available ducks for purchase.
