Khaki Campbell

Looks how to spot one

Smooth, waterproof feathers

A trim, medium-sized duck with a slightly upright stance. Ducks are an even soft khaki all over; drakes have a darker olive-green to bronze head and brown-bronze back and tail, without the white neck ring of a mallard. Both sexes have greenish bills.12

Personality what they are like

An alert, lively duck that likes to keep busy foraging. Hand-raised birds are usually relaxed about people coming near their nests.132

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very keen foragers that enjoy both land and water, hunting slugs, snails, insects and pond life. They benefit from daily time outside to roam, although they can stay well without a large swimming pond.23

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Ducks keep their feathers in order themselves by preening and bathing, so the main job is supplying clean water: drinkers deep enough for a duck to dip its whole head, and a pool or tub for bathing. Keep bedding dry and change it often, and stop runs from turning into deep mud.5

Home where they are happiest

A dry, well-ventilated and predator-proof house with roughly 0.4-0.55 m2 (4-6 sq ft) of floor per duck, plus a secure outdoor run with grass if possible. Sturdy fencing, fine hardware mesh, fencing sunk a little into the ground and overhead netting all help keep the flock safe.5

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete commercial waterfowl feed as the base, with leafy greens, other vegetables and the odd protein treat such as mealworms. Keep avocado, chocolate, onion, garlic, nightshade plants and mouldy food away from them, and always offer fresh water alongside food. Much of their extra food comes from foraging slugs, snails, insects and pond life.52

Company who they like around

A flock bird that should live with at least two or three other ducks. If drakes are kept, about one drake to four or more ducks keeps the group settled.5

The story where it all began

Adele Campbell of Uley began with a Runner duck that laid remarkably well, then crossed Runner, Rouen and mallard stock, launching the Campbell in 1898 and the khaki colour in 1901. She chose the name because the colour reminded her of British army uniforms, and the breed spread worldwide as a top laying duck.12

Recognised by the official bits

Poultry Club of Great Britain

Accepted into the UK Poultry Club Standards in 1924.1

American Poultry Association (APA)

Admitted to the American Standard of Perfection in 1941.1

The Livestock Conservancy

Conservation status 'Watch'; FAO (2007) listed it as not at risk.1