Domestic ducks are one of the best types of pets you can own. Domestic ducks also make great pets for adults and children alike.
They’re fun to watch, their eggs are delicious, and they’re fun to play with!
However, before you bring your own domestic duck home, you must know which type you want to get.
You don’t want to bring home 21 different breeds if you aren’t prepared to care for them all!
Here are the top 21 domestic duck breeds that are worth considering.
1. Abacot Ranger
The Abacot Ranger is one of the domestic duck breeds developed in England in the early 1900s.
The breed was created by crossing the Blue Swedish with the Khaki Campbell.
The resulting ducks were larger than either parent breed and had good egg-laying abilities.
Furthermore, Abacot Rangers are one of the most popular duck breeds in the world today.
They have been exported to many countries and used extensively for hybridization purposes.
One of the reasons for this popularity is that they can be kept as pets. Also, they are not aggressive towards humans like some duck breeds.
2. American Pekin
The American Pekin is a large, stocky duck that originated in China.
The American Pekin was brought to Long Island, New York, in 1872.
Since then, it has become one of North America’s most popular duck breeds.
Furthermore, Pekins are known for their white plumage and orange bills and feet.
These ducks are excellent egg-layers, producing up to 200 eggs per year.
Pekins are also good for meat production, with a mature duck weighing 8-9 pounds.
Although you can raise them on a wide variety of diets, they are typically fed corn and soybean meal, and these meals provide them with ample protein.
However, the American Pekin is still one of the most productive domestic duck breeds.
3. Ancona Duck
The Ancona duck is a relatively new breed developed in Italy in the late 1800s.
It’s a great choice for those looking for a dual-purpose duck, as it’s good for both eggs and meat.
Anconas are also excellent swimmers and flyers; they’ll be right at home if you have a pond or lake on your property.
Also, they lay about 120-150 eggs annually and grow around 6-7 pounds.
However, they’re not ideal for cold climates because their feathers aren’t as thick as other domestic duck breeds.
4. Blue Swedish Duck
The Blue Swedish is a beautiful blue-feathered duck popular in North America and Europe.
They’re known for being friendly and good around children, making them a great choice for families.
Blue Swedes are also excellent swimmers and can often swim in ponds and lakes.
Furthermore, the Blue Swedish is a great choice if you’re looking for domestic duck breeds that are both beautiful and friendly.
Not only do they make great pets, but they’re also wonderful to look at with their gorgeous blue feathers.
Plus, they’re quite active, so this breed will never get bored or stressed from a lack of stimulation!
5. Buff Orpington
The Buff Orpington is one of the domestic duck breeds that combines beauty with productivity.
Developed in England in the early 1900s by William Cook, these ducks feature stunning buff-colored plumage that ranges from light cream to rich golden tones.
Buff Orpingtons are medium-sized ducks, with males weighing around 7-8 pounds and females weighing 6-7 pounds.
They are excellent dual-purpose birds, valued for both their meat quality and egg production capabilities.
These ducks can lay approximately 150-220 eggs annually, making them highly productive.
Furthermore, Buff Orpingtons are known for their docile and friendly nature, making them ideal for beginners and families with children.
Their calm disposition and attractive appearance make them popular choices among domestic duck breed enthusiasts.
6. Call Duck
The Call Duck is one of the smallest domestic duck breeds, originally developed in the Netherlands during the 17th century.
These compact ducks were initially used by hunters as decoys to attract wild ducks, hence their name derived from their loud, distinctive call.
Call Ducks typically weigh between 1.5 to 2.5 pounds, making them perfect for smaller properties or urban settings.
They come in various color varieties, including white, gray, and mallard coloring.
Despite their small size, they are excellent flyers and quite active.
Furthermore, Call Ducks are known for their friendly personalities and make wonderful pets for families.
However, potential owners should be prepared for their vocal nature, as they can be quite chatty throughout the day.
7. Cayuga Duck
The Cayuga duck is a beautiful bird that’s black with green and purple iridescence.
They’re native to North America and were first bred in New York in the early 1800s.
Cayuga ducks are excellent foragers and make great pets.
Also, the Cayuga is a great choice if you’re looking for a beautiful, hardy duck.
However, the downside of this breed is its high egg production.
Also, the Cayuga duck will lay more eggs than other domestic duck breeds.
As a result, you need to have plenty of space or consider culling them every year.
Because these ducks are prolific layers, they are popular among domestic duck breed enthusiasts who value productivity.
8. Crested Duck
Crested ducks are a type of domestic duck that is characterized by the presence of a crest of feathers on their head.
These ducks are relatively small and have black bills and yellow eyes.
Crested ducks are good swimmers and can often be seen swimming in ponds and lakes.
Furthermore, these ducks are also known for their docile nature, making them a popular choice as pets.
They can fly short distances, but they do not typically fly high. They are a calm breed and easy to care for.
However, these ducks need to be protected from predators due to their small size.
If you’re considering raising any of these domestic duck breeds, try the Crested duck!
9. Dutch Hookbill Duck
The Dutch Hookbill is one of the popular domestic duck breeds known for its distinctive curved bill and orange feet.
This duck is also known for being a good layer of eggs and can lay up to 200 eggs annually.
The Dutch Hookbill is a hardy breed that can withstand cold weather and is also known for being a good forager.
They typically weigh between 4-5 pounds and display various color patterns, including white, gray, and dusky combinations.
If you’re looking for a duck that is good for both egg production and meat, the Dutch Hookbill is a great choice.
In addition to laying lots of eggs and surviving tough winters, the Dutch Hookbill is also known for being a good forager among domestic duck breeds.
10. East Indie Duck
The East Indie Duck, also known simply as the East Indies, is one of the most striking domestic duck breeds available today.
These small, elegant ducks are renowned for their iridescent black plumage that shimmers with green and purple hues in sunlight.
Originally developed in the United States during the mid-1800s, despite their misleading name suggesting Asian origins, these ducks typically weigh between 2 to 2.5 pounds.
The East Indies are excellent ornamental birds and are popular in exhibition settings due to their beautiful appearance.
Additionally, East Indie Ducks are known for their calm temperament and adaptability to various climates.
They are moderate egg layers, producing around 40-60 small eggs per year.
These domestic duck breeds are perfect for those seeking an attractive addition to their flock.
11. Golden Cascade
The Golden Cascade is one of the domestic duck breeds developed in the United States in the early 1900s.
The breed was created by crossing several different types of ducks, including the White Pekin, Blue Swedish, and Aylesbury.
The Golden Cascade is a large duck, with males weighing up to 12 pounds and females up to 10 pounds.
Also, the breed is known for its beautiful golden plumage and is popular for exhibitions and backyard ducks.
They are also strong egg layers, producing an average of about 180 eggs per year.
While they may not be as hardy as some other breeds, their friendly disposition makes them easy to keep around among domestic duck breeds.
12. Indian Runner
The Indian Runner is one of the domestic duck breeds developed in the Netherlands.
These ducks are known for their upright stance and long, slender necks.
Indian Runners are excellent egg-layers and are also used for meat production.
Additionally, this breed is considered one of the best ducks for novice duck keepers.
Some people have trained them to walk on a leash or follow the owner.
They are also smart enough to figure out how to use feeding equipment properly.
Female Indian Runners can lay between 150-200 eggs annually, with larger birds laying more eggs than smaller ones.
Their active nature and excellent foraging abilities make them popular among domestic duck breed enthusiasts.
13. Khaki Campbell
The Khaki Campbell is one of the most prolific egg-laying domestic duck breeds in existence.
Developed by Adele Campbell in England during the late 1800s, these ducks were created by crossing Indian Runners, Rouen, and Mallard ducks.
Khaki Campbells are medium-sized ducks with distinctive khaki-colored plumage, weighing between 4-5 pounds.
What sets them apart from other domestic duck breeds is their exceptional egg production – a single hen can lay up to 300 eggs per year, making them comparable to the best chicken layers.
Additionally, Campbell Ducks are known for their active foraging behavior and excellent pest control abilities.
They will eagerly consume slugs, snails, and insects, making them valuable additions to gardens and farms among domestic duck breeds.
14. Magpie Duck
The Magpie Duck is one of the domestic duck breeds that stands out for its striking black and white plumage pattern, resembling the coloring of a magpie bird.
Developed in Wales during the early 1900s, these ducks were created by crossing Indian Runners with various other breeds.
Magpie Ducks are medium-sized birds, with males weighing around 6-7 pounds and females weighing 5-6 pounds.
They are excellent dual-purpose ducks, valued for both their meat quality and their egg-laying capabilities, producing approximately 100-150 eggs annually.
Furthermore, Magpie Ducks are known for their hardy nature and excellent foraging abilities.
They adapt well to various climates and are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable choices among domestic duck breeds for both beginners and experienced keepers.
15. Muscovy Duck
The Muscovy duck is a large, heavy duck with a long body and neck.
The male Muscovy duck can weigh up to 12 pounds, while the female Muscovy duck only weighs about 8 pounds.
The Muscovy duck is an excellent swimmer and can even fly short distances.
Furthermore, the Muscovy duck is known for its ability to mate with many different ducks.
The Muscovy has led to it being considered unique among domestic duck breeds due to its distinctive appearance and behavior.
The Muscovy duck is one to consider if you’re looking for unique domestic duck breeds with excellent meat production capabilities!
16. Rouen Duck
The Rouen Duck is one of the domestic duck breeds that closely resembles wild Mallards but in a much larger package.
Developed in France during the 1800s, these ducks are primarily raised for their excellent meat quality and impressive size.
Rouen Ducks are among the heaviest domestic duck breeds, with males weighing up to 10-12 pounds and females weighing 8-9 pounds.
They display beautiful mallard-type coloring with iridescent green heads in males and mottled brown plumage in females.
Additionally, Rouen Ducks are known for their calm, docile temperament and make excellent backyard pets.
While they are not prolific egg layers, producing only 35-125 eggs annually, their meat quality is exceptional among domestic duck breeds.
17. Saxony Duck
The Saxony Duck is one of the domestic duck breeds developed in Germany during the 1930s by Albert Franz.
These ducks were created by crossing Rouen, German Pekin, and Blue Pomeranian ducks, resulting in a beautiful and productive breed.
Saxony Ducks are large birds, with males weighing around 8-9 pounds and females weighing 7-8 pounds.
They display striking plumage with males featuring blue-gray heads, white necks, and chestnut breasts, while females show buff and cream coloring with blue wing patches.
Furthermore, Saxony Ducks are excellent dual-purpose birds, producing both quality meat and approximately 100-150 eggs annually.
Their calm disposition and attractive appearance make them popular choices among domestic duck breeds for exhibition and backyard keeping.
18. Shetland Duck
The Shetland Duck is one of the rarest domestic duck breeds, originating from the Shetland Islands of Scotland.
These small, hardy ducks were traditionally kept by crofters and have adapted well to harsh northern climates.
Shetland Ducks are small birds, typically weighing between 3-4 pounds.
They come in various color varieties, including black, blue, and silver.
Despite their small size, they are excellent foragers and can survive on minimal supplemental feeding when allowed to free-range.
Additionally, Shetland Ducks are moderate egg layers, producing around 50-100 eggs annually.
Their extreme hardiness and ability to thrive in challenging conditions make them valuable among domestic duck breeds for those in harsh climates.
19. Silver Appleyard Duck
The Silver Appleyard is one of the British domestic duck breeds.
The Silver Appleyard duck was created in the 1930s by Reginald Appleyard from two other breeds, the Aylesbury and the Rouen.
The Silver Appleyard is a large duck, with the males weighing about 8-9 pounds and the females about 7-8 pounds.
Additionally, the drakes have a silver-grey plumage with black on the head and tail; the hens are brownish-grey. Both sexes have orange legs and feet.
The Silver Appleyard is kept for its meat and its eggs, producing approximately 100-150 eggs annually.
It is also kept as an ornamental bird due to its attractive appearance among domestic duck breeds.
20. Welsh Harlequin
The Welsh Harlequin is one of the domestic duck breeds developed in Wales during the 1940s by Leslie Bonnet.
These ducks were created from a color mutation in Khaki Campbells, resulting in a lighter, more colorful plumage pattern.
Welsh Harlequins are medium-sized ducks, with males weighing around 5-6 pounds and females weighing 4-5 pounds.
They display beautiful honey-colored plumage with cream and brown markings.
Males develop distinctive green heads during the breeding season.
Furthermore, Welsh Harlequins are excellent egg layers, producing approximately 200-250 eggs annually.
They are also valued for their calm temperament and excellent foraging abilities, making them popular choices among domestic duck breeds for sustainable farming operations.
21. White Layer
The White Layer is one of the modern domestic duck breeds specifically developed for commercial egg production.
These ducks were selectively bred from various white duck varieties to maximize egg-laying capabilities while maintaining efficient feed conversion.
White Layer ducks are medium-sized birds, typically weighing between 4-5 pounds.
As their name suggests, they feature pure white plumage and are known for their exceptional productivity, laying up to 290-320 eggs annually under optimal conditions.
Additionally, White Layer ducks are known for their docile temperament and adaptability to various management systems.
Their high productivity and efficient feed conversion make them valuable among domestic duck breeds for commercial operations and serious egg producers.
Conclusion
There are many different domestic duck breeds, each with unique characteristics.
This comprehensive guide highlighted 21 domestic duck breeds you should know about when considering adding ducks to your property.
Whether you’re looking for prolific egg layers, quality meat birds, ornamental additions, or simply wonderful pets, this diverse selection of domestic duck breeds offers something for every need and preference.
Thanks for reading!
