Keeping Ducks for Eggs.

Ducks are lovely, hardy creatures that make for adorable pets. But did you know that ducks can actually be really good layers? Ducks lay eggs in the spring and summer months, and once they’re done laying their eggs they go into a molt (their feathers don’t grow back right away). The only problem is that most people don’t know which breeds of ducks lay the most eggs—which makes them harder to find at local farmers’ markets or stores. To solve this problem, here’s a list of some of the best duck breeds for laying!

Ducks are a great choice for those interested in raising ducks for eggs. In fact, duck eggs are so popular that they sell out quickly at farmers’ markets. While some people may not be familiar with the idea of eating duck eggs, they’re actually quite tasty and nutritious!

Ducks lay more eggs than chickens, geese and turkeys (and even quail). They do this year-round—not just during mating season—so there’s always an endless supply available for your family to enjoy (or sell).

Best duck breeds for eggs

Many people keep chickens for their eggs, but if you want to get more bang for your buck (or duck, as it were), try ducks. Ducks produce a lot more eggs than chickens and they’re much easier to manage because they’re less flighty and noisy than chickens. If you can’t find organic eggs at the grocery store, consider raising a few of your own ducks so that you can have access to free-range and cage-free eggs.

Duck eggs have higher levels of nutrients than chicken eggs do—for example, one duck egg contains about three times as much vitamin D as one chicken egg has! They also contain high amounts of essential fatty acids such as arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). AA helps prevent heart disease and EPA helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood.

 

1. Khaki Campbell duck

• Khaki Campbell ducks are a cross between the Campbell and Khaki breeds.
• They are excellent egg layers, laying eggs even during the winter.
• Their eggs are white and medium in size.
• Khaki Campbells make good mothers and will brood their eggs if you give them a nest box that is at least 18 inches by 18 inches square.

2. Runner duck

Runner ducks are ideal for small farms and homesteads, as they’re hardy, active and can withstand cold winters. They are also good foragers, eating insects and weeds that grow around your property. Runner ducks have a mild flavor, so they’re easy to eat roasted or prepared in any other way you might like to cook them.

3. Indian runner ducks

Indian runner ducks are likely the most popular egg-laying breed of duck. They are a great choice if you want to raise your own eggs, have limited space, or want to raise ducks for meat.

Indian runner ducks are some of the friendliest and most docile breeds out there, making them ideal for children or first time owners. They lay around 200 eggs a year (or more), which is on par with most other egg-laying breeds but they do tend to be smaller in size than other common laying breeds like Rhode Island Reds and White Pekin Ducks.

Indian runners generally grow up to be about 12 pounds at maturity—smaller than most commercial meat breeds like Cayuga’s or Rouens that weigh in at 24-30 lbs., so keep this in mind if you plan on raising these birds for butchering purposes!

4. Welsh Harlequin duck

Welsh Harlequin is a breed of domestic duck. It is a medium-sized duck, with a large, round body, and a small head and bill. The base color of the Welsh Harlequin is white; they may have black or gray markings on their face and neck. Some may also have spots on the rest of their bodies.

5. Welsummer duck

The Welsummer is a dual-purpose breed, meaning it’s suitable for both laying eggs and meat production. This duck breeds quickly and can produce 100–150 eggs per year. It also has a good mothering ability, which makes it a great choice if you plan on raising your own ducklings.

6. Blue Swedish duck

The Blue Swedish duck is the most popular duck breed in the world and for good reason. They are a medium-sized duck with a calm temperament, and they lay white eggs that hatch easily. These birds are also excellent foragers, which makes them a good option if you don’t want to mess with feeding your flock every day. Their ability to fend for themselves makes them a great choice for anyone who lives in an urban environment; they can be kept in small backyards or even on balconies!

If you have any other questions about what type of duck would be best suited to your lifestyle, please feel free to reach out at support@petsmart.com

7. Cayuga duck

If you are looking for a large, white duck that’s great at laying eggs, the Cayuga is your bird. They can lay up to 280 eggs per year and are known for being excellent layers.

Cayugas are also good foragers and make excellent meat ducks when they’re not busy laying eggs. They grow quickly and have less fat than other breeds of duck, which makes them grow faster (and taste better!)

 

Khaki Campbell, Runner, Welsh Harlequin and Indian Runner Ducks are all excellent layers.

All of these breeds are excellent layers.

• Khaki Campbells: The Khaki Campbell is a great hen for a backyard flock or small homestead. It’s an ideal chicken for beginners because it’s hardy, easy to care for, and lays eggs all year long! The khaki colored feathers make this bird easy to spot in the coop or free range pen. Their temperament is friendly but they can get aggressive when protecting their nest so keep that in mind if you’re getting this breed as pets with children around them.
• Runner Ducks: The Indian Runner Duck was developed by the British during their occupation of India between 1858-1947 and has since become popular among backyard flocks worldwide due to its impressive egg production (upwards of 300 eggs per year!). These ducks are excellent mothers who will care well for their broods even when living on dry land without access to water; however if kept indoors then giving them access will help ensure good health because drinking water helps prevent dehydration which can lead to lethargic behavior among other things such as egg production loss due to lack of hydration from laying so many eggs over time!

We hope you’ve found this guide helpful in deciding which duck breed is best for you.