The Duck Dilemma: Weighing the Pros and Cons on the Farm

One of the things we always strive for on the farm is a balance between what we enjoy, what works well, and what makes sense for the long-term health of the farm itself. Lately, we've been having ongoing conversations about our ducks — and whether they'll continue to have a place here for the years ahead.

We thought it might be helpful to share some of that thinking with all of you, as many folks have asked us over the years about the ducks (and their eggs).

What We Love About Ducks

First of all: we genuinely like ducks.

They've got good personalities — social, curious, and often quite entertaining. It's always fun to watch them paddle around in the pond, quacking merrily as they swim and explore. Unlike some poultry, we've never had a duck become aggressive toward people, and they're often quite personable (if a bit skittish).

Ducks can also do great work around the farm. They eat bugs and grass, but largely leave vegetable crops alone. Compared to chickens, they're quite hardy. They bounce back quickly from injuries, and their size means only larger predators typically pose a real threat.

Of course, one of the biggest benefits: the eggs. Duck eggs are large, rich, and excellent for cooking. They add an extra creaminess to baked goods, custards, and other recipes (we especially enjoy them in frozen custard). For those who appreciate duck eggs, they're often seen as a premium ingredient.

The Challenges of Keeping Ducks

That said, ducks aren't without their challenges, and on a working farm, those challenges add up.

First, ducks eat a lot. A lot, a lot. Much more than chickens. Their higher feed consumption means higher ongoing costs. They also need much more water. Not just to drink, but to clean their bills and keep their feathers in good condition.

And where there's water, there's mud. Ducks are messy. They tend to make any area they frequent pretty soggy, and their housing requires extra attention to cleanliness to avoid health issues, especially foot injuries which are common if the ground gets too rough or dirty.

Perhaps the biggest factor, though, is economics. While we have a small and loyal customer base for duck eggs, they remain a tougher sell than chicken eggs. Many people are unfamiliar with duck eggs, or simply prefer to stick with what they know. As a result, it's difficult for duck eggs to generate enough demand to fully offset the higher costs of raising ducks. On a small farm with tight margins, every input and output has to be carefully weighed.

Looking to the Future

We're currently exploring whether adding meat birds, both ducks and chickens, might make sense for the farm next year. Meat sales could provide another revenue stream to help offset the high feed and care costs that come with raising ducks.

Ultimately, it's not just a question of what we enjoy. As much as we like having ducks around, we also have to consider the farm's long-term sustainability. Every decision we make has to balance the realities of farming with the joy of caring for animals and growing food for our community.

If we were simply raising pets, ducks would be an easy yes (albeit a messy, smelly one!). But in farming, our love of the animals must also be weighed against the business side of things and we want to ensure the farm remains viable for years to come. For now, we'll continue to care for our current flock, and we'll have duck eggs available as usual. But whether we continue to replace the flock as birds age remains an open question and one we'll keep thinking through carefully.