Duck breeds

The Duck class covers domestic waterfowl kept for exhibition, eggs, meat, and ornament. Standardized ducks are commonly sorted by size into bantam, light, medium, and heavy groupings, spanning everything from tiny Call ducks to substantial table breeds. Most domestic ducks descend from the wild Mallard, with the notable exception of the Muscovy, which comes from a separate South American lineage and differs in behavior and appearance.

Representative breeds include the Pekin, a large white meat duck with a friendly disposition; the Indian Runner, an upright, bottle-shaped bird that is an exceptional layer and walks rather than waddles; the Khaki Campbell, one of the most prolific egg-laying ducks; the ornamental Call duck, a small, loud bantam favored by exhibitors; and heritage breeds such as the Rouen, which resembles an oversized Mallard, and the versatile Muscovy. Egg color ranges from white to cream and, in some strains, blue-green tints.

Ducks are generally hardy and undemanding but need constant access to clean drinking water deep enough to keep their nostrils clear, and they do best with some bathing water. They are messy with water and bedding, so dry night housing and good drainage matter. For exhibition, keepers condition birds for clean, well-groomed plumage and correct carriage; because ducks foul water quickly, show preparation includes careful cleaning so birds present bright, unstained feather on the day.

Different duck breeds suit different goals, so keepers do well to match the breed to their purpose: laying strains such as the Khaki Campbell and Indian Runner reward those chiefly after eggs, while heavier breeds like the Pekin and Rouen are chosen for the table or simply for their calm presence. Ducks are naturally cold-hardy thanks to their dense, waterproof plumage, but that waterproofing depends on access to clean bathing water and on the birds' own preening, so a healthy duck kept in clean conditions largely maintains its own condition. Muscovies stand somewhat apart, being quieter and more inclined to perch and fly than Mallard-derived breeds. Providing shade, clean water, and secure night housing against predators covers most of a duck keeper's needs.