Looking to add some feathered friends to your backyard flock? Discovering the best duck breeds for eggs is something to start from! As they’ll benefit you from your breakfast to poultry business!
Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or a beginner enthusiast, selecting the right breed can make all the difference. These ducks not only offer companionship but are also great for nutritious eggs. I have listed from the prolific layers to those known for their unique egg colors. They’ll be great for every preference and climate!
This guide will show you the top 11 duck breeds that lay the most eggs. Besides, you’ll get their other purposes as well!
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List of 11 Best Duck Breeds for Eggs
If your purpose is to get duck breeds with excellent egg-laying ability, my list of ducks is the top priority. They not only stand as egg layers but are also known for egg size and color.
| Breed | Egg Color | Avg. Eggs/Year | Temperament | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Runner | Green/Blue | 300 | Active, Upright | Excellent foragers, need space |
| Khaki Campbell | White/Cream | 300 | Active, Friendly | High year-round laying, good for beginners |
| Ancona | Green/Blue/White | 240 | Active, Alert | Large, colorful eggs, good in cold climates |
| Magpie | White/Blue-Green | 200 | Docile, Quiet | Calm and friendly, good for small spaces |
| Silver Appleyard | White | 200 | Active, Foraging | Excellent dual-purpose breed (eggs & meat) |
| Buff Orpington | White | 150-220 | Docile, Calm | Large, flavorful eggs, good for families |
| Cayuga | Black/Gray | 200 | Active, Hardy | Beautiful dark eggs, tolerant of most climates |
| Saxony | Cream/Light Brown | 180 | Docile, Calm | Good egg production for size, cold-hardy |
| Welsh Harlequin | Cream/Brown | 150 | Active, Foraging | Unique coloration, good pest control |
| Pekin | White | 200 | Docile, Laid-back | Popular breed, need water access |
| Muscovy | White/Green | 150 | Calm, Independent | Large, meaty breed, quieter than other ducks |
Let’s discuss them in detail! Learn why they are considered prolific egg layers!
1. Khaki Campbell Breed – Your Premier Egg-Laying Virtuosos!
Khaki Campbells are known for their impressive egg-laying abilities. So, how many egge does Khaki Campbell lay? They lay on average 300 eggs per year. This translates to roughly one egg per day, per hen.
They tend to lay year-round. So, it makes them a reliable source of fresh eggs even during colder months.
Hens begin laying eggs between 5-7 months of age. This early start and sustained production make them a popular choice for both backyard flocks and small farms.
What color of eggs do Khaki Campbell ducks lay? Khaki Campbell eggs are typically white or cream-colored, sometimes with a slight green tint.
What are the size of their eggs? Their eggs are considered medium-sized, slightly larger than chicken eggs. It weighs around 2.5-2.75 ounces.
2. Indian Runner Duck Breed – Race to Egg-laying Brilliance
On average, Indian Runners are prolific layers. They can produce 300 eggs or more per year. That’s about one egg every day, per hen!
Some exceptional individuals can even reach 350 eggs annually.
They tend to be year-round layers. It provides a consistent supply of fresh eggs even during colder months.
Hens typically start laying between 6-8 months of age. This early start and sustained production make them popular. It is amongst backyard flock owners and small farms!
What color of eggs do Indian Runner ducks lay? Indian Runner eggs boast a unique and beautiful greenish-blue color. Sometimes the eggs seem hints of olive or turquoise.
What are the size of their eggs? Their eggs are considered small-medium. It’s slightly smaller than Khaki Campbell eggs, weighing around 2.25-2.5 ounces.
Have a look at the video! The video also includes Indian Runners as one of the best duck breeds for laying eggs.
3. Golden 300 Hybrid Duck Breed – Your Golden Ticket to Egg-Laying Success!
The Golden 300 Hybrid isn’t just another duck breed! They are a specially engineered egg-laying machine designed to impress.
They can lay around 300+ eggs per year. That’s roughly one egg, every single day, per hen!
Unlike some seasonal layers, these hens are year-round producers. So, it’s a steady supply of fresh eggs even in colder months is ensured!
They start laying early, typically between 5-6 months of age. So, be ready to get the benefit from your poultry business too soon!
What color of eggs do Golden 300 Hybrid lay? The eggs themselves are a classic white or cream.
What is the size of their eggs? They fall into the medium category, similar in size. The eggs may weigh around 2.5-2.75 ounces.
4. Welsh Harlequin – Crack the Secret to Egg-cellent Harvests
Welsh Harlequins are known for their moderate egg production. They lay on average between 150-200 eggs per year. Welsh Harlequins are often praised for their delectable and flavorful eggs.
The breed primarily lay during the spring and summer months. It’s with some sporadic laying possible in other seasons. Hens begin laying eggs around 7-8 months old.
What color of eggs do Welsh Harlequin ducks lay? Welsh Harlequin eggs have a cream base with distinctive brown speckles. It makes them visually appealing and unique among duck eggs.
What are the size of their eggs? Their eggs are considered medium. It’s similar in size to Khaki Campbell eggs, weighing around 2.5-2.75 ounces.
5. American Pekin – Quack Your Way to Egg-Laying Excellence!
American Pekin ducks are decent egg layers. If you have them, they’ll give around 200-250 eggs per year on average.
They primarily lay during the spring and summer months. It’s with occasional laying possible throughout the year. Most Pekin hens start laying eggs between 5-6 months old.
What color of eggs do American Pekin ducks lay? Pekin ducks lay pure white eggs, offering a classic and clean appearance.
What are the size of their eggs? Their eggs are considered large. It’s bigger than Khaki Campbell, and similar to Buff Orpington eggs. The eggs may weigh around 2.75-3 ounces.
6. Silver Appleyard – Striking Plumage, Unmatched Egg-Laying!
Silver Appleyard ducks are known for their respectable egg production, averaging between 150 and 200 eggs per year.
They primarily lay during the spring and summer months. It’s with some sporadic laying possible in other seasons. Hens typically start laying eggs around 6-8 months of age.
What color of eggs do Silver Appleyard ducks lay? Silver Appleyard ducks lay classic white eggs. It offers a clean and versatile appearance.
What are the size of their eggs? Their eggs are considered medium. It’s similar in size to Khaki Campbell and Magpie duck eggs. The eggs will weigh around 2.5-2.75 ounces.
7. Buff Orpington Duck Breed – Egg-Laying Powerhouses for Your Flock!
Buff Orpington ducks are good egg layers. For your poultry purpose, wait for 150-220 eggs per year.
They primarily lay during the spring and summer months, with some sporadic laying possible throughout the year. Hens typically start laying eggs around 6-8 months of age.
What color of eggs do Buff Orpington ducks lay? Buff Orpington ducks lay beautiful light brown eggs.
What are the size of their eggs? Their eggs are considered large, similar in size to Pekin ducks. But the eggs will be bigger than Khaki Campbells, weighing around 2.75-3 ounces.
8. White Crested Duck – Crested Elegance, Egg-Laying Brilliance
They are not primarily bred for egg production. But White Crested Ducks do offer a unique combination of aesthetics and moderate egg-laying.
White Crested Ducks lay an average of 120-150 eggs per year.
They primarily lay during the spring and summer months. Hens typically start laying eggs around 8-10 months of age.
What color of eggs does a White Crested Duck lay? White Crested Ducks lay classic white eggs.
What is the size of their eggs? Their eggs are considered medium, similar in size to Khaki Campbell and Magpie duck eggs, weighing around 2.5-2.75 ounces.
9. Magpie Duck Breed – The Egg-Laying Marvel
Magpie ducks are known for being reliable layers. They deliver an average of 150-200 eggs per year.
They primarily lay during the spring and summer months. These charming ducks might surprise you with sporadic laying throughout the year. Typically, hens start laying around 7-8 months old.
What color of eggs do Magpie Duck lay? Their eggs come with a white base and beautiful blueish-green speckles. You may also find the eggs unique and tasty.
What is the size of their eggs? They are also considered medium-sized. It’s similar to Khaki Campbell and White Crested Duck eggs. The weight will be around 2.5-2.75 ounces.
10. Saxony Ducks – A German Precision, Egg-Laying Excellence!
While not the highest producers, Saxony Ducks offer a decent average of 150-180 eggs per year.
They primarily lay during the spring and summer months. It’s with some sporadic laying possible throughout the year.
Hens typically start laying eggs around 6-8 months of age.
What color of eggs do Saxony Ducks lay? Saxony Ducks lay cream-colored eggs with a charming brown hue.
What is the size of their eggs? Their eggs are considered small-medium. The eggs may weigh around 2.25-2.5 ounces.
11. Ancona Duck Breed – Spotted Wonders, Egg-Laying Blunders-free!
Ancona hens are considered one of the most prolific layers among domesticated duck breeds. They typically start laying eggs around 5 months old. You may see them continue laying until they are 5 to 8 years old.
A healthy Ancona hen can lay anywhere between 210 and 280 eggs per year. Which translates to 4 to 5 eggs per week!
What color of eggs do ancona Ducks lay? Ancona duck eggs come in a variety of colors. It can range from white or cream to pale blue.
What is the size of their eggs? The size of Ancona duck eggs is large, typically increasing as the hen ages. At peak laying age, their eggs average around 70 grams apiece.
9 Factors to Consider When Choosing Duck Breeds for Eggs
By carefully considering some factors, you can choose the best duck breed for your needs. If the purpose is egg production here are the things to consider –
- The number of eggs per year varies by breed.
- Eggs start around 5-7 months old and last for years.
- Duck eggs vary in size (50-80 grams).
- Choose calm breeds like Khaki Campbells.
- Consider broodiness if hatching ducklings.
- Select breeds suitable for your climate.
- Ducks need space to roam and swim comfortably.
- Look for dual-purpose breeds for both eggs and meat.
- Consider breed availability in your area.
What You Can Do To Enhance the Egg-laying Capability of Ducks?
Ducks should always be treated well. So, rather than only focusing on egg production, take proper care and see how they give benefits!
Feed them good food
Give them food made for egg-laying ducks. It has everything they need to be healthy and lay eggs. Sometimes give them fresh veggies, fruits, and greens for extra vitamins and minerals. Also, make sure they always have clean water to drink.
Keep their home clean and comfy
Give them a big, clean place to live with good air and light. Change their bedding often so it stays dry and clean. Let them swim in clean water to stay clean and happy.
Help them stay relaxed
Don’t crowd them in their home. Give them things to play with and places to hide. Try not to bother them too much or make loud noises. It’s especially when they’re laying eggs.
Take them to the vet
Take them to the vet sometimes to make sure they’re healthy. If they get sick, take them to the vet right away.
Don’t do things that aren’t natural
Don’t use special lights to make it seem like daytime longer. Ducks need their sleep! Let them naturally lay eggs. Or at best, use an artificial incubator, if necessary.
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FAQs
Have a look at the Q&A section on duck breeds and their egg-laying capability.
Q: Which duck breed is best for eggs?
Several breeds excel in egg production. It includes Khaki Campbell, Indian Runner, Ancona, and Welsh Harlequin. Consider factors like yearly egg count, temperament, and climate when choosing.
Q: How many eggs can ducks lay at once?
Ducks don’t lay clutches like chickens. They lay one egg per day under ideal conditions.
Q: Which duck breed lays the biggest eggs?
Muscovy ducks generally lay the largest duck eggs. It’s followed by breeds like Cayuga and Swedish Blue.
Conclusion
Choosing the right duck breed for egg production is vital. For this, consider factors such as egg count, temperament, and climate suitability. Providing proper care ensures the well-being of ducks and encourages natural egg-laying capabilities.
Remember, happy and healthy ducks lay better eggs. So, choose wisely, prioritize their needs, and enjoy the benefits of fresh eggs. And never forcefully try to get eggs from them! Rather, let them lay eggs naturally.
Resources & References:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/duck-breeds
