What is the best homesteading duck?

[fordguy]

Posted a similar question about geese....I have 5 Muscovies, and have ordered for next spring khaki campbells, pekins. What I'm looking for are ducks that are friendly if brought up well, self sustaining both in foraging and in mothering young, and dual purpose with moderate egg laying and meat birds.

can you recommend any breeds? How did I do on my selections above?

 

[Barred Rockstar]

From what I've heard, muscovies are probably your best bet. Mallards might be good to, but they don't have as much meat on them.

 

[keeperofthehearth]

You can't go wrong with your Muscovies. They are everything you listed that you want in a bird.

 

[ChickenToes]

I would suggest Welsh Harlequins. They can lay over 300 eggs per year, and can go broody. They are also larger than Khaki Campbells, the drakes we raised would have gone 4-5 pounds dressed out.

 

[Bleenie]

Muscovies are your best bet. Never eaten mine but heard it's excellent meat. I know my boys get really big & the hens are excellent broodies & mothers.

My pekins were a bit spastic but also friendly. im not sure if they brood often or well though.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

lovin' the 'scovies! easy keepers, QUIET, and wow they multiply like rabbits. we love them

 

[fordguy]

I bought adults this past month, they want NOTHING to do with me! I"m just hoping they will stay around long enough to produce babies next spring!

 

[Wifezilla]

I would suggest Welsh Harlequins. They can lay over 300 eggs per year, and can go broody. They are also larger than Khaki Campbells, the drakes we raised would have gone 4-5 pounds dressed out.

Lots of personality too.​

 

[call ducks]

appleyard , saxony ducks