Ducks breed guide
Duck breeds, housing and water needs, feed, and how to hatch and brood ducklings.
History & origins
- Nearly all domestic ducks except the Muscovy descend from the wild mallard, domesticated in China more than 2,000 years ago.
- Utility breeds like the Pekin and Khaki Campbell were developed in the 1800s for meat and heavy egg production; Anconas and Magpies came later as dual-purpose homestead ducks.
Care & housing
- Ducks need water deep enough to submerge their whole head — a pool is a bonus, clean drinking water is mandatory.
- Feed unmedicated waterfowl or all-flock crumble with added niacin (brewer's yeast) for growing ducklings.
- House at ground level with deep dry bedding; ducks rarely roost and are messy, so plan on frequent bedding changes.
Breeding tips
- Run 1 drake to 4-6 ducks; too few females leads to injured hens.
- Incubate 28 days at 99.5°F, mist and cool eggs daily from day 10 to mimic a wet hen.
- Most heavy breeds have lost broodiness — plan on an incubator or a Muscovy/bantam foster hen.