Duck vs Chicken: Why Raising Ducks Might Be a Better Option Than Chickens

Reader Contribution by Jennifer Poindexter and Morning Chores
Updated on July 8, 2022
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Adobe Stock/The Len

Many folks are keeping backyard chickens, but what about raising ducks instead? It’s duck vs chicken, and backyard ducks pose many benefits.

Many folks these days are keeping backyard chickens in suburbs, on rural properties, and even in city-based coops. If you don’t have a few chickens of your own by now, you probably know someone who does. Many of us have a desire to reconnect with our food and the agricultural foundation of our country as well as to do nifty “green” things like keeping a few farm animals around. But have you ever considered ducks as an alternative to chickens to fulfill these duties? These fine feathered friends often have even more advantages than the now-common backyard chicken.

Duck Eggs are Larger, More Cost-Efficient, Less Likely to Cause Allergic Reactions

In general, considering duck eggs vs chicken eggs, duck eggs are larger than the average chicken egg. Some breeds of ducks can lay consistently for a longer period of time than chickens. Remember, you’re feeding these birds that feed you, so you’ll want to consider which is the better investment. Many people these days seem to be developing egg allergies; in some cases, duck eggs can be a viable alternative.

Tasty Meat

Ducks are a delicacy in most areas, commanding top dollar at fine restaurants. It takes about two to four months to raise ducks for meat, which is shorter than most meat chickens. The fat from ducks is wonderful for cooking and baking. In addition, you’ll know that your meat was raised in healthy conditions with good feed and limited or no exposure to harmful chemicals or medications. Ducks also contain significant nutrients compared with other common meats.

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