Best egg layers?

[Nadilli]

What is the best egg layer in your opinion?
I’m torn between getting Khaki Campbell and Indian Runners.
I’m located in SE New Mexico, so we have mild winters and can have super hot summers. I read that Runners use to be really good but the current breed isn’t as good anymore.
Thanks in advance for any assistance!!!

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

For ducks? Khakis. They are smaller and lay great eggs, 350 a year. But you could also add some runners in if you want that color. Runner ducks are beautiful!

 

[Nadilli]

I am limiting myself to 2 females
Long story short, gambled with “assorted ducks” at local feed store and ended up with boy girl pair of fawn and white runners, and can’t have boy ducks in town, stupid I know. So found a loving home for my pair and will be special ordering 2 female ducks.
Looking for small, friendly good layers.
The runners seem to be friendly when babies but when they get older, not so much.
Wondering if Khaki is friendlier long term?
Also, wanting ones that would not be struggling in the environment.
I’m completely torn

 

[fatty and friends]

I am limiting myself to 2 females
Long story short, gambled with “assorted ducks” at local feed store and ended up with boy girl pair of fawn and white runners, and can’t have boy ducks in town, stupid I know. So found a loving home for my pair and will be special ordering 2 female ducks.
Looking for small, friendly good layers.
The runners seem to be friendly when babies but when they get older, not so much.
Wondering if Khaki is friendlier long term?
Also, wanting ones that would not be struggling in the environment.
I’m completely torn

are you sure there’s a no male DUCK rule? i know some places don’t allow roosters since they crow but that makes literally no sense for drakes/male ducks. if anything it would be the girls who weren’t allowed, since they are much louder

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

I am limiting myself to 2 females
Long story short, gambled with “assorted ducks” at local feed store and ended up with boy girl pair of fawn and white runners, and can’t have boy ducks in town, stupid I know. So found a loving home for my pair and will be special ordering 2 female ducks.
Looking for small, friendly good layers.
The runners seem to be friendly when babies but when they get older, not so much.
Wondering if Khaki is friendlier long term?
Also, wanting ones that would not be struggling in the environment.
I’m completely torn

Any breed can be friendly. It's about how much time you put into loving them. No prey species will magically love you you do have to work for it.

 

[Nadilli]

are you sure there’s a no male DUCK rule? i know some places don’t allow roosters since they crow but that makes literally no sense for drakes/male ducks. if anything it would be the girls who weren’t allowed, since they are much louder

Yep. I called and asked specifically about ducks and they said no male ducks.

 

[Nadilli]

Any breed can be friendly. It's about how much time you put into loving them. No prey species will magically love you you do have to work for it.

O yeah, I know lol, I spend a lot of time with them.
My chickens think they are pets

 

[KaleIAm]

I've had 2 khakis and they have been the most prolific egg layers I've had. One of my khakis is 8 years old now and still laying! I wish they would lay less because it seems to make them more likely to have egg related health problems.

I spend a lot of time with my ducks, and my khakis have enjoyed being near me. One even enjoys standing into my lap. But both of them have been less forgiving than the other breeds of ducks if I move too quickly in their direction. And they get VERY upset if I have to pick them up for an examination, or if I take them to the vet, compared to the other ducks who have been much quicker to forgive me.

All that being said, ducks are individuals. That has just been my experience with two khakis. I have enjoyed having them very much, but I wouldn't choose them.

Edit: My khakis have also been super pansies in the heat. More than my other ducks. They start panting and seeking shade before it gets to 70 degrees! The other ducks follow soon. Maybe it's because they are used to mild PNW weather.

 

[Nadilli]

I've had 2 khakis and they have been the most prolific egg layers I've had. One of my khakis is 8 years old now and still laying! I wish they would lay less because it seems to make them more likely to have egg related health problems.

I spend a lot of time with my ducks, and my khakis have enjoyed being near me. One even enjoys standing into my lap. But both of them have been less forgiving than the other breeds of ducks if I move too quickly in their direction. And they get VERY upset if I have to pick them up for an examination, or if I take them to the vet, compared to the other ducks who have been much quicker to forgive me.

All that being said, ducks are individuals. That has just been my experience with two khakis. I have enjoyed having them very much, but I wouldn't choose them.

Edit: My khakis have also been super pansies in the heat. More than my other ducks. They start panting and seeking shade before it gets to 70 degrees! The other ducks follow soon. Maybe it's because they are used to mild PNW weather.

Omg, ok, that heat would be an issue, usually 100+ summers.
Runners it is I guess!
Thanks for sharing your experience! <3