best egg-laying duck breed????

[cjeanean]

So I've recently discovered that duck eggs are worth quite a bit more than chicken eggs as far as bakers are concerned. Right now I have one Pekin female that just started laying, and now I'm excited about having laying ducks. What's the best breed for laying??? I've heard Khaki Cambells are excellent and will outlay even a leghorn chicken, but since my main priority is getting eggs I want to be sure. Does anyone have some advice??? Thanks!!!

 

[raindrop]

Khaki Campbells, you heard correctly.

 

[fullhouse]

There is also a hybrid layer. Both MM and Metzer carry them. Supposed to be a better layer and good natured.

 

[sandspoultry]

Indian runners are good layers but the eggs are smaller.

Steve in NC

 

[ChickenToes]

Yup, Khaki Campbells can sometimes outlay chickens.

 

[Fast Chick]

My Khaki campbells are definitely outlaying my chickens even though they started about 2 wks after them. They also are laying much bigger eggs.

My cayugas are the same age and have so far only laid one egg a month after the Khakis started.

I like the Khakis personality. They are very curious, very, bold and willing to forage when allowed to free range. One of mine has developed a deep love of my clothesline. We have to be very careful to NOT leave a clothes basket on the ground or she's in it. I caught her making a bee line across the yard with a pair of my husbands boxers the other day.

She also likes to snatch at any clothes hanging low enough for her to pull down.

 

[cjeanean]

Quote:
LOL!!! That's so funny! I don't have a pond, which makes me think twice about getting more ducks. But still, I'd really like a few more. They would have to free range during the day, but I don't know how far they'll wander. I also don't know if they'll put themselves up at night. Do I have to clip wings to keep them from flying off, or are they a non-flighty breed??? Is it true that they don't lay during the winter???

 

[Fast Chick]

I just have a kiddy pool I fill periodically or when it's really hot.

They can't fly more than a few feet off the ground AFTER they start laying. Before they are heavy enough to lay they can get about 6 feet up for a short distance. Mostly they run along the ground flapping.

Mine will go into their run at night but sometimes have to be herded into the coop. If it's hot and they have their pool they try to stay in that all night.

Don't think they stop laying in the winter. Slow down maybe, but not stop.

And there is a suprising market for duck eggs. I only have 3 khaki's but can sell every egg they lay without a problem.

 

[cjeanean]

Fast Chick, how much do you sell your duck eggs for????

 

[Fast Chick]

$3 dozen.