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Khaki Campbell

The Khaki Campbell is the world's most prolific duck egg layer - 250-340 eggs per year per hen, more than any chicken breed. Light frame, active foragers, calm temperament. The 'egg machine' of ducks. FastPoultry takes free quote requests for Khaki Campbell as day-old ducklings, started birds, and adult birds and matches each one with NPIP-certified breeders within 1 business day.

About this breed

What do breed references say about the Khaki Campbell?

The Khaki Campbell is a light, energetic English egg-laying duck. The Livestock Conservancy lists the Campbell as Watch and, citing Ives, says most start laying at 5 to 7 months and average 250 to 340 eggs a year. Khaki is the only Campbell color recognized by the American Poultry Association.

Conservation Priority List statusWatch
OriginDeveloped by Adele Campbell in Gloucestershire, England, introduced in 1898
United StatesImported in 1929; APA recognized in 1941
WeightAbout 4 to 4.5 lb
EggsMost start laying at 5 to 7 months; average 250 to 340 eggs a year (Ives)
ClimateRecorded in climates from 100 F deserts to Northern regions below 0 F (Holderread)

Source: The Livestock Conservancy, Campbell Duck breed profile, read 2026-10-08. Individual lines and strains vary, so ask each breeder about their own stock.

Quick facts: Khaki Campbell

OriginGloucestershire, England - 1898 by Adele Campbell
APA recognized1941
Conservation statusWatch
Adult weightDrakes 4.5 lb, Hens 4 lb
Size classLight
Eggs per year~280
Egg colorWhite (occasionally tinted)
Egg sizeExtra Large
BroodinessLow
Cold hardinessExcellent
Heat toleranceGood
Noise levelQuiet
Flight tendencyStrong flier (must wing-clip or net)
Beginner friendlyYes

History & origin

Adele Campbell of Gloucestershire, England, crossed Indian Runner (egg production) x Rouen (table quality) x Mallard (vigor) in the 1890s to create the world's best laying duck. The 'khaki' color came later when she crossed her line with Penciled Runner ducks. APA-recognized 1941. Most-kept egg-laying duck in the world. Significantly outlay any chicken breed except high-production Leghorn hybrids.

Personality & temperament

activeforagingcalmdocile

Best for: eggs, foraging, small farm, pond keepers

Eggs & laying

Lay year-round including winter. Eggs 30% bigger than chicken eggs.

Husbandry & care

Indoor coop space4 sq ft per bird
Run space15 sq ft per bird

Space: Need water deep enough to submerge head - a kiddie pool works. No actual swimming pond required for laying.

Feeding: Layer feed 16-18% protein. Add niacin (3% of feed) - ducks need it more than chickens.

Health: Niacin deficiency causes leg weakness. Add brewer's yeast to feed.

Climate: Zones 3-10. Cold-hardy down to 0F with dry bedding.

Buying tips

  • Drakes are slightly darker than hens; both are khaki-colored.
  • Hens lay 280+ eggs/year. Drakes will mate any hen - 1 drake per 4-5 hens is correct.
  • Day-old ducklings ship USPS in groups of 10+. Use poultry shavings, not cedar.
  • Hatching eggs ship well - hatch rate 70-85% with proper incubation.

Did you know?

  • World's most prolific egg-laying duck.
  • Lay through winter with no drop-off (unlike chickens).
  • Eggs are richer than chicken eggs - 30% more fat in the yolk, popular with bakers.
  • Will not sit on their own eggs - use a broody chicken or incubator.

FAQs about Khaki Campbell

Where can I buy a Khaki Campbell?

You can request Khaki Campbell through FastPoultry, which matches buyer requests with breeders. Choose from 3 request pages for day-old ducklings, started birds, and adult birds, then tell us your quantity, preferred age, and delivery state in the form on this page. Matched breeder options arrive within 1 business day, and you arrange payment, pickup, or shipping directly with the breeder you choose.

How much does a Khaki Campbell cost?

Prices for Khaki Campbell are set by each breeder and change with season, line quality, age, and quantity, so FastPoultry does not publish a fixed price. Submitting a request is free. Matched breeders reply with current pricing, and you should ask whether the quote includes boxing, shipping, and vaccinations before you pay the breeder directly.

How do I avoid buying a fake Khaki Campbell?

The Livestock Conservancy advises choosing robust, active, strong-legged birds from a line with a history of good laying and foraging, selected for egg production. It warns that crossbreeds showing facial stripes or weighing more than 6 lb are sometimes sold as Campbells but do not lay well. A true Campbell weighs about 4 to 4.5 lb, so ask the breeder for adult weights and laying records.

How many eggs does a Khaki Campbell lay?

A Khaki Campbell hen lays roughly 280 eggs a year, and the eggs are extra large and white (occasionally tinted). Lay year-round including winter. Eggs 30% bigger than chicken eggs. Broodiness is rated low. Real production depends on strain, hen age, season, and daylight, so ask breeders about the laying record of their parent stock.

Is the Khaki Campbell good for beginners?

Yes. The Khaki Campbell is rated beginner friendly. Temperament: active, foraging, calm, docile; cold hardiness: excellent; heat tolerance: good; noise level: quiet. It is best for eggs, foraging, small farm, and pond keepers. Check local rules on roosters and flock size before you buy.

Can a Khaki Campbell be shipped to my state?

The USDA NPIP state importation table (May 20, 2026) lists VS Form 9-3 as required for shipments into 44 of 50 states, and 31 states list a permit, approval number, or other entry requirement, so check your state's location page before you order. VS Form 9-3 is the NPIP report of sales that the shipping breeder completes, and some states add a permit number, a Pullorum-Typhoid or avian influenza clean-flock rule, or a health certificate. FastPoultry does not ship to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands through standard requests.

Related species

Which ages can you request?

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