My love of ducks started with my stomach. As a young girl, I vividly remember my dad, grandpa, and uncles coming home with colorful mallards hanging upside down in their hands. We’d fry up the hearts and livers in butter right away, and a few days later, we’d enjoy a delicious roasted duck dinner. Growing up in a hunting family meant I developed a taste for things like venison, pheasant, quail, pan-fried trout, goose, and, of course, duck at a young age. Fast forward to my homesteading days, and ducks quickly became a must-have on the farm—not just because they’re delicious, but for so many other reasons I hadn’t expected.
A duck egg (left) compared to a chicken egg (right).
1. Incredible Eggs
First, let’s talk about eggs. Duck eggs are a game-changer. They’re richer, creamier, higher in Omegas, and almost twice as big as chicken eggs. Not only are they fantastic for baking, but they also have a nutritional edge over chicken eggs. If you’re looking for reliable layers with eggs that pack more punch, consider adding a production breed like Khaki Campbell or Gold Star Hybrid to your flock.
2. Foraging Abilities
Next, ducks are foraging machines. I’ve found they thrive in a free-range setup, often outperforming chickens. The best part? Ducks lay their eggs consistently in the morning, so you can lock them up at night, collect the eggs from the coop, and let them roam free during the day—no more hunting around the yard for hidden egg nests. Our ducks eat far less grain than our chickens, thriving in our forested environment with minimal feed for most of the year.
3. Hardiness
Another reason I love ducks is their resilience. They’re built to handle our long, cold, snowy winters without a fuss. We don’t have to worry about frostbite or use heat lamps—they happily waddle through the snow without complaint. In summer, they’re equally hardy, content with whatever puddles they can find. And despite popular belief, ducks don’t need a pond. While they’ll enjoy one if you have it, a simple kiddie pool is more than enough for them to splash around in.
4. A Sustainable Meat Source
And yes, ducks are absolutely delicious. The dark, rich meat is tender when cooked right, and the flavor is unbeatable. Duck broth is hands down my favorite for making soups—it’s incredibly complex and rich compared to chicken broth. Duck fat is also a treasure for cooking, perfect for both savory and sweet dishes, with a mild flavor that works in anything from sautéing veggies to baking.
5. Gentle Gardeners
Unlike chickens, ducks don’t scratch, making them much gentler on your garden or yard. In fact, they can be a gardener’s best friend, keeping pests at bay without tearing up your plants. Just be mindful of noise—some breeds can be loud, so if you live in town, a quieter breed like Muscovy might be a better choice.
Here on our North Idaho homestead, we’re raising a variety of ducks—Rouen, Muscovy, Silver Appleyard, Duclair, Pekin, and Gold Star Hybrid. Next year, I’m hoping to add some Khaki Campbells to the flock. We’re also in the process of building a pond and creating a sustainable permaculture habitat for our waterfowl. If you’re considering adding ducks to your homestead, I say go for it—you won’t regret it! Ducks are a joy to raise and bring so much value to your farm.
About the Author
Missy Irish is a devoted mama of six (and a proud grandma of one), living the good life in North Idaho with her husband Joe and their four youngest kids. On their mountaintop homestead, Missy pours her heart into raising dairy goats, wildcrafting herbal remedies and teas, crafting tallow skincare, knitting with natural fibers, and whipping up wholesome meals for her family. For over 28 years, she’s embraced holistic living—not just for her family, but for every living thing on their homestead. To Missy, herbal medicine, simple foods, and a deep connection to the land aren’t just practices—they’re part of who she is. Connect with Missy on Instagram @irishacreshomestead.