Hardiest egg layers?

[Duckiiess]

Hi, upstate NY here and have a mixed flock of cayugas, rouens, and khaki campbells. Was hoping the khakis would be my good layers, and some of them have been, but unfortunately we've lost two to sudden death with no obvious indicators... the first was months ago, 2nd one just got sick and died yesterday. About to do somewhat of an autopsy on her to see if I can find anything, but now I'm really in need of more layers.
Got these from Metzer farms, did I just have bad luck with the line and are they typically hardy with low mortality rates? I see in their duck comparison charts that their khakis are somewhat bred for show.. so was thinking abiut replacing mine with the 300 hybrid layers, anyone have experience with those?

 

[cheezenkwackers]

I think you just had bad luck. 300 hybrid are bred from Khaki so it is hard to know. I believe they are a little bigger so maybe that will make them more hardy.

 

[Duckiiess]

Will call Metzer tomorrow to see if I can get their input, thanks!

 

[robbyvg]

Careful, ask some of the people here and they will tell you all Mallard-derived ducks are pretty much the same.

We know that's not true (refer to title of thread).

I have two Golden Layer ducklings (two weeks old) and they are stronger and hardier than Cayugas, Khakis, Pekins, Blue Swedes, and Buffs. I was surprised. I had never had Golden Layers before but they are every bit as hardy as the Rouen ducklings I have raised but lay a lot more eggs (of course).

I also have 3 Khaki ducklings from the same delivery (2 weeks old) and they seem much, MUCH more sensitive physically. The 2 Golden Layers have had to deal with more mistakes or accidents but they walk around like little dinosaurs in the brooder while the Khakis cower, whine a lot and get hurt easily.

I will say I have only purchased from Metzer and I am thoroughly impressed with their Golden Layers - they are hardier than any other breed of duckling I have received from them. So far, I am thinking they are a super hardy duck. Just can't wait 'til they mature and start laying! After having some Khakis, I won't get them again. They are adorable but fragile and loud. Golden Layers are closer to a Rouen duckling but lay a lot more.

Only my 2 cents.

Nice to discuss the different characteristics between duck breeds.

Keep us updated!

 

[Duckiiess]

Careful, ask some of the people here and they will tell you all Mallard-derived ducks are pretty much the same.

We know that's not true (refer to title of thread).

I have two Golden Layer ducklings (two weeks old) and they are stronger and hardier than Cayugas, Khakis, Pekins, Blue Swedes, and Buffs. I was surprised. I had never had Golden Layers before but they are every bit as hardy as the Rouen ducklings I have raised but lay a lot more eggs (of course).

I also have 3 Khaki ducklings from the same delivery (2 weeks old) and they seem much, MUCH more sensitive physically. The 2 Golden Layers have had to deal with more mistakes or accidents but they walk around like little dinosaurs in the brooder while the Khakis cower, whine a lot and get hurt easily.

I will say I have only purchased from Metzer and I am thoroughly impressed with their Golden Layers - they are hardier than any other breed of duckling I have received from them. So far, I am thinking they are a super hardy duck. Just can't wait 'til they mature and start laying! After having some Khakis, I won't get them again. They are adorable but fragile and loud. Golden Layers are closer to a Rouen duckling but lay a lot more.

Only my 2 cents.

Nice to discuss the different characteristics between duck breeds.

Keep us updated!

I ended up getting more Khaki Campbells and a couple Welsh Harlequins.. was thinking about the Golden Layers, but I'm hoping some of my girls go broody next Spring/ early Summer, and the khakis are supposed to be better for that.
They've been outside with the rest of the flock for a few weeks now, and seem to be handling the cold & snow just fine. I've been supplementing their feed with cracked corn & sunflower seeds to help them fatten up a bit over the winter.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I ended up getting more Khaki Campbells and a couple Welsh Harlequins.. was thinking about the Golden Layers, but I'm hoping some of my girls go broody next Spring/ early Summer, and the khakis are supposed to be better for that.
They've been outside with the rest of the flock for a few weeks now, and seem to be handling the cold & snow just fine. I've been supplementing their feed with cracked corn & sunflower seeds to help them fatten up a bit over the winter.

Sorry you've had some bad luck. Mine are from Metzers, and they've been fantastic layers. They each lay 5-7 eggs weekly. They are young, though, so I suspect that will taper off.

Also, many hatcheries get their birds from Metzers, I've learned.

Good luck with your new duckies! I hope they work for you.