Khaki Campbell Duck

Looks how to spot one

Feathers

Khaki Campbells have a streamlined, active body carried at a jaunty 20 to 40 degree angle. The drake sports a greenish-bronze head and brown-bronze tail and back, while the rest of his plumage is a warm khaki. The duck is mostly khaki with seal-brown on her head, upper neck and lower back. Both have green bills, but the drake's legs and feet are rich dark orange, whereas the duck's are brown.57

Personality what they are like

Khaki Campbells are energetic and high-strung, needing plenty of space to roam and forage. They can be nervous, but with gentle handling they become calm and are not wild. They are active and enthusiastic foragers, always keen to hunt bugs in the garden.463

Daily activity how busy a day looks

They need plenty of room to graze and forage every day. A large garden or paddock is ideal, and they love to dig through soil looking for grubs and insects. They do not require a pond to stay healthy, but will enjoy a shallow kiddie pool or similar water source.54

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Khaki Campbells are low-maintenance. Provide fresh water daily for drinking and dabbling. Their feathers stay clean naturally if they have access to water for bathing. No special grooming is needed, but check feet and bill regularly for any issues.5

Home where they are happiest

They are amazingly adaptable and thrive in climates from arid deserts (over 100°F) to cold northern regions (below 0°F), as long as they have adequate diet, calm surroundings, and enough space. Keep flocks to no more than 50-200 birds for best welfare. A secure coop at night protects them from predators.24

Food basics what goes in the bowl

They are excellent foragers and eat large quantities of slugs, snails, insects, algae and mosquitoes. Supplement with a balanced poultry feed (layer pellets or crumbles) and ensure fresh water is always available. They do not require swimming water to stay healthy.5

Company who they like around

Khaki Campbells are social and do best in small flocks. They are high-strung and need a calm environment. A ratio of one drake to six ducks is recommended to prevent over-mating. They are not typically aggressive and can be kept with other duck breeds.3

The story where it all began

The Khaki Campbell was created in the late 1800s by Mrs Adele Campbell of Gloucestershire, England. She wanted a duck that would lay plenty of eggs yet still be large enough for roasting. She crossed her prolific Indian Runner duck with a Rouen drake, and later added Mallard blood. The first Campbells were introduced in 1898, and the khaki colour variety appeared in 1901. Mrs Campbell named it after the colour of British army uniforms. The breed reached the United States in 1929 and was admitted to the American Standard of Perfection in 1941. Today it is valued worldwide as one of the most prolific egg-laying duck breeds.127

Recognised by the official bits

American Poultry Association

Khaki variety recognised in 19415

Poultry Club of Great Britain

Recognised as a light duck breed8

Popularity Growing in popularity as a backyard egg-layer5