Over the past decade, ducks have gained popularity from the farm to the backyard. Some of them can compete with chickens for egg laying, while others are as good as guineas at pest control. Further, a few even make great pets. Given there are over 100 plus species of ducks, you might have wondered what are the friendliest ducks. Therefore, I’ve narrowed down a list of the 5 friendliest ducks around.
Ducks are classified into 3 groups, dabbling, diving, and perching, due to their distinguishing behaviors. But then, the American Poultry Association (APA) recognizes 17 duck breeds. Moreover, they further categorize ducks into classes: heavy, medium, lightweight, and bantam.
Generally, heavyweight ducks make better meat ducks. However, some can be dual purpose for both meat and eggs. And according to the APA, all duck breeds can be used for exhibition, which brings me to the bantam duck. These are small duck breeds that are primarily kept as pets or for exhibition. Medium and lightweight breeds can be a mixture of exhibition ducks, egg or meat production, or dual purpose. Or they can include all of the above. Continue reading for the friendliest ducks.
Friendliest Ducks
- Call duck
The Call duck is thought to have originated in The Netherlands. And they were first used as decoys to lure wild ducks into traps. However, that practice is now banned. The females are very noisy, not unlike most female ducks. But, being bantams, they don’t get bigger than 2 lbs! Since they come in many varieties, they also look similar to regular ducks. So, usually they are kept as show ducks or pets. Also, they have the sweetest disposition, thus, they’re good with kids. Though, they tend to go broody. And if you’re not careful, they can fly away. Also, you’ve heard of cat cafes. But have you heard of Call duck cafes? They’re evidently all the rage in China.
- Cayuga
The Cayuga is an American breed of domestic duck that was the primary duck meat for the US until 1840. Even though people typically keep them for ornament, Cayuga lay ~100-150 eggs annually. And they can be considered a dual purpose duck, since they’re a medium to heavyweight breed. Also, their eggs start out dark to black, but by the end of the laying season, they are lighter. Additionally, this breed will go broody. But they are considered calm and friendly. And if they’re handled well when ducklings, they can be tamed.
- Mallard
With the exception of the Muscovy, most domestic ducks descended from the Mallard. Hence, some people refer to the Mallard as the mother of all ducks. Since this duck breeds so prolifically with many domestic ducks, the mallard is considered invasive. As such, there are more than 80 Mallard varieties. In addition, Mallard ducks are medium weight ducks that lay about 140-150 eggs yearly. And they definitely can go broody. They’re great foragers, and tend to do more of that than eating feed. Plus, they will fly if they decide to. Therefore, if a Mallard duck hatches ducklings, they might just take their young and go, like ours did. Also, they might not be the biggest duck out there, however, they sure can be bossy. When our full Mallard duck, Aizawa, was around, she was definitely the matriarch of the ducks. Though, now her son, Squirt, a Pekin/Mallard mix is the drake of the bunch.
- Pekin
The Pekin is an American domestic breed that replaced the Cayuga for meat production in the 19th century. Additionally, they’re a heavyweight breed for dual purpose. Plus, some people just like Pekins for pets. They lay about 150 eggs annually. And they don’t tend to go broody. Pekins are good at foraging too. Plus, if you have leftover greens, or something you’re tossing from your garden, Pekins are the ducks for the job. They love greens, and they’ll work hard at whatever you give them. Moreover, they usually have a sweet, calm, and easygoing disposition. Bakugo, our Pekin, gets along with all the other birds in our backyard.
- Welsh Harlequin
This domestic duck breed was developed in Wales by Leslie Bonnet from 2 lighter colored Khaki Campbells in the mid 20th century. Despite being a lightweight breed, they’re still considered dual purpose. Also, if you can keep them from going broody, they can produce ~ 200 eggs yearly. In addition, this breed is noted for being exceptionally calm, and a good breed for children learning about ducks. And they get attached to their humans as well. While most ducks are very noisy, the Welsh Harlequin is basically a quiet breed. Though these ducks obviously will quack when they lay eggs. And they’re louder than Muscovies. But according to several sources, most birds are.
There are many more ducks that could be included on this list, like the Khaki Campbell, Rouen, and Indian Runner. Because, just like chickens, they have their own personalities. And like chicken TV, ducks are fun to watch too.
To Summarize
Regardless of whether you’re a newbie, hobbyist, or veteran duck parent, and no matter which breed you pick, ducks are a great option to add to your backyard. Given there are so many choices out there, you’re bound to find one perfect for your home.
And ducks are easy to raise, so long as you provide fresh food, clean water to drink and bathe in, and plenty of greens. But don’t forget, they love to forage for bugs. Further, if you already have chickens, not to worry, because chickens and ducks usually get along just fine.
If you have ducks, which kind do you have? And do you have a favorite breed?
Once again, thanks for taking the time to read this post. Please share. And if you don’t follow me already, you can do so now.
Chicken Girl 