Chicken vs. Duck

Wehner Homestead · Dec 5, 2017

This may not be the best place to post but I didn't feel like it fit well anywhere else.

I currently have chickens. My goal is dual purpose so that we have meat and eggs with a self-sustaining goal.

Some of my research has shown that some people prefer ducks. I've never eaten a domesticated duck or duck egg. I have tried wild duck and thought it had a "gamey" taste.

If you prefer one over the other, why? If so, what breeds do you prefer? These questions refer to chickens and ducks as I'm leaning toward a hybrid chicken of my "own" creation as I add dual purpose breeds. (I'm not looking to create a breed but to eliminate inbreeding and the need for bringing in new bloodlines constantly.)

duluthralphie · Dec 5, 2017

CHICKENS!!!

As dux are, well, dux. I am pretty open minded about Dux...But they are just too dirty smelly and taste too much like liver for me.

You should consider a few turkeys, they are easy to raise and great to eat...

BantyChooks · Dec 5, 2017

Tough one. I have both and love them. Your location plays a large part in whether getting ducks might be a good idea or not. If you live in a northern climate, ducks will make you pull your hair out with how much water they waste and dump all over and turn your coop to ice. I live up north but put up with it because I love having them. Their eggs have no difference in taste to me, never tried their meat.

As for chicken breeds, Chanteclers all the way. They are a good dual purpose breed that's quite hardy in northern climes. They might not be the best choice for southern places. Ameraucanas are nice too, I happen to like their body shape more than the average hatchery Easter Egger but they [EEs] might work. They're skinnier, though, in my limited experience. Depends where you source them.

For duck breeds, I think Welsh Harlequins are the best. They are beautiful, fantastic layers (maybe better than Leghorns) and are plump enough for a meal, I think.

itsasmallfarm · Dec 5, 2017

i have two ducks and like 30 chickens lol.

but in my opinion i like my ducks more (there pets and spoiled lol) but for your answer

i love duck meat and duck eggs, domestic duck is really good (if cooked right it can be greasy if cooked wrong) i don't think it has a strong flavor (i do eat wild duck as well which i think has a strong flavor) just a good taste. the eggs are great for baking, we don't fry them as there too good for baking

Wehner Homestead · Dec 5, 2017

It sounds like I need to see if I can find some duck eggs and a duck near me that we can trial! I love to bake but don't have much time with a special needs kiddo so some would ended up fried here.

Have you found that there is a demand for either?

Wehner Homestead · Dec 5, 2017

We are considering turkeys for spring!

I may have to contact you when it comes time to cook one for recipes and tips!

BantyChooks · Dec 6, 2017

Wehner Homestead said:
It sounds like I need to see if I can find some duck eggs and a duck near me that we can trial! I love to bake but don't have much time with a special needs kiddo so some would ended up fried here.

Have you found that there is a demand for either?

Yes. I get a whole dollar per dozen more for duck eggs.