The Homestead Guide to Domesticated Ducks

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Of the many breeds of domesticated ducks, White Pekins are the most popular in the U.S.
Of the many breeds of domesticated ducks, White Pekins are the most popular in the U.S.
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Muscovy (aka
Muscovy (aka "quackless" ducks) are considered a good choice to raise in urban areas.
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Rouen ducks are known for their quiet and docile disposition.
Rouen ducks are known for their quiet and docile disposition.
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Runner ducks are fine egg producers.
Runner ducks are fine egg producers.

Domesticated ducks can be a delightful–and valuable–addition to your farm, homestead, or even urban/suburban back yard! The waterfowl require less initial care than do chickens, are susceptible to fewer diseases, and grow to eatin’ size sooner, too. Furthermore–besides providing succulent meat for your table–these attractive feathered friends produce eggs that are more nutritious than (and just about as versatile as) hens’ eggs. On top of that, ducks will forage much of their own food, do wonders for insect and weed control, give you pounds of fluffy down for pillows and comforters. And if you want companionship, they become devoted pets that can live as long as 20 years!

A Bit About Breeds

Most of the approximately 10 million ducks raised commercially in the U.S. each year are White Pekins. These large fowl–which reach a weight of seven delicious pounds in eight short weeks–are poor setters but fair egg producers. However, because of their nervous dispositions, Pekins require a calm environment to attain maximum egg production.

Another large white variety, the Aylesbury, is the most popular duck in England. Though birds of this breed produce few eggs and seldom show any interest in setting, they are very tasty and somewhat less nervous than are White Pekins.

If you like the unusual, the royal-looking Crested Duck with its fancy topknot is a good layer and grows to eating size very quickly, too. The Brown and Khaki Campbells (whose eggs have a very delicate, pleasing flavor) and three graceful Indian Runner varieties (White, Penciled, and Fawn) are also fine producers: They can usually be relied upon to lay an egg a day all year long. However, at eight to ten weeks–the prime, tenderest age for the table–members of these species weigh only 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 pounds.

  • Published on Sep 1, 1979
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