Ducks are prevalent around the world in many breeds. Many species of duck will live wild, while others are for domesticated pets. Therefore, when examining how much a duck weighs, the answer will depend on the breed, gender, and lifestyle habits.
These waterfowl creatures have been around for centuries, providing meat, down, and eggs for anyone willing to keep them for these purposes. However, as more individuals house backyard chickens and flocks of birds, domestic ducks are more popular than ever.
Popular Domestic Duck Breeds and Weights
Currently, there are 91 recognized duck breeds around the world. Although, the majority of domestic ducks you see will fall into these 12 most popular breed types:
- Bali Duck
- Blue Sweedish
- Crested
- Hook Bill
- Indian Runner
- Khaki Campbell
- Muscovy
- Pekin Duck
- Rouen
- Saxony
- Silver Bantam
- Welsh Harlequin
Even with such variety, almost all of the duck breeds are descendants of the Mallard Duck. The American Poultry Association has four size classifications of duck breeds: Bantam, Lightweight, Mediumweight, and Heavyweight.
The duck’s overall size and weight depend on the breed and sex. Males, also known as drakes, will be larger and heavier than females. This chart compares the typical weight of each popular domestic breed of duck that you may find familiar in your area.
| BREED | MALE | FEMALE |
| Bali Duck | 2.25 to 2.75 kg | 1.8 to 2.25 kg |
| Blue Sweedish | 3 to 4 kg | 2.5 to 3.5 kg |
| Crested | 0.9 to 3.2 kg | 0.9 to 2.7 kg |
| Hook Bill | 2 to 2.25 kg | 1.6 to 2 kg |
| Indian Runner | 1.6 to 2.3 kg | 1.4 to 2 kg |
| Khaki Campbell | 2.3 to 2.5 kg | 2 to 2.3 kg |
| Muscovy | 4.5 to 6.3 kg | 2.7 to 3.6 kg |
| Pekin Duck | 4.1 kg | 3.6 kg |
| Rouen | 4.5 kg | 4 kg |
| Saxony | 3.6 kg | 3.2 kg |
| Silver Bantam | 0.91 kg | 0.79 kg |
| Welsh Harlequin | 2.5 kg | 2.3 kg |
Why Size and Weight Matters
For many hobbyists, the size and weight of a duck will matter when building or adding to their flock. Each adult duck will need four to six square feet of space in a coop, so you will need to plan accordingly to ensure your flock is not overcrowded.
This is especially important for larger breeds, like the heaviest domesticated duck, the English Aylesbury and Rouen. Drakes of this variety can grow up to 12 pounds, with their female counterparts weighing in at 9-11.
Space Restrictions
Some country homes will have ample space for pet ducks of any size, but if space is an issue, the smaller the duck, the better. If you are concerned with how much area your duck will require, selecting a smaller breed may suit your home best.
It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to allocated space per duck. For example, even though ducklings weigh 4.5-6 pounds when they are anywhere from three to four months old, they may grow significantly larger.
When examining the 12 popular breeds of domestic ducks, the Silver Bantam and the Crested remain exceptionally small compared to other types. These tiny birds will not take up much space in a coop, but you will need to be careful that they do not get underfoot. Their small size means they are at risk for injury easier than larger breeds.
As a Food Source
If you want ducks to be used as a source of food for you and your family, choosing a bigger breed will yield a better return on your investment. Many hybrid crosses can grow to almost 6 kg, providing a nice butcher weight. Jumbo Pekins grow incredibly fast and are a delicious addition to any meal.
Welsh Harlequins and Khaki Campbells are high egg producers. This feature makes them the ideal breed for anyone looking to have a continuous supply of duck eggs. Duck eggs are generally safe for individuals who have chicken egg allergies or sensitivities, and they are extraordinary for baking, lending your goods a rich, decadent quality. In addition, these two duck breeds remain relatively minor in size and weight, perfect for small coops or backyard flocks.
On average, a five pound duck will be enough to serve up to three people. With that in mind, if you have a small family to feed, you won’t need ducks that get too large. However, the more mouths you look to feed, the larger the ducks you will want to grow.
The average duck you can buy at the market will be roughly four to five pounds. A good way to judge what size duck you may need is to go ahead and buy one or two from the grocery store to see how much they feed your family and go from there.
As a Pet
For a beginner duck owner, Welsh Harlequins are a terrific smaller-sized breed that has a calm personality. These features are ideal for a family with children who want to be involved and handle the ducks regularly. In addition, they do not grow large and are easy to interact with while forming a bond.
Pekin Ducks also have terrific personalities. They are a peaceful breed and will happily relax on your property. However, if you have concerns about size and weight, the Pekin may not be ideal. Since these ducks can grow exceptionally large, they could pose a problem for small children or areas with limited space. You do not want your ducks to outgrow their living space.
Wrapping Up
If you are considering adding a duck to your backyard flock, many spectacular breeds will suit various spaces. You can find these waterfowl in tiny compact sizes or large builds, depending on your reason for obtaining them.
Ducks are social creatures, so you may want to entertain the idea of getting at least two ducks when adding them to your flock as a companion. Whether you want a duck for a pet or a food source, you are sure to find the perfect breed to suit your yard space.