Khaki Campbell Ducks Vs. Pekin Ducks

Long Creek Farm
2 days ago
3 min read

We have been raising ducks for several years; we started with four straight run Pekin ducklings from Tractor Supply Co. and later got Khaki Campbells from a hatchery.

In this blog we will go over the differences of the two breeds so you can make an educated decision on what duck breed to get.

Appearance and Physical Characteristics

Khaki Campbell ducks are medium-sized with khaki-colored plumage, the males have an iridescent head (some only have it when they are young adults as they get older, it can turn all black/dark brown.)

Khaki Campbells typically weigh around 4 to 5 pounds.

Pekin ducks, on the other hand, are larger and heavier. They have a broad, rounded body covered in pure white feathers with orange bills and feet.

Pekins usually weigh between 8 to 11 pounds, making them almost twice as heavy as Khaki Campbells.

Egg Production

Khaki Campbells are the breed to get if eggs are your priority.

One of the main reasons people raise Khaki Campbell ducks is for their exceptional egg-laying ability. Khaki Campbells are among the best layers, producing up to 250 to 300 eggs per year. Their eggs are medium-sized and white or cream-colored. They start laying at about 5 to 6 months old and continue laying through the winter.

Pekin ducks lay fewer eggs, averaging around 150 to 200 eggs annually. Their eggs are larger and white but they lay less each year compared to Khaki Campbells. Pekins tend to lay more during the warmer months and slow down in colder seasons.

Meat

Pekin ducks are meat ducks; hatcheries have even developed a jumbo Pekin for even more meat.

Khaki Campbells are not typically raised for meat, their smaller size and leaner body means they are not as ideal as Pekins.

While they can be eaten, they are better suited for egg production.

If you want ducks primarily for meat, Pekins would be the best breed to go with.

Temperament and Behavior

Khaki Campbell ducks are active and energetic. They enjoy foraging and love finding insects. They can be a bit creative in their attempts to escape and may require secure fencing to keep them contained. Khaki Campbells are friendly but less docile than Pekins.

Pekin ducks are calm and gentle. They adapt well to human interaction and are more sociable compared to Khaki Campbells. Pekins are less likely to wander and are easier to handle.

Care and Maintenance

Both breeds need clean water for swimming (we use a small stock tank from TSC) and drinking, access to pasture, and a shelter from predators and harsh weather.

Heat/Cold Tolerance

Both breeds are hardy and do well in most climates, when it is very cold and there is snow on the ground our ducks want to stay in their shelter, but we have never had to give them a heat lamp.

Both breeds do fine in warm weather as long as they have access to clean water and plenty of shade.

Cost and Availability

Both breeds can be found at most hatcheries but finding a local Khaki Campbell breeder might be more difficult than a Pekin breeder.

Khaki Campbells may cost slightly more and less readily available, but the higher number of eggs is worth a few extra dollars for a duckling.

Choosing the Right Breed

Your choice will really come down to this; do you want eggs or meat?

If you want high egg production and enjoy watching active, foraging ducks, Khaki Campbells are ideal.
If you prefer larger ducks for meat or a calm, friendly pet, Pekins would be a better fit.