Keeping ducks on a small homestead results in fresh eggs and free natural pest control. There are numerous domestic duck breeds to choose from, though. Some are better egg layers, some are more mellow than others. Here are some breeds to consider.
Originally contributed by Heather Harris in November 2016; this post has been updated.
Backyard Duck Breeds
There are so many duck breeds to consider if you’re interested in adding these birds to your little homestead. And there are a number of good reasons to consider raising ducks!!
I’ve had an assortment of duck varieties here. They have all been comical, good layers, and generally low upkeep. The one that I’ve been most pleased with, though, isn’t technically a duck!
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Muscovy Ducks
While often called a muscovy duck, according to the UK Department of Animal and Food Sciences
… it is technically not a duck. The muscovy is a South American waterfowl that has a body like a duck, behaves like a goose in that it hisses rather than quacks, has a breast like a turkey, and roosters like a chicken. The incubation period for a muscovy is 35 days, instead of the typical 28 days for ducks. Although muscovies will breed with domestic ducks, the resulting offspring are infertile and are called ‘mule’ ducks.
From a personal standpoint, I like these birds in particular for two reasons.
- They are much quieter than other duck breeds.
- They sleep at night. Other ducks I’ve had have spent at least a portion of the night wandering around the yard in search of insects. This is fine if the ducks are housed far from your bedroom window, but mine were not. Hearing them poking around all night long disturbed our sleep.
These birds have claws on their feet and have the ability to sleep roosting on a log or in a tree. In fact, they probably prefer it.
Photo courtesy of The 104 Homestead.
Swedish Blue
Heather says: Most commonly a pale blue color, they can also be colored with bits of silver or be a combination of black, blue and white. Blue Swedish ducks are known for their calm, docile personality. They are a medium sized, hardy duck that lays 250-325 eggs per year. This breed is known to go “broody” and sit on a clutch of eggs.
It’s not one of the most common backyard duck breeds, but has been gaining popularity. Swedish Blue ducks are relatively quiet and tend to get along with other poultry in the yard.
Khaki Campbells
Khaki Campbell ducks are another breed that is great for the beginner duck owner. They have a gorgeous feathering pattern, ranging from from light and dark brown to splashes of black and white.
They’re also very friendly. These ducks are generally calm and happy as long as they have plenty of water. Known for being great layers, a female will lay six eggs a week pretty consistently, even throughout harsh winters.
Crested Duck Breeds
Heather says: For maximum entertainment value, consider the Crested duck. These are the duck breeds you will see at 4-H county fairs with the tuft of feathers at the top of their heads. They are more vocal than other breeds; if you’re looking for a quiet duck breed, this isn’t it. Their simple beauty more than makes up for that, though.
Crested ducks are similar in size and weight to Pekin ducks, making them a great dual purpose bird, good for both egg laying and meat birds. Crested ducks average about 100-130 eggs a year. These ducks are more nervous than the other breeds, but their sassy personality makes up for that.
Your Mileage May Vary
These are just several duck breeds of many. Each of them are special in their own way, with pros and cons. (The comical Indian Runner ducks are another breed I’d like to try eventually.)
What are some duck breeds you have considered?
My ABSOLUTELY BEST OPINION FOR BEGINNER / FIRST TIME – DUCK OWNERS- ARE ROUENS- I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS INCREDIBLE BREED OF DUCK DID NOT MAKE THE LIST!
A. THEY DO NOT WANDER OFF / FORAGE OFF FURTHER THAN THEY CAN SEE THEIR “HOME WATER / AND THEIR PEN” SO ABSOLUTELY NO NEED TO LOCK THEM UP – EVER!!
B. THEY ARE SUPER HARDY – THROUGHOUT COLD WINTERS AND ARE SUPER SMART- ABOUT PREDATORS- WILL STAY TOGETHER- I HAVE 1 DRAKE AND 3 FEMALES – AND EVERY EVENING AT DUSK – UNTIL DAWN – THEY STAY IN OUR ” LAKE- AWAY FROM ANY PREDATOR THREAT-
C. GOOD EGG LAYERS -ALL YEAR LONG- AND THEY ARE SO ” PEOPLE/ FAMILY FRIENDLY- THATS THE ONLY TIME OF DAY – WHEN ONE OF US WALKS OUTSIDE- THE ” GIRLS” WILL SQAULK” AND LEAD US TO THEIR PEN OR IF AROUND THE LAKE – WHERE SHE LAYED EGGS.
D. AND LASTLY- BEST OF ALL- THEY NATURALLY- DONT FLY!
BEST CHOICE EVER!
THEY LOVE , ALONG WITH FLOATING PELLET DUCK FOOD, CUT UP VEGGIES- JUST SUPER LOW MAINTENANCE- BEST FAMILY DUCKS THAT FEED YOU BACK!!
Great, thanks!
hi I’m just wondering how can you tell if your crescent or that kahi Campbell duck is a girl or boy
It’s not always easy, but the tail feathers of a male will often form a C shape.
The female are louder then the drakes. I
I love my Mallards. I have had Muscovys years ago but my little Mallards I have now are the best ones for me. I clip their wings and are getting two females that are pinioned so that they won’t fly away. Not sure if the ones I have now are female or males but will find out when they get older. They are awful quiet but still too early to tell. We all have our favorites and that is what helps the duck industry for us to all like different ones.
I love my ducks! That being said… I jumped in without knowing anything about raising ducks. Always loved them as a child. Going to the park bags of bread in hand ,with my grandma to feed the Mallards. ( I do not feed my quacks bread, back then I am sure my gram did not know this was unhealthy or bad in any way. )
I started out with 6 black and white magpies. They were beautiful, but never friendly. No matter what. Great egg layers . Really good at sitting and hatching almost a dozen little quacks every year for 6 years .
I now have one Peking drake. He is so great. Always lets the girls eat first. And always, always guarding my two swedish ladies. They are so loud and have so much sass. But they are sooo friendly. The trio eat out of my hands daily and will follow me no matter where or what I am doing and will stand on my feet and as long as I do not move crazy like . I can pet them and hang out with them. The three of them love coming to sit in my lap. And quack and honk at me . Such a difference in personality than any of the Magpies. And trust that I tried everything with the Magpies. None of them liked to be around me .
My swedish girls have laid eggs every day now for a good year. Even through winter. Sad to say neither one of my girls have gone broody as of yet! But they are the best ducks ever. I wish I would have had them from the start. They are very patient, friendly, hardy and great layers! So I vote Swedish and Peking for two of the best breeds. For anyone just starting or anyone who wants an all around great addition.
I’ve had Khaki Campbells and the females are very quacky and loud!
The females (generally speaking) have been louder than the males in my flock.
I have 2 Cayugas as starters. They are a project with my young granddaughter. They are gentle, snuggly, and come to and follow me. I’m very happy with my pick!
I am new to raising ducks. I just got 2 buffs, 2 Cayugas and 2 Blue Swedish. I love them all. They are already learning they names and coming when called. They all enjoy being held and are so quite. I am surprised they didnt all make this list.
I’m surprised not to see Muscovy’s on this list even though not a “true” duck by definition? They are THE quietest breed to raise and have great personalities. As newbies, we researched several different breeds, including the ones listed here, and went with Muscovy’s on the advice of a local farmer who keeps a few of just about every breed imaginable and couldn’t be happier with our choice.
Is it necessary to clip their wings to keep them from leaving the area?
I haven’t found it to be necessary.
I love feeding my ducks at the cemetary when I visit my wife, I’d love to have some at home, but know little, just trying to learn what I can, no more empty nest!
They sure do make a person smile, don’t they?
I am going to start with Welsh Harlequins and Runners. Crossing my fingers they work out!
I have a welch Harlequin and she a silly goofy duck and I lovd her!
Hello
Do you know of any duck breed that will not eat my goldfish?
I think if the ducks can get into the water, they will all try to eat the fish.
I most sincerely disagree with this list simply because of the inclusion of crested ducks as a suggestion for new duck keepers. Cresteds are not a good option for beginners (some would argue they’re not a good option for anyone). Crests can occur in ducks of any breed, as it’s technically a genetic defect. Crested ducks are more prone to neurological problems for that reason (it’s a skull deformity, as you likely know)… Breeding crested ducks is breeding for a defect, simply because it has an affect on the ducks appearance…
As for the best breed for beginners, my vote goes to Welsh Harlequins.
Also, this person sums it up really well here: “…before you go out and buy that ‘Cute Fluffy’ duckling make sure you know what you are getting yourself into.” https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/the-truth-behind-crested-ducks.707110/
…there are additional sources and reading materials included in that thread as well.
I love my little buff she has the sweetest personality, she will talk your leg off , but I would not trade her off for anything , she’s my little friend.
There were 3 others , but some predators got 3 of them .
I lock her a cage at night and she lays me a egg each day , before am even up .
This spring I will get a few more as there so sweet .