Five Reasons I Love Keeping Ducks

1. Incredible Eggs

First, let’s talk about eggs. Duck eggs are a game-changer. They’re richer, creamier, higher in Omegas, and almost twice as big as chicken eggs. Not only are they fantastic for baking, but they also have a nutritional edge over chicken eggs. If you’re looking for reliable layers with eggs that pack more punch, consider adding a production breed like Khaki Campbell or Gold Star Hybrid to your flock. 

2. Foraging Abilities 

Next, ducks are foraging machines. I’ve found they thrive in a free-range setup, often outperforming chickens. The best part? Ducks lay their eggs consistently in the morning, so you can lock them up at night, collect the eggs from the coop, and let them roam free during the day—no more hunting around the yard for hidden egg nests. Our ducks eat far less grain than our chickens, thriving in our forested environment with minimal feed for most of the year.

3. Hardiness

Another reason I love ducks is their resilience. They’re built to handle our long, cold, snowy winters without a fuss. We don’t have to worry about frostbite or use heat lamps—they happily waddle through the snow without complaint. In summer, they’re equally hardy, content with whatever puddles they can find. And despite popular belief, ducks don’t need a pond. While they’ll enjoy one if you have it, a simple kiddie pool is more than enough for them to splash around in.

4. A Sustainable Meat Source

And yes, ducks are absolutely delicious. The dark, rich meat is tender when cooked right, and the flavor is unbeatable. Duck broth is hands down my favorite for making soups—it’s incredibly complex and rich compared to chicken broth. Duck fat is also a treasure for cooking, perfect for both savory and sweet dishes, with a mild flavor that works in anything from sautéing veggies to baking.

5. Gentle Gardeners

Unlike chickens, ducks don’t scratch, making them much gentler on your garden or yard. In fact, they can be a gardener’s best friend, keeping pests at bay without tearing up your plants. Just be mindful of noise—some breeds can be loud, so if you live in town, a quieter breed like Muscovy might be a better choice.