The Khaki Campbell Duck is a breed that was developed in late 19th century England by Mrs. Adele Campbell, who crossbred the White Indian Runner, the Fawn, and the Rouen ducks.
These ducks have a khaki color and are medium-sized, with adults weighing between 4 to 5 pounds. They are valued for laying over 300 eggs per year. This makes them popular among both hobbyists and commercial egg producers.
Khaki Campbells are adaptable ducks and have a moderate temperament.
Origin and History of Khaki Campbell Duck
The Khaki Campbell Duck originated in Gloucestershire, England, in the late 19th century. It was developed by Mrs. Adele Campbell, who started her breeding program in the 1880s with the goal of creating a duck breed with high egg production. She crossed White Indian Runner ducks with Fawn ducks, and the result was the Campbell breed, first presented in 1898. Later, Penciled Runner ducks were bred into the line to further improve egg laying and establish the breed’s distinctive khaki-colored plumage.
This duck breed was named ‘Khaki Campbell’ because its feathers resembled the color of the British army uniforms at the time, which offered a practical camouflage. The khaki uniform was associated with the Campbell regiment of the British army. This helped in popularizing the breed. By the early 20th century, the Khaki Campbell was recognized for its exceptional egg-laying capacity, averaging between 250-340 eggs per year.
Khaki Campbell Ducks were brought to the United States in 1929, increasing their popularity. The breed was officially recognized by the Poultry Club in the UK and a dedicated breed club was established. The Khaki Campbell duck is now acknowledged as a successful example of selective breeding for improved agricultural productivity.
Distinctive Characteristics of Khaki Campbell Duck
The Khaki Campbell Duck has a distinctive khaki-colored feathering, making it stand out from other ducks. These medium-weight domestic ducks weigh around 4 to 5 pounds and lack the white neck ring found in their Mallard relatives, resulting in a more uniform color.
Male Khaki Campbell Ducks have a slightly darker head, offering a subtle contrast to their body color. They are known for their high egg production, often laying up to 346 eggs a year. This makes them one of the most productive egg-laying duck breeds.
Khaki Campbells begin laying eggs at about 5 to 7 months old, which is earlier than many duck breeds. They maintain a consistent laying pattern, typically producing between 250 to 340 eggs annually. Their ability to lay eggs prolifically is a key reason they’re valued for both backyard farms and commercial egg production.
Egg Production Capabilities of Khaki Campbell Duck
The Khaki Campbell Duck is known for its high egg production, averaging 300 eggs per year. They rank as one of the top breeds for egg-laying, with some producing up to 346 eggs annually. Their genetic makeup contributes to their reputation as dependable egg producers.
Campbell ducks start laying eggs at around 20 weeks old. The Jansen family in Holland reported an average of 335-340 eggs per duck per year. The breed also shows a low mortality rate of 2.5% in the initial growth and egg-laying period.
The peak laying period for these ducks is up to five years, with the highest production typically in the first year. Their eggs, weighing 2.5 to 2.75 ounces, are mainly creamy white and may have green or brown shades.
Diet and Nutrition of Khaki Campbell Duck
Khaki Campbell ducks need a balanced diet for health and high egg output. They start with non-medicated chick starter feed and switch to waterfowl or suitable chicken feed at about three months.
Their diet should have enough protein for egg production, essential vitamins and minerals, grit for digestion, clean water, and foraging opportunities for insects and greens. Scratch feeds aren’t suitable; pellets or crumbles are better.
Foraging for pests like slugs is beneficial for their diet.
Housing and Habitat of Khaki Campbell Duck
Khaki Campbell Duck needs secure and well-ventilated housing to protect against predators and weather. This breed should have a habitat that meets the standards similar to those in the ‘Guide to Raising’ series.
Their housing should have clean, dry bedding like straw or wood shavings. It should be replaced when wet or dirty to prevent health issues. Ducks also need a water source for drinking and bathing. In the U.S., where temperatures vary, waterers may need heating to prevent freezing and should be filled and cleaned regularly. There should be one waterer for every four ducks.
An outdoor area that is safe from predators is also necessary. This space should ideally include a pool or pond for the ducks’ natural behaviors. A well-planned habitat is crucial for the ducks’ health, productivity, and quality of life.
Taking Care of Khaki Campbell Duck
The health and wellness of Khaki Campbell Duck is crucial for its egg production and longevity. These ducks, a hybrid of Mallards, Rouens, and Indian Runners, start laying eggs as early as 5-7 months old. Proper health management is essential for their sustained performance.
Diet is key for these ducks and they should be fed waterfowl or game bird feed from the age of three months. Providing grit is necessary for digestion, particularly for ducks kept in limited spaces.
Regular leg and foot inspections are also important to ensure that the ducks can effectively forage. Checking for external and internal parasites is needed to avoid health issues.
Maintaining their living environment is also important to prevent diseases. Conditions should be clean, dry, and spacious. Adequate shelter that offers protection from the elements and allows for airflow is essential.
Key factors for taking care of Khaki Campbell Ducks are:
- Regular veterinary care for disease prevention and treatment,
- A balanced diet suitable for their developmental stage,
- Ongoing checks for leg or foot issues,
- Effective parasite management, and
- Appropriate housing that provides a dry environment and weather protection.
Following these guidelines helps maintain the Khaki Campbell as a productive duck breed.
Breeding and Lifecycle of Khaki Campbell Duck
The Khaki Campbell Duck matures once it’s five to seven months old. This starts the breeding cycle. These ducks are known for high egg production beginning around 20 weeks of age, a trait maintained since the breed’s development.
Female Khaki Campbells are typically a uniform khaki color, while males may have a white neck ring, green bill, and darker colors on the back and neck. This helps in gender identification.
This duck breed’s brooding instinct has been reduced to increase egg-laying efficiency, resulting in an average of 300 eggs per year. Some Khaki Campbells have produced up to 335-340 eggs annually, with productivity lasting up to five years. These qualities make them valuable for both small-scale and commercial farming.
The Kortlang family in England continues to breed Khaki Campbell Ducks, sustaining their high egg-laying performance and securing their status as one of the top egg-laying duck breeds globally.
