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Browse the complete list of breeds and varieties for this species, along with the associations and federations that oversee them.

Species Summary

Ducks are waterfowl in the family Anatidae. They have broad, rounded bodies, relatively flat bills, and webbed feet that aid in swimming. They are omnivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation, seeds, insects, and small invertebrates. Domesticated ducks show wide variation among breeds for size, plumage, and production traits. In production settings, adult weights typically range from about 1.5 to 4.0 kg, with heavier meat-type breeds reaching the upper end. Laying ducks usually begin production around 5–8 months of age and can lay roughly 100–260 eggs per year depending on breed and management. Incubation period for eggs is about 28 days. With good husbandry, ducks commonly live 5–10 years, though some individuals exceed this in ideal conditions.

Detailed Origin

Domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) descend from the wild mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). Domestication is believed to have occurred in Asia, particularly in China and surrounding regions, with additional domestication events elsewhere in Asia. From Asia, ducks spread to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa through trade and exploration. Through selective breeding over centuries, a vast array of breeds were developed for meat, eggs, and ornamental plumage, resulting in the modern diversity seen in flocks today.

Detailed Description

Anatomy and biology: ducks are generally strong swimmers with a broad body, a flat bill, and webbed feet. Plumage varies widely by breed, from white to multicolored patterns. Sexual dimorphism is often modest in some backyard varieties but pronounced in many show and wild-type ducks (males often have brighter plumage). Size: adults commonly measure 50–70 cm in body length, with weights ranging from 1.8–4.5 kg depending on sex and breed. Incubation: 28 days; clutch sizes typically 6–12 eggs. Hatchlings are precocial and can walk within hours of hatching. Diet: omnivorous; food conversion and nutrition depend on diet and growth stage. Management: ducks require clean water for bathing, appropriate housing, and protection from predators; production ducks may reach market weight in 7–12 weeks for meat strains.

Available breeds

Known varieties