Have you ever considered the differences between duck and chicken eggs? I had never really imagined that there was a difference. They are both birds, eat similar diets, but there is a lot more to eggs than I realized.
According to a Healthline.com article, written by Cecilia Snyder, MS, RD on December 1, 2020,* the following chart of nutritional information shows a big differences:
| Duck Eggs | Chicken Eggs | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 223 | 149 |
| Protein | 12 grams | 10 grams |
| Fat | 18.5 grams | 11 grams |
| Carbs | 1.4 grams | 1.6 grams |
| Fiber | 0 grams | 0 grams |
| Cholesterol | 276% of the Daily Value (DV) | 92% of the DV |
| Choline | 36% of the DV | 40% of the DV |
| Copper | 6% of the DV | 7% of the DV |
| Folate | 14% of the DV | 9% of the DV |
| Iron | 20% of the DV | 7% of the DV |
| Pantothenic acid | – | 24% of the DV |
| Phosphorus | 16% of the DV | 13% of the DV |
| Riboflavin | 28% of the DV | 29% of the DV |
| Selenium | 62% of the DV | 43% of the DV |
| Thiamine | 10% of the DV | 3% of the DV |
| Vitamin A | 23% of the DV | 18% of the DV |
| Vitamin B6 | 15% of the DV | 8% of the DV |
| Vitamin B12 | 168% of the DV | 32% of the DV |
| Vitamin D | 8% of the DV | 9% of the DV |
| Vitamin E | 13% of the DV | 8% of the DV |
| Zinc | 12% of the DV | 9% of the DV |
I have come to understand that there are also big differences in raising these two types of birds. Our ducks have been less susceptible to weather changes, have more sustainable laying habits, and statistically they live longer than chickens. They are much easier to keep inside their fence and they nest on the floor of their house which allows us to maximize space by keep our rabbits above them. They seem to be good roommates. 😊
The duck downfall is water. They love water, but are extremely messy with it. Our chickens daintily drink from their waterers, while the ducks attack their pond with a vengeance, and it becomes stinky and dirty very fast.
So, I haven’t decided which birds I prefer. For now, we will continue to keep both and really enjoy both types of eggs in different recipes. All the while knowing that whichever eggs we use, they are full of great nutrients, and harvested in an ethical way.
Check out this recipe for Shakshuka
*Duck Eggs vs. Chicken Eggs: Nutrition, Benefits, and More (healthline.com)