Raising ducks for eggs is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh eggs while adding hardy, productive birds to your farm. If you’re not sure where to start, these six egg-producing duck breeds are an excellent place to begin.

Key Takeaways

• Raising ducks for eggs can provide a steady supply of nutritious eggs for your household or farm market.
• Campbell ducks are among the most productive layers, with up to 340 eggs annually.
• Runner ducks are active foragers and can lay around 300 eggs per year.
• Buff, Welsh Harlequin, and Ancona ducks are excellent dual-purpose breeds for eggs and meat.
• Magpie ducks are known for colorful eggs and quieter personalities.
• The best breed depends on your climate, available space, and whether you want eggs only or a dual-purpose flock.

1. Campbell: Top Egg-Laying Ducks

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Commonly referred to as the Khaki Campbell because of its tan color, the Campbell is unquestionably one of the best breeds when raising ducks for eggs—these ducks have been known to lay as many as 340 eggs per year. Campbells are active foragers and well-suited to a variety of climates, making them an ideal breed for hobby farmers throughout the world. According to Dave Holderread, author of Storey’s Guide to Raising Ducks (Storey Publishing, 2nd edition 2011), Campbells are happiest when they receive an adequate diet, calm environment, and plenty of grazing space, and are part of a flock of less than 200 birds. Be aware that crossbreeds sold as Campbells may not lay as well, so ensure the breed’s authenticity when acquiring your animals.

2. Runner: Active and Productive Layers

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The oldest of the six duck breeds listed here, the Runner—sometimes called the Indian Runner—is another highly productive layer, producing as many as 300 chicken-sized eggs per year. Like the Campbell, the Runner is categorized as “lightweight” by the American Poultry Association, the category most often associated with stellar producers when raising ducks for eggs. Runners are voracious foragers. Historically, the ducks were used in Chinese rice patties to gather weeds, snails, insects and even small reptiles, so don’t be surprised if your ducks uncover an array of “treats” from around your farm. They will likely forage a large area and are very active, so be sure to provide them plenty of space.

3. Buff: Dual-Purpose Duck Breed

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The Buff is among duck breeds known as dual-purpose. Slightly larger than the others on this list—weighing 7 to 8 pounds—it’s classified as “medium” by the American Poultry Association. Also known as the Orpington, Buffs lay fewer eggs than their smaller relatives but can still produce more than 200 eggs each year; they’re also ideal meat birds.

4. Welsh Harlequin: Heritage Egg Layer

Listed as a critically endangered species by The Livestock Conservancy, the Welsh Harlequin, which hails from Wales, is another lightweight duck breed that produces remarkable amounts, often yielding more than 300 white eggs each year. Known for their practicality around the farm, this heritage breed can be raised for meat and because hens are broody, they can also help you to raise ducklings. Welsh Harlequins are among duck breeds that can be raised for meat.

5. Magpie: Quiet Ducks With Colorful Eggs

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This lovely lightweight duck, typically black and white but also found in blue-and-white, lays as many as 290 eggs per year. If striking egg colors are something you desire, the Magpie won’t disappoint: Its eggs range in color from white and cream to blue and green. Magpies tend to be quieter than other duck breeds, offering peace for those who might not enjoy the constant sound of quacking ducks.

6. Ancona: Calm Ducks for Eggs and Meat

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Like the Buff, this medium-sized duck (about 6 to 6½ pounds) is an excellent dual-purpose breed, laying around 240 eggs per year and producing high-quality, flavorful meat. This England native is an attractive bird that, like the Magpie, comes in many colors and can produce a variety of white, cream, blue and green eggs. These birds have calm dispositions, prefer ample foraging space, and make good yard or pond birds, as their size protects them from being the prey of winged predators. The Livestock Conservancy lists the Ancona as critically endangered among duck breeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best breed for raising ducks for eggs?

Campbell ducks are often considered the top choice for raising ducks for eggs because they can lay up to 340 eggs per year.

How many eggs do ducks lay per year?

Depending on breed, ducks can lay anywhere from 200 to 340 eggs annually.

Are duck eggs better than chicken eggs?

Duck eggs are larger than chicken eggs and often richer in flavor, with higher fat and protein content.

Do ducks need a pond to lay eggs?

No. Ducks do not need a pond to lay eggs, though they do appreciate access to water for bathing and cleaning.

Are ducks easier to raise than chickens?

Many farmers find ducks hardy and easy to manage. They are often more cold-tolerant than chickens and excellent foragers.

Can you sell duck eggs?

Yes, many small farms sell duck eggs locally, though regulations vary by state and municipality.

Other breeds are good egg producers when you are raising ducks for eggs. The breed you choose will depend in part on where you live, which ducks are available for purchase and whether you are interested in helping to raise and protect a rare species; however, if the quantity of eggs is your goal because you’re feeding a family or selling eggs at market, these six breeds are bound to please.

This article about raising ducks for eggs was written for Chickens magazine. Click here to subscribe.