9 cute duck breeds you can raise at home

Ducks aren’t just fun to watch — they can pull their weight on a homestead. Some are great layers, others are good meat birds, and a few are simply worth having because they make the place look alive. They’ll help with pest control, but you’ll need to keep water available and their coop predator-proof.

Call Duck

Call Ducks are small and round with short bills and big personalities. They’re often kept more for looks than production.

They’re friendly and easy to handle, but they can be loud — something to think about if you have close neighbors.

Indian Runner

Indian Runners stand upright and move with a quick, almost comical walk. They’re excellent foragers and dependable egg layers.

They’re lightweight and active, so give them room to roam if you want the best from them.

Pekin

Pekins are big, white ducks with orange bills and feet. They’re known for being calm and easy to raise.

They’re a go-to meat breed, but they also lay well. They adapt to different climates without much trouble.

Khaki Campbell

Khaki Campbells are top-tier egg layers, often producing well over 200 eggs a year.

They’re active and alert, with a brownish coat that blends into the landscape and offers some protection from predators.

Rouen

Rouens look a lot like Mallards but are heavier. They’re calm and do well in mixed flocks.

They’re mainly a meat breed but are also popular because of their classic duck appearance.

Muscovy

Muscovy ducks are quiet — they hiss instead of quack — and are excellent for meat production.

They’re strong foragers and even roost in trees if given the chance.

Silver Appleyard

Silver Appleyards are a good dual-purpose duck, offering both eggs and meat. Their patterned feathers make them easy on the eyes.

They’re calm and do well in free-range setups.

Welsh Harlequin

Welsh Harlequins are steady layers with attractive plumage. They’re gentle and adapt well to different environments.

They’re light-bodied and active, which helps keep them in good condition.

Cayuga

Cayugas have glossy black feathers with a green sheen in the sun. Early in the season, they lay dark gray to nearly black eggs.

They’re hardy, adaptable, and good for both meat and eggs.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.