Best egg laying duck breeds?

[Danny188]

I would like to get some laying ducklings this summer and was thinking the pekin breed. I already have 22 chickens and 1 rooster they will be in the same pen but different coops. Is it ok to keep them together as long as all the ducks are females? I'm planning on getting 4 and we have a small codfish pond without any fish in it so water isn't a problem. Are there any other breeds that lay like pekins but have some different coloring? Can I feed them chicken layer pellets or do I need a different feed becuse separating feed will be problematic. How much do ducks eat compared to chickens(they will have a large fenced area to free range with grass and oped dirt). Also how long does it take a duck to get to laying age?

 

[Pyxis]

You can house ducks and chickens together; just make sure to keep water sources outside of the coop so that the ducks don't make a soggy mess in there, which is not good for the chickens.

They can eat layer pellets. Personally I prefer to feed an All Flock feed. All your birds would be able to eat it.

As for the best egg laying ducks, pekins are decent layers. However they are more intended to be a meat breed, so there are breeds that outlay them. Khaki Campbells and Runners often outlay pekins, as do hybrids like the Golden 300 and the White Layer.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

I have Pekin/runner mixes which are excellent layers.

 

[Danny188]

Thanks for the input, I'm going to consider these other breeds when I decide to order them at the feed store.

 

[KaleIAm]

I love my pekin dearly, and she layed well when she was younger. But she has had a lot of health problems, especially leg/foot issues. I've noticed other members commenting about their pekins having the same problems. My khakis campbells and welsh harlequins eat far less, lay more, and are significantly healthier than my pekin.

 

[ChickensForEggs2500]

I'm just thinking out loud here, but will pekins have more trouble free ranging than other ducks? (less agility, bright white, feet issues) I'm curious!

 

[KaleIAm]

I'm just thinking out loud here, but will pekins have more trouble free ranging than other ducks? (less agility, bright white, feet issues) I'm curious!

Well, mine certainly does. She's always been the worst forager of my flock, but I have only had 6 ducks total and only 1 pekin. Since she is a pet I don't mind.

 

[Ratchnick]

Welsh harlequin and golden cascades also lay 300 or more a year.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I have Runners, Rouens, Hookbills and Mallards. I have 7 hens currently and get 5-6 eggs a day minimum most days 6-7 all through the winter as well.

 

[Texag87]

Over the last 2+ years my K/C has been the most consistent layer. The Pekin was until last summer.