Description
Khaki Campbell Duck
Breed Overview and Origin
The Khaki Campbell Duck is one of the best duck breeds for customers who want steady egg production. If you enjoy baking, cooking, or selling duck eggs, this active and efficient layer is an excellent choice.
Adele Campbell developed the Campbell duck in Gloucestershire, England, in the late 1800s. The Livestock Conservancy explains that she crossed Fawn and White Indian Runner ducks, which were exceptional layers, with Rouen ducks to create a bird with more body size while keeping strong laying ability. From that foundation, the Khaki Campbell became one of the world’s most prolific egg-laying duck breeds.
The Khaki variety appeared in 1901 and later entered the American Standard of Perfection in 1941. Cackle Hatchery® offers Khaki Campbell Ducklings for customers who want productive, active farm or backyard ducks.
Appearance and Characteristics
Khaki Campbell Ducks have practical, earthy coloring that blends well into farm and backyard settings. Drakes usually stand more upright and may show a green or bluish-green bill, greenish-bronze head and back, and khaki tan body feathering. Hens are usually more evenly khaki tan.
This breed is active, alert, and built for movement. Because Khaki Campbells are avid foragers, they work well in yards, gardens, orchards, and farm areas where they can search for bugs and greens.
Cackle’s Heritage Breed Spotlight: Khaki Campbell Duck describes the breed as an excellent option for anyone looking for prolific egg-laying poultry, while also noting its English origin and active nature.
Khaki Campbell Duck vs White Pekin Duck
Khaki Campbells and White Pekin Ducks are both popular, useful duck breeds, but they serve different customer goals.
Choose Khaki Campbell Ducks if your main goal is duck egg production, active foraging, and a smaller-bodied farm or backyard duck. Choose White Pekins if you want a larger, faster-growing duck that is especially popular for meat, pets, and all-around backyard use.
Khaki Campbells are lighter and more egg-focused. White Pekins are heavier and more meat-focused. Both can be good backyard ducks, but customers who want lots of duck eggs will usually lean toward Khaki Campbells.
Khaki Campbell Duck vs Runner Duck
Khaki Campbells and Runner Ducks both have strong egg-laying backgrounds. In fact, Runner ducks helped form the foundation of the Campbell breed.
Choose Khaki Campbell Ducks if you want prolific egg laying with a slightly fuller body than a Runner. Choose Runner Ducks if you like a more upright, narrow-bodied duck that moves quickly and has a very distinctive shape.
The British Waterfowl Association notes that Adele Campbell used a Rouen drake, a Fawn and White Runner duck, and some Mallard blood in the Campbell’s development. It also describes the Khaki Campbell as agile, fertile, and extremely prolific.
Egg Production
Khaki Campbell Ducks are famous for egg production. Generally, a Khaki Campbell hen may start laying her first eggs around 20 weeks of age, though timing can vary with season, feed, daylight, and management.
The Livestock Conservancy calls the Campbell one of the world’s most prolific egg-laying duck breeds. Metzer Farms also describes Khaki Campbells as a top egg-laying breed and notes that, in its comparisons, they averaged more eggs per year than competing breeds.
Duck eggs are excellent for cooking and baking. Cackle’s How Many Eggs Does a Duck Lay? explains that duck egg production varies by breed, strain, age, feed, health, weather, and daylight hours. For customers who want to keep duck hens laying well, Cackle’s Ducks for Eggs: How to Keep Your Ducks Laying Well is a helpful internal care resource.
Foraging and Farm Use
Khaki Campbell Ducks are avid foragers. They are active birds that enjoy moving around, searching for insects, and exploring their space.
This makes them useful for farms, homesteads, orchards, gardens, and backyard flocks where customers want ducks that do more than sit near the water. They can help with insect control, add egg production, and bring lively movement to the property.
Cackle’s 12 Benefits of Keeping Ducks is a good internal link for customers who are still deciding whether ducks are right for their setup. That article points customers toward practical benefits such as eggs, pest control, entertainment, and flock value.
Temperament and Suitability
Khaki Campbell Ducks are active, alert, and practical. They make good farm or backyard ducks, especially for customers who want productive layers and busy foragers.
They are not usually as heavy or slow-moving as Pekins. Because of that, they may seem more energetic and less relaxed than some heavier duck breeds. However, their active nature is part of what makes them excellent foragers and productive flock birds.
With proper housing, feed, water, and space, Khaki Campbells can fit well into homesteads, small farms, and backyard flocks. They need clean drinking water deep enough to dip their bills and nostrils, dry bedding, predator protection, and room to move.
Keeping Ducks With Chickens
Some customers want to keep ducks and chickens together. That setup can work in some situations, but ducks are messier with water and need different management than chickens.
Cackle’s Keeping Ducks Together with Chickens explains that first-time duck owners should not manage ducks exactly like chickens. Ducks splash water, dampen bedding, and need water access that supports their health without making the coop too wet.
For a mixed flock, plan housing carefully. Dry bedding, separate water areas, and enough space can make a big difference.
Fall Duck Shipping
For customers looking for ducks outside the main spring season, Cackle notes that fall duck shipping may be available for Khaki Campbells. Customers should check the Khaki Campbell Duck fall shipping page and the Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping dates.
Cackle Hatchery® cannot ship ducks to Hawaii. Keep this shipping note clear so customers can plan before placing an order.
Is the Khaki Campbell Duck Right for Your Flock?
Choose Khaki Campbell Ducks if you want:
A prolific egg-laying duck
A strong forager
An active farm or backyard duck
A breed developed in England
A useful duck for cooking and baking eggs
A duck that may start laying around 20 weeks
A smaller-bodied alternative to Pekins
A duck admitted to the APA Standard in 1941
A good choice for homesteads and small farms
A fall duck shipping option when available
Overall, Khaki Campbells are an excellent choice if egg production is your main goal. While they are not as large as meat-focused ducks like Pekins, they are productive, active, and useful birds for customers who want plenty of duck eggs from a hardworking flock.
If customers are still comparing duck breeds, direct them to Cackle’s Duck Breeds List Comparison Chart or the main Ducks for Sale category.
Breed History and Preservation
Adele Campbell developed the Campbell duck in England to combine egg production with better body size. She used productive Runner duck blood along with Rouen influence and a little Mallard blood to create a practical laying duck.
The Khaki color became the best-known variety after its introduction in 1901. The color name came from the khaki military uniforms familiar at the time.
The Khaki Campbell later earned recognition in the American Standard of Perfection in 1941. Today, customers still choose this breed because it remains one of the most productive domestic duck breeds for eggs.
For a deeper internal history resource, link to Cackle’s Heritage Breed Spotlight: Khaki Campbell Duck.
Recognition and Availability
The Khaki Campbell Duck entered the American Standard of Perfection in 1941. Cackle sells Khaki Campbell Ducklings for customers who want a prolific egg layer and active forager.
Before planning an order, customers should check Cackle Hatchery’s Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping dates.
Cackle Hatchery® cannot ship ducks to Hawaii.
Related Breeds and Helpful Cackle Hatchery® Resources
If you like Khaki Campbell Ducks, you may also want to compare White Pekin Ducks, Runner Ducks, Welsh Harlequin Ducks, Golden 300 Hybrid Layer Ducks, White Layer Ducks, and other high-laying ducks in Cackle’s duck category.
Helpful Cackle articles include Heritage Breed Spotlight: Khaki Campbell Duck, How Many Eggs Does a Duck Lay?, 12 Benefits of Keeping Ducks, Ducks for Eggs: How to Keep Your Ducks Laying Well, Keeping Ducks Together with Chickens, Keeping Ducks for Eggs, and Furnishing Nests for Laying Ducks.
For comparison shopping, use Duck Breeds List Comparison Chart, Ducks for Sale, and Availability Chart.
FAQ: Khaki Campbell Duck
What is a Khaki Campbell Duck?
A Khaki Campbell Duck is an English domestic duck breed known for excellent egg production, active foraging, and practical farm or backyard use.
Where did Khaki Campbell Ducks originate?
Khaki Campbell Ducks originated in England. Adele Campbell developed the breed in Gloucestershire in the late 1800s and introduced the Khaki variety in 1901.
When did the APA recognize Khaki Campbell Ducks?
The Khaki Campbell Duck entered the American Standard of Perfection in 1941.
Are Khaki Campbell Ducks good egg layers?
Yes. Khaki Campbells are one of the most prolific egg-laying duck breeds and are a great choice for customers who want duck eggs for cooking, baking, or household use.
When do Khaki Campbell hens start laying?
Generally, Khaki Campbell hens may start laying around 20 weeks of age. However, age at first egg can vary with season, daylight, feed, health, and management.
What color eggs do Khaki Campbell Ducks lay?
Khaki Campbell Ducks usually lay white to tinted duck eggs.
Are Khaki Campbell Ducks good for cooking and baking?
Yes. Their strong laying ability makes them a great choice for customers who like to use duck eggs in cooking and baking.
Are Khaki Campbell Ducks good for meat?
They can be used for meat, but they are better known as egg layers. Customers who want a larger meat duck may prefer White Pekins or another heavier breed.
Are Khaki Campbell Ducks good for foraging?
Yes. They are avid foragers and very active, making them useful for farms, homesteads, and backyard areas with room to roam.
Are Khaki Campbell Ducks good backyard ducks?
Yes. They make good farm and backyard ducks, especially for customers who want productive layers and active foragers.
Are Khaki Campbell Ducks friendly?
They can be enjoyable, active flock birds. They are usually more energetic than heavier duck breeds, so customers should expect a busy, alert duck rather than a slow-moving pet.
Do Khaki Campbell Ducks need a pond?
No. They do not need a pond, but they do need clean drinking water deep enough to dip and clean their bills and nostrils.
Can Khaki Campbell Ducks live with chickens?
Sometimes, but ducks and chickens have different water and bedding needs. Cackle’s Keeping Ducks Together with Chickens can help customers plan a mixed flock.
What is the difference between Khaki Campbell and White Pekin Ducks?
Khaki Campbells are smaller, more active, and known for egg production. White Pekins are larger, faster-growing, and more commonly used for meat and pets.
Does Cackle Hatchery® offer Khaki Campbell Ducks in the fall?
Cackle notes that customers looking for fall duck shipping should check the Khaki Campbell Duck fall shipping page for current seasonal options.
Can Cackle Hatchery® ship Khaki Campbell Ducks to Hawaii?
No. Cackle Hatchery® cannot ship ducks to Hawaii.
Where can I check Khaki Campbell Duck availability?
Check Cackle Hatchery’s Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping options.
jenniferscar83 –
Ordered 2 of these ducks and they are beautiful! Both came with out chick and other duck order perfectly healthy. Very happy with the quality of these ducks.
Robert C –
Ducklings all arrived in healthy condition
4 months all 11 ducks have grown well!
Crysta –
Fantastic Experience – Lifetime Customer Loyalty Unlocked!
Cackle is awesome! The post office…let’s just say they do the best they can. Last year, we ordered 10 khakis as a straight run. When the box arrived (right on time), there were 15 birds: 10 rouens, 4 khakis, and a little yellow duckling that turned out to be a buff. We immediately contacted Cackle and discovered that not only did they already know of the problem, they knew what caused it and had already taken steps to get us the birds we originally ordered.
There was a particularly bad storm in a location relevant to this story–specifically, the location of the USPS warehouse where our birds were in transit. Power went out. The pallet carrying ducklings was dropped. Ducklings everywhere. I don’t know about anyone else, but the concept of chasing down several dozen day-old ducklings in a warehouse already sounds daunting, but add in the fact that they had no internet, phones, or…you know…lights… Like I said, they did the best they could.
In the end, we wound up with:
Khaki Cambell – 9 drakes, 5 hens
Rouen – 4 drakes, 6 hens
Buff – 1 drake
We put most of the drakes in the freezer, but we kept one each of the khakis and the rouens for breeding…and the buff. His name is Dodger. Because reasons.
Overall, we were very pleased with Cackle’s superb customer service and the health of our birds. This year, we’re ordering a Hatchery Surprise. Can’t wait to see what we wind up with and our fingers are definitely crossed for some more waterfowl.
Marie –
Wonderful ducks!
I’ve ordered a few different breeds from cackle hatchery, I have 19 waterfowl in my flock. Super healthy birds, the ducks are great security for the chickens as they sound the alarm for any intruder. The khaki Campbell are great layers as promised. They are the smallest of the breeds that I own. All the birds I’ve ordered from cackle hatchery have arrived very healthy, no complaints at all. This is my first year with ducks and I have found that they measure up to the information I look up online about keeping water fowl.
JenMoske –
Egg Laying Ducks
At 6 months my ducks began laying eggs. These ducks are super healthy (only lost 1 on the first day) and fun to watch run around my property. The eggs are rich and delicious! Would definitely get birds from Cackle Hatchery from now on.
Frosty –
khaki Campbell
I have only had a few kinds of ducks in the past so I don’t have much to compare these to. But I LOVE these khaki campbell’s. I got three and I think i ordered them unsexed. got all females–lucky me. They each lay an egg every day!!! they have only been laying for a few months but i estimate they will lay over 300 eggs per year. they are all brown and maybe not as good looking as some other duck breeds. but they were super cute when they were little and they look good enough for me. very friendly; never aggressive. we like the eggs much better than the chicken eggs. UPSIDE: alot of very good eggs, easy to deal with; friendly. Possible downside: they are messy so it would be good to have an inside and outside coop area; you need to have water available all the time so the can splash around and clean their beaks; they are inefficient. i wondered, since these produced more eggs than chickens, why we don’t have duck eggs at the store. i think the reason is that they are messy and more important, i think the food/egg ratio is much high (not sure on this). I am guessing they need alot more food to make a good egg. also, they are not quite as good at laying in the right place. the chickens always lay their eggs in the nests. the ducks usually lay in the same spot but sometimes not. if you want amazing duck eggs, this breed is for you.
Khakis –
The ducks arrived and most surrived to adult hood. We purchased these due to thier higher laying numbers.
The ducks are doing well. We only lost one when it was a juvenile. They are laying well and they have nice strong eggs.
KC’s Creekside Therapeutic Farm –
Love these ladies!
I intentionally bought this breed as they rated as great layers. They have lives up to their reputation. I get great consistency in laying and the eggs are fabulous! Friendly and fun, they are easy keepers!
rekrapnek –
Ducks
My ducks came healthy and strong, they thrived and did well and produced lots of eggs. Khaki Campbells are a favorite of mine and these were excellet 5 stars!!!
Michael –
Great ducks
I got these ducks months ago with only one loss in the shipping. The rest are doing great and are starting to lay eggs now. They are very com and easy to care for.
Lynda –
Nice ducks!
Thanks for the beautiful and healthy khaki campbells. We’ve had them since the beginning of summer and love them. Definitely recommend keeping these funny birds and am looking forward to great eggs!
Lynne –
Amazing ducks
I was interested in laying ducks and chose Khakis and Anconas.
I have two each and can’t believe how many eggs I am getting. They are 7 months old and my four ducks have been laying 4 eggs every day for weeks now. They eggs are similar to chicken eggs, a bit larger, creamier and with stiffer whites. I have a small pasture they love to search for bugs etc. As winter approaches the coyotes are getting bolder and the ducks are the first to sound the alarm to alert the chickens to danger. No one sneaks up on them. They eat chicken layer pellets with a few mealworms in their water tub. They don’t range as far from the pen and don’t make messes scratching up my plants like chickens do. They are super easy to herd because they stay together and can run amazingly fast on those short legs. I did have to clip one wing on the Khakis because while they aren’t great flyers, they got over the 4 ft fence a couple of times.
Jacki –
Ducks
Our ducks are thriving, and such a great addition to our farm!
lmjordan10 –
Healthy ducks….good eggs
Ordered 6 khaki Campbell ducks (4 female, 2 male) along with geese, turkeys, chickens in April 2019. All birds arrived healthy and have done well. We raised the ducks in a brooder with the 2 geese and they still hang out with the geese. Began laying eggs at about 5 mths age. They are free range during the day and locked up at night. I feel the geese seem to provide some protection from predators as they are very noisy. The ducks seem very shy with us….they always have. Unless they lay their eggs before we let them out in the morning it can be interesting trying to find their eggs lol!
kim –
Khaki Campbell duck
great little ducks. We raise ducks for eggs and the Khaki Campbells are wonderful layers.
JOSEPH –
GREAT
healthy birds all lived all doing well, good stock will order again
Brianna –
Great experience!
I’ve placed several orders with Cackle Hatchery for Khaki Campbells and have been very pleased with the service, quality of birds, and accuracy of sexing. Highly recommend!
2kids and us –
Great addition to the farm
We were very pleased with our purchase. Ducks were healthy and we did not loose any witch is not always the case when buying online. We love this breed, we have many different breed of duck here on our little farm but we really enjoy watching these guys run around standing so tall.
Ann –
Outstanding
Living in Alaska and getting shipments of live birds is difficult. I want to thank Cackle for allowing me to ship overnight on a replacement order last year. They arrived healthy. I hope to be able to ship overnight on all my future orders to ensure “live delivery”. I know this will be expensive but I am willing to pay instead of waiting for a new hatching time slot for those that don’t make it. Your staff is OUTSTANDING, I love working with Cackle. Khaki Campbells are my go to Duck for eggs! And the Broad Breasted Bronze Turkeys always do well. Thank you for your customer service.
Vandiver –
Excellent layers
Khaki Campbell’s are excellent layers of medium to large eggs.
Raf –
Very Happy
I ordered 15 straight run Khaki Cambell ducklings, all arrived healthy and happy with one extra.
They free ranged through the summer in a duck tractor, they relish the greens they have access to in the tractor.
They’re very pretty and are doing great, one thing to remember is that Khakis can be a bit on the nervous side.
Woodville B&B –
Satisfied customer
I’ve bought quite a few birds from Cackle Hatchery these last two years. All have been healthy and thrived. This spring I purchased 4 different breeds of ducks. The Khaki Campbells are the first to start laying, and all of them are laying an egg a day.
Crazy bird lady –
Great company
We have gotten many chicks and ducks from cackle. This spring we got our second order of khaki ducklings. We did have two that didnt make the shipping process but was refunded immediately for them. We are just now starting to get some first eggs from them, but with the 2 orders of 12 and 8 we have been very happy with them and the wonderful customer service
Chuck –
Great ducks
Ordered twice and received healthy ducks both times. Kahki Campbell is a very hardy duck and a great layer.
Byrdbrainminifarm –
Cool pets with benefits (great tasting eggs)
We love our ducks from Cackle Hatchery. They all arrived healthy via the USPS. All of ours lived to be grown with no issues other than predators. We wanted them them to be able to free range, so we fenced an area for them that includes a large wooded section. Our Great Pyrenees stays with them until they go into their secured coop at night now. Before the fencing and a very tightly sealed coop, we lost some to snakes and a wondering dog, so be sure to provide them with security.
These girls lay some very tasty eggs and have great personalities. I’ve had only chickens and guineas until these guys arrived, but I hope to always keep ducks too after my experience with these.
Mommaduck –
ten thumbs up
I have been ordering from Cackle Hatchery for over ten years now. I am always pleased with their poultry and fowl. I appreciate the directions they always include with the shipment. I’m a customer for life.
ClemsonGirly94 –
Ducklings
I ordered 17 female birds (5 Easter Eggs, 5 Buff Orpington, 5 White Leghorns, 2 Khaki Campbell Ducks) and ALL were alive and healthy straight out of the shipping box. They’re all a week old now and absolutely thriving!
This was my first time ordering chicks online and I was a little hesitant at first but Cackle Hatchery is great! I will be a repeat buyer.
Mtdubie –
Excellent Birds
Ordered 10 straight run Ducks and received 11 , glad because 1 appeared Blind was doing circles and very small only way to get to was put it on top food or drink by putting water ended up putting little down. The 5 geese where fine , lost two of bad judgement. Crackle ranks 10 with Me always happy with them.
Crazy Catskill Mountain Duck Lady ;) –
Extremely satisfied
I am absolutely thrilled with the quality, beauty, health and vigor of my four little khaki girls I purchased from Cackle Hatchery. I had bought 7 straight run khakis from tractor supply last year, and while I love them I think your stock is superior. I bought the additional females this year to balance out an unfavorable drake/hen ratio, since I could not bring myself to part with any of my drakes. When I tracked their trip online from the Ozarks to here in the Catskills, I noticed the shipment was delayed (through no fault of Cackle) in Kansas City a whole day! When they did finally arrive, I was so afraid I would open the box to find at least one perished. I was so relieved to find when I opened the box four extremely vigorous little duckies that immediately started drinking, eating, and grooming themselves like they had not just spent three days in that little box. Thank you so much for providing my healthy little beauties, I gave them each flower names, Rose, Daisy, Violet, and Petunia, to go along with my two 1 year old hens, Sweetpea and Buttercup. Sounds nutty I know, but I love my ducks! Thank You!
Tammy, Illinois May 2012 –
Cackle Hatchery
All 17 are doing great, eating and of course growing.Thank you for this service that you provide and the assurance than when I order I always get great service and great animals. Thank You