If you’re a fan of ducks, then you’ll want to get to know the Khaki Campbell. This breed is one of the most popular domesticated ducks in the world and is known for its great personality and easy-care requirements. In this post, we’ll provide an overview of the Khaki Campbell duck, including pictures, info on their traits, and a guide on how to care for them. So, if you’re interested in adding a Khaki Campbell to your flock, keep reading!
Quick Facts About the Khaki Campbell Duck
| Breed Name: | Khaki Campbell |
| Place of Origin: | England |
| Uses: | Eggs, meat, pet |
| Drake (Male) Size: | 5–5.5 lb |
| Duck (Female) Size: | 4.4-5 lb |
| Color: | Khaki (warm, light brown) |
| Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
| Climate Tolerance: | Generally good |
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Egg production: | Excellent: 200–300 per year |
Khaki Campbell Duck Origins
The Khaki Campbell is a breed of domestic duck that was developed in England in the late 19th century. The breed was created by crossing the Indian Runner duck with the Rouen duck. The resulting hybrid was then mated with the Harlequin duck to create the Khaki Campbell.
Khaki Campbell ducks are known for their egg-laying abilities, and they are often used for commercial production. The breed is also popular among backyard chicken keepers, as they make excellent pets. While Khaki Campbells originated in England, they are now found all over the world.
The breed gets its name from its appearance and first breeder, Mrs. Adele Campbell. “Khaki” was chosen as she thought their plumage resembled the color of British army uniforms. “Campbell” was named after her last name.
In 1964, this breed was introduced to the American Standard of Perfection.
Khaki Campbell Characteristics
Khaki Campbell ducks are a popular choice for backyard duck enthusiasts and commercial duck producers alike. These ducks are known for their egg-laying prowess, with many ducks laying more than 200 eggs per year. But Khaki Campbells are more than just good egg layers; they are also relatively easy to care for and make great pets. If you’re thinking about adding some Khaki Campbells to your flock, here are some things you should know about these ducks.
Khaki Campbells are medium-sized ducks, with males weighing in at around 6 pounds and females around 5 pounds. They are easily recognizable by their distinctive plumage, which is a light brown color with dark streaks running through it. Khaki Campbells have orange bills and feet, and their eyes are a deep brown color. These ducks are good swimmers and can often be seen paddling around in ponds or other bodies of water.
In terms of personality, Khaki Campbells are generally calm and docile birds. They do well in both group settings and as solo pets. However, like all ducks, they can be noisy when they get excited. But overall, Khaki Campbells make a great addition to any flock.
Uses
Khaki Campbell ducks are a versatile breed that can be used for both egg and meat production. They are known for their high egg output.
Khaki Campbells are also fast-growing ducks, reaching market weight in just 8–10 weeks.
In addition to their value as a food source, Khaki Campbells also make excellent companion animals. They are intelligent and docile, and they bond well with humans. As a result, Khaki Campbells are popular ducks for small farms and homesteads.
Appearance & Varieties
The body of a Khaki Campbell is long and slender, with a fairly long neck. The head is relatively small, with a short beak that is slightly curved. The legs and feet are also relatively small, making these ducks quite adept at swimming.
The drake has a dark green bill, orange legs, and a bronze-colored head, back, and neck. In contrast, the duck (female) is pure khaki with brown legs and feet.
Khaki Campbell ducks have four main color varieties: Khaki, White, Dark, and Pied. The Khaki variety is the only one recognized by the American Poultry Association.
Population/Distribution/Habitat
Khaki Campbells are widely distributed worldwide and are one of the most popular ducks for commercial egg production.
In recent years, there has been a decline in the global population of Khaki Campbells due to competition from other breeds of egg-laying ducks. However, the breed remains common in many parts of the world and is still used for commercial egg production.
Khaki Campbells are excellent swimmers and can even dive underwater in pursuit of prey. In the wild, they typically inhabit ponds, lakes, and other freshwater habitats. However, they are also commonly found on farms and in parks, where they are often used for pest control or as ornamentals.
Regardless of their location, Khaki Campbells generally prefer to nest in densely vegetated areas near water. This provides them with ample opportunities to forage for food and escape predators.
Are Khaki Campbell Good for Small-Scale Farming?
Khaki Campbell ducks are a popular choice for small-scale farmers due to their ability to produce large quantities of eggs.
Khaki Campbells are known for their docile nature and their commensalism with humans, meaning they are content to live in close proximity to people.
They are also relatively easy to care for and require little space, making them ideal for small farms. In terms of egg production, Khaki Campbells are hard to beat. Hens can lay up to 300 eggs per year, and the eggs are large and have a dark brown shell. The high quality of the eggs makes them popular with both consumers and chefs, which contributes to the ducks’ commercial success.
Overall, they are an excellent choice for small-scale farmers who are looking for a duck that is easy to care for and productive.
Featured Image Credit: natthawut ngoensanthia, Shutterstock