NAVIGATION
If you’re serious about diving into the world of duck keeping, there’s probably one question at the forefront of your mind: which breed makes the best egg-laying duck?
After all, the breed you pick will determine whether you get 25 eggs a year or 300 eggs. So, before you run out to your local feed store or purchase ducklings online, it’s worth taking a few minutes to learn which duck breeds will live up to your expectations.
With so many different duck breeds out there, narrowing down your choice to just one or two is no easy feat. That’s why I’m going to take the guesswork out of things.
In other words, I’m here to help you have your eggs and eat them too.
Hi, I’m Ryan
Raising ducks comes with a lot of benefits — from meat to free pest control and companionship — but the eggs are quickly becoming one of my favorites. As someone who’s raised both high-production and low-production breeds, I can tell you that there really is no comparison between them.
Is Raising Ducks For Eggs Worth It?
While it ultimately comes down to personal preference, I think raising ducks for eggs is well worth the effort. Duck eggs are richer, creamier, and contain more micro and macro nutrients than chicken eggs. They’re also much larger and have a longer shelf life due to their thicker shells. So, in terms of both culinary uses and sustainability, duck eggs are an excellent option.
The Best Ducks For Laying Eggs: My Top 9 Picks
Choosing the best ducks for eggs isn’t strictly a numbers game. Factors like temperament, egg quality, and care requirements all play a role in determining which breed is going to be the best choice. Below, I’ll walk you through some of the egg-laying duck breeds that deliver in both quality and quantity.
1. Khaki Campbell: The Gold Standard In Egg Laying
If I had to pick just one breed to be the best egg-laying ducks, it’d have to be Khaki Campbells. No duck lays an egg every day, but with an annual average of 300 to 340 eggs, Khaki Campbells come close. And in addition to being extremely productive, Khaki Campbells are small, hardy, adaptable, and friendly — making them an easy option for beginners.
In my experience, there are only two downsides to raising Khaki Campbells for eggs. One is that their high production can put them at risk of developing reproductive issues. The other is that, although their meat is tender and delicious, you won’t get a lot of it. Mature Khaki Campbells only weigh 3 to 4 pounds, which is less than ideal for meat production.
2. Welsh Harlequin: Small But Mighty
Welsh Harlequins are another contender for the best egg-laying duck breed. For one thing, their small size and calm demeanor make them a welcome addition on most homesteads. They’re also relatively quiet (as far as ducks go) and are surprisingly well-suited for both suburban and rural settings.
Welsh Harlequins lay an average of 300 eggs per year, making them one of the highest producing breeds. The best part is that they aren’t just prolific — Welsh Harlequins lay some of the biggest eggs I’ve ever seen!
3. Golden 300 Hybrid Layer: Egg-Laying Specialist
As the name suggests, the Golden 300 Hybrid Layers were specifically bred for high production. Hens lay an annual average of 290 to 320 jumbo-sized eggs — potentially outperforming even the Khaki Campbell. Most Golden 300 Hybrid Layer eggs are white, but it’s not uncommon to find a few pale blue eggs in their nests.
Because they were bred to maximize egg production, Golden 300 Hybrid Layers aren’t the best in terms of meat quality. Still, they offer a combination of high egg yields and manageability that has made them a favorite amongst small-scale duck keepers.
4. Pekin: Best Multi-Purpose Duck
Despite Pekins being known for their meat, they make a solid egg-laying duck. They can lay up to 200 large white eggs per year and have a calm and sociable disposition. Pekin hens are even one of my top choices for a pet breed! The drakes, on the other hand, can be a bit more territorial — particularly during the breeding season.
The last thing I’d like to note is that Pekin ducks are large, fast growing, and provide between 5 to 6 pounds of meat per bird. A lot of duck breeds don’t come close to offering the same yield. That makes Pekins one of the most well-rounded (and underrated) egg-laying duck breeds you can find.
5. Indian Runner: Foraging Overachiever
Indian Runners are perhaps most well known for their upright posture, lack of flying (they run instead), and interesting gait, but I’d argue that their egg-laying capabilities are just as notable.
Indian Runner hens lay an average of 200 to 300 eggs per year. And although the eggs are on the smaller side, they have a richer flavor than most of the other duck eggs I’ve eaten.
It’s also important to note that Indian Runners are one of the easiest duck breeds to raise. As long as they have plenty of space to run and forage, Indian Runners consume much less feed than many of the other egg-laying duck breeds. They’re particularly adept at foraging common pests like snails and slugs, making them an excellent addition to your garden.
6. Magpie: Friendliest Backyard Breed
Don’t have a ton of room? Due to their moderate size and quiet nature, Magpies are one of the best egg-laying ducks for a small-scale farming operation. Magpies are active foragers, which means they’re perfect for controlling the weed and insect population around your homestead.
Each year, Magpie hens produce around 220 to 300 large eggs. The only caveat is that, with an average weight of 4 to 6 pounds, Magpies don’t make very good meat birds. So, if you’re looking for ducks to provide both meat and eggs, you’ll probably want to pick a different breed.
7. Ancona: High Yields, Low Fuss
If you had your heart set on a dual-purpose breed that you can raise for both meat and egg production, the Ancona will likely be high on your list. For starters, Ancona meat is exceptionally flavorful, despite having a lower fat content than other popular meat breeds.
This heritage breed is also one of the best ducks for eggs, reliably laying between 210 to 280 eggs per year. And because they’re excellent foragers, you can keep your feed costs low. Best described as amiable, curious, and friendly, Anconas are an adaptable breed that can thrive on any homestead.
8. Orpington: Best Beginner-Friendly Egg Layer
Known for their beautiful, golden plumage and sweet disposition, Orpingtons are another dual-purpose breed that delivers. They’re a medium-sized bird with a heavy build and yield a good amount of rich and flavorful meat. With a yearly average of 150 to 220 large eggs, they aren’t exactly the most prolific egg-laying breed.
But what they lack in quantity they more than make up for in terms of consistency and ease of care. Orpingtons are quiet, don’t startle as easily as some other breeds, and are exceptionally easy to handle. In fact, they’re so docile that Orpingtons are one of the main breeds I recommend for beginners.
9. White Layer: Egg-Laying Powerhouse
White Layers were specifically bred for egg production, and they don’t disappoint. With their stark white plumage and bright orange bill, feet, and legs, White Layers look like mini versions of Pekin ducks. But unlike Pekins, White Layers can lay an impressive 250 to 290 eggs each year.
One thing to note is that despite being hardy and productive, White Layers are less docile and more active than a lot of other egg-laying duck breeds. Because of that, I don’t recommend them for beginners or homesteaders with small children present.
What Kind Of Duck Lays Colorful Eggs?
If plain white eggs aren’t your style, I’m happy to tell you that chickens aren’t the only birds that can produce a stunning variety of blue, green, and gray eggs. Below are some of the best egg-laying duck breeds for colored eggs.
Cayuga: Color-Changing Wonders
As beautiful as they are practical, Cayugas have a stunning black-green iridescent plumage that makes them a standout in any flock. They only lay between 120 to 180 eggs per year, but that’s not why I’ve put them on this list. Cayuga eggs undergo a fascinating color change that I haven’t seen in any other breeds.
At first, Cayuga eggs start off with a deep, charcoal gray shell that gradually lightens as the laying season progresses. The eggshells transition from an inky black to medium gray, then grayish blue, and, finally, white.
Mallards: Subtle Jewel-Tone Shells
When most people think of ducks, the breed that springs to mind tends to be Mallard. Their green heads and tawny plumage have almost become synonymous with ducks, but a lot of people don’t realize they’re one of the best egg-laying ducks for colored eggs.
Mallard eggs come in a range of shades, including white, pale blue, pale green, and bluish-green.
The only downsides are that Mallard eggs are small, and hens only produce around 60 to 120 eggs per year.
Their low egg output and wild, flighty nature make them less than ideal for homesteads focused on egg production. Nevertheless, Mallard eggs can add a pop of color to a mixed flock.
Rouen: Dual Purpose Breed With A Colorful Flair
At first glance, a lot of people mistake Rouens for Mallards. But, if you look a little closer, Rouens have a sturdier build and deeper coloration. With an average of 150 to 180 eggs, Rouens aren’t the most prolific layers. However, their eggs are extremely large — so a few go a long way.
In addition to their jumbo size, Rouen eggs are notable for their stunning hues, which range from cream colored to pale blue or light green. Rouens also happen to be one of my favorite meat birds! The meat is tender and flavorful but lacks the off-putting gaminess of other breeds.
Egg-Laying Ducks: FAQs
Raising ducks for eggs is simple — as long as you know what to expect. So, from flock size to egg frequency, here are the answers to some of your most frequently asked questions.
How Many Ducks Should You Get For Eggs?
I’ve seen people start with as few as 2 ducks, but I recommend getting at least 3 to 6 hens for eggs. Ducks are extremely social animals and feel more at ease in a larger flock. And the happier and healthier your hens are, the more eggs they’ll lay.
Do Ducks Lay Eggs Without A Male?
Yes, female ducks can and do lay eggs without a male present. Just like chickens, ducks don’t need a mate to lay eggs — only to fertilize them. You will need a drake if you plan on breeding your ducks, but if your only concern is collecting eggs for consumption, I’d even suggest skipping drakes entirely.
In my experience, female-only flocks are just as productive as their mixed counterparts and are significantly easier to raise. They’re also safer for the ducks, since males can be disruptive during the mating season.
How Often Do Ducks Lay Eggs?
Like chickens, ducks usually lay one egg each morning. But unlike chickens, ducks lay eggs in clutches. After a week or two of daily laying, the hen will enter a resting period. The length of time they spend resting varies depending on the duck’s breed and can be as few as one to three days or as many as five weeks.
Aside from the resting period, there are a few other factors that can impact how frequently your ducks lay eggs. Most hens tend to slow down or even stop laying entirely during winter, biannual molting periods, or if they’re feeling unwell.
What Duck Breeds Lay Eggs All Year?
Many duck breeds slow down once the days grow short and the temperature starts to plunge. However, as long as you provide adequate food, lighting, and care, there are a few breeds that will continue laying eggs well into the winter. They don’t experience seasonal dips and are some of the best ducks for eggs year-round. These breeds include:
Duck Breeds That Lay Eggs All Year
- Khaki Campbell
- Ancona
- White Layer
- Welsh Harlequin
- Indian Runner
- Pekin
That concludes my rundown of the best egg-laying ducks. As you can see, duck breeds vary wildly in terms of productivity, personality, and purpose. Some lay nearly an egg a day while others are closer to laying an egg a week. Luckily, as long as you pick the right breed, you should have all the duck eggs you’ll need.
Your turn!
- Which do you prefer: chicken eggs or duck eggs?
- Out of all the breeds I’ve covered, which do you think are the best ducks for eggs?
how much area is needed and wil different breed crossbreed?
How do you bring yourself to eat your ducks?
Ive thought about it and i know it makes sense but i cant find a way to feel right about it.