
A mature Khaki Campbell drake. The differences in plumage between the Campbell and the Mallard next to it can be clearly seen.
A 'Khaki Campbell' (or just 'Campbell') is a breed of
domesticated duck kept for its high level of egg production. The breed was developed by Adele Campbell of
England at the end of the 19th century.
[1] The "Khaki" portion of the name refers to the duck's typical color.
Adult Campbell ducks weigh approximately 4
pounds. Campbells can come in three color varieties: khaki, dark and white. The Khaki Campbell duck is mostly khaki colored with a darker head. They have
Mallard,
Rouen and
Runner duck blood in them.
The egg production of the Campbell breed can exceed even the most efficient of egg laying domestic
chickens, with the breed laying an average of 300 eggs a year.
[2].
This breed of duck is listed as watch by the
American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
[3]
History

An 8 week old Khaki Campbell (rear) and a 13 week old
Mallard
In the late 1800s Adele Campbell purchased a Fawn and White
Indian Runner Duck which was an exceptional layer (195 eggs in 197 days) and crossed it with a Rouen in an attempt to create a strain that would lay well and have bigger bodies.
[4] The offspring were crossed with
Mallards to increase their hardiness.
[5] The resulting birds were prolific layers. The "Campbell" breed was introduced to the public in 1898. In an attempt to create a more attractive buff-colored duck Mrs. Campbell crossed her original Campbells with Penciled Runner ducks. The resulting color reminded Mrs. Campbell of
British army uniforms, so she named these new ducks "Khaki Campbell".
1
it is also in the light class.
References
1. The Campbell Duck
2. Poultry Breeds - Khaki Campbell Duck
3. American Livestock Breeds Conservancy Watchlist
4. Storey's guide to daising ducks, Dave Holderread, , , Storey, , ISBN 1-58017-258-X
5. Khaki Campbell Ducks