I want to know what breed is the best egg layer for the best price.

[ohiobranchofchickenranch]

I'm kind of torn between runners or khaki cambells but I can't find anyone who can give me some personal experience to let me know what breed will lay best oh and get along with our laying hens since they will share a pasture. Thanks in advance for the feedback.

 

[nissa_loves_cats]

Probably the best is to get either Khaki Campbells or egg-laying hybrids from Metzer's, they breed for egg production and their prices are pretty reasonable.

 

[Sweetfolly]

Quote:
Khaki Campbells are probably going to be better layers. I'm not sure which breed would do better with your hens though - I'm thinking the Campbells, because mine are complete push-overs, while my Runners are a little pushy with the other breeds in the flock. But that's just my birds, it all depends on the individual duck.

 

[sianara]

I've had 3 of Metzers Golden 300 Hybrid hens for 7 years now. In my experience there isn't a better egg producer in the duck world. Each of my girls laid in excess of 300 eggs per year (I used to chart their production) even though Metzers doesn't claim that high a number. Their production was excellent for 4 years and then started slacking off. Now they rarely lay a feasible egg and I find several shelless eggs a week. They are pets to me so they will live out their retirement here but I'm seriously thinking of getting some other breed females soon for variety. I miss those duck eggs!

 

[Wifezilla]

Runners or Welsh Harlequins. Runners lay over 300 eggs a year and so do Welsh Harlequins. Why not khakis? Mine weren't very friendly, but I did get them as adults. The drake was a bully too.

Runners get bonus points for goofiness and entertainment value.

Welsh Harlequins get bonus points for friendliness and their broodiness instincts still being in tact.

 

[CrazyFowlFreak]

Mine are laying an egg per duck per day and they were sold as Khaki Campbells and the males as Blue Swedish, when they really are Golden Star hybrids.

 

[CityChicker]

If you want strictly egg layers, I would go with one of the Metzer hybrids. Without question, I think you will consistently get the best results with them. The reason being "hybrid vigor". If you don't want to go with a hybrid, there are any number of breeds that can produce great egg-layers. Overall, my Runners are my best layers. Don't get me wrong, I have had amazing layers in a number of different breeds. With my Runners though, almost all of them lay 250+ eggs per year (many over 300). They are consistently excellent layers for me and honestly, much better than the Khakis I have had overall (with "overall" being the key word). I have had WH before as well, but sold them before they were laying age.

 

[Wifezilla]

LOL...yeah. To me

Boy did I get a great deal. Fantastic ducks

 

[CityChicker]

I actually miss those birds! I am thrilled for you guys that they are doing good. I may buy some eggs from you at some point. The one thing I desperately need more of is space though. I am trying to convince Tony to sell the house in town (the thought of which he is not thrilled by, LOL), so we can buy a bigger property and keep all the birds in one place. There might be too much potential though to become "the crazy duck lady". LOL.

 

[Wifezilla]