Which duck breeds are healthiest?

[BelovedBirds]

What duck breeds lay the least amount of eggs, and are overall healthiest?
A lot of ducks intended for meat lay fewer eggs but could be prone to other issues due to weight, so I'm really interested to hear all your thoughts!
In the distant future (a year, possibly more) I plan to adopt and keep many ducks to really expand my flock- and I would prefer a breed which doesn't lay too many eggs and will be healthy and have a good lifespan!
Since they would all be pets, and would eat their own eggs anyways, I'm invested in finding a good breed!
So far I can only think of Cayugas....
Anyone who keeps cayugas, how often do yours lay?

 

[picklestheduck]

I have two Cayugas one male and one female. My female started laying later than my other female duck (a pekin) did. But my female cayuga lays an egg almost everyday as of right now. She did mostly stop during the winter, and has started again as it has been warming up. But she is only JUST a year old this month so I am not entirely sure. My cayugas are extremely beautiful and I love their size. The pekins and rouen I have are quite heavy birds and are more likely to get leg injuries and stuff and have. I also have an indian runner female but haven't had her long enough to know a whole ton about her, but when she wasn't molting she laid a faithful egg everyday, even after the stress of moving and being integrated into a knew flock. I have no experience with these breeds but I have heard Welsh harlequins, and Khaki Campbells are also very good ducks and are a good weight. I know Golden 300s lay a lot of eggs, so if thats not what you want maybe stay away from them. Good luck with getting more ducks!

 

[HeatherKellyB]

My Buff Duck has been pretty amazing. I think I'd recommend them to anyone. She takes a long break in laying for her annual molt. She's lightweight enough that she isn't plagued by feet and leg issues. My girl had "bumblefoot" once but it was on the end of her toe and I am 99% sure that she was stuck with a thorn so it wasn't your typical bumblefoot. It was fairly simple and quick to treat. She is full of personality and keeps me laughing. She's all around a good duck

 

[Quatie]

Overall, most breeds of ducks are pretty healthy breeds. Pekin, especially jumbo Pekin, have the most issues for people. Because of their weight they are more prone to leg injuries and bumble foot. I have seen a lot of people, including myself, have issues with soft shelled eggs and them laying nearly every day. I don't believe them to be the breed for you.

The smaller breeds often lay a lot of eggs, and tend to live shorter lives because of this. Heavier breeds are more likely to have leg issues. I would lean towards more medium weight breeds, like Cayuga, swedish, or Welsh harlequin.

In general, hybrid breeds are going to be the healthiest. They are going to be the less likely to have genetic issues breed into them.

Another one to consider is Muscovy. They are a different species. But I have found them to have less health issues. They also can live a long life, potentially up to 20 years. These are pretty tough little birds.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Another option I suggest is bantam ducks. Specifically, Call Ducks. They are seasonal layers, so you'll only get eggs for so many months a year. The downside (for most people, not including myself) is that Call Ducks are loud. I love a loud bird so my Calls fit right in here. They're also another breed that's full of personality

 

[BelovedBirds]

Overall, most breeds of ducks are pretty healthy breeds. Pekin, especially jumbo Pekin, have the most issues for people. Because of their weight they are more prone to leg injuries and bumble foot. I have seen a lot of people, including myself, have issues with soft shelled eggs and them laying nearly every day. I don't believe them to be the breed for you.

The smaller breeds often lay a lot of eggs, and tend to live shorter lives because of this. Heavier breeds are more likely to have leg issues. I would lean towards more medium weight breeds, like Cayuga, swedish, or Welsh harlequin.

In general, hybrid breeds are going to be the healthiest. They are going to be the less likely to have genetic issues breed into them.

Another one to consider is Muscovy. They are a different species. But I have found them to have less health issues. They also can live a long life, potentially up to 20 years. These are pretty tough little birds.

my existing girlies are aylesbury/ potentially pekin mix, so I'm prepared for the fact they could have leg and laying issues, but in future I'd rather less laying and less weight----
I do love Welsh Harlequins too! They're a good idea.
I considered muscovy, muscovies are a favourite of mine! How are muscovy hens with other duck breeds?

 

[Aunt Angus]

I would think mixes would be pretty healthy, but most ducks do well, from what I've read/heard.

 

[BelovedBirds]

My Buff Duck has been pretty amazing. I think I'd recommend them to anyone. She takes a long break in laying for her annual molt. She's lightweight enough that she isn't plagued by feet and leg issues. My girl had "bumblefoot" once but it was on the end of her toe and I am 99% sure that she was stuck with a thorn so it wasn't your typical bumblefoot. It was fairly simple and quick to treat. She is full of personality and keeps me laughing. She's all around a good duck

why have I never thought about this breed!!
They're so beautiful too!
Do you have any photos of her?? I'd love to see

 

[DuneDucks]

I'll have to keep an eye on this thread! Just started with ducks myself, and maintaining a healthy/happy flock is my top priority, so I'm very interested to see everyone's opinions around here on this topic.

@HeatherKellyB I see you have Aztecs listed in your signature. How would you say they've fared? Definitely a breed that perks my interest.

 

[Quatie]

my existing girlies are aylesbury/ potentially pekin mix, so I'm prepared for the fact they could have leg and laying issues, but in future I'd rather less laying and less weight----

I completely understand. I have one Pekin left, and as much as I love her personality, I will unlikely be getting another. When they get injured, it takes a lot more time to heal them up.

I do love Welsh Harlequins too! They're a good idea.

Welshes are a pretty sweet birds. I do love my girls. Any medium weight will likely fit what you are looking for. Buffs, like @HeatherKellyB mentioned, would fit that too. I mentioned what I could think of at the time. Ancona, are another breed that could work for you.

I considered muscovy, muscovies are a favourite of mine! How are muscovy hens with other duck breeds?

Muscovy hens do pretty well with other ducks. Drakes are a bit hit and miss like any drake is. Muscovy and other ducks will take a bit of time getting use to one another. They are different species, so they need to work out the kinks in their communication. I found the Muscovy to be very reserved at first and let the other ducks pick on them. After getting comfortable with their new surroundings, they let the other ducks know they should not be messed with. My Muscovy are always the first birds that accept new additions to the flock. With young ducks, the muscovy only have to give them a look get them to respect their boundaries. The Muscovy do occasionally like to stir up trouble, but that is just in their nature.