Ducks vs. Goats in Stardew Valley: Which Animal Reigns Supreme?

Deciding between ducks and goats can be a tricky choice for any budding Stardew Valley farmer. Both offer unique products, but which one ultimately contributes more to your farm’s profitability and overall success? The short answer is that goats generally provide better long-term value than ducks in Stardew Valley, primarily due to the higher value of their processed products and their greater impact on long-term growth strategies. While ducks have their own unique advantages, including feathers for crafting, goat cheese consistently provides better returns on investment and is generally more useful. Let’s delve into the specifics to understand why.

The Case for Goats

Goat Milk and its Versatility

The primary product from goats is goat milk, which is produced every two days by a mature, happy goat. This milk can then be processed into goat cheese using a Cheese Press. Here’s where the value begins to shine:

• Goat Cheese Profitability: While regular Goat Milk has some value, goat cheese significantly increases its worth. Critically, cows provide two cheeses each time, further increasing overall profit for the cheese-oriented player.
• Cooking and Recipes: Goat cheese is an ingredient in a variety of recipes, often used in dishes that restore significant health and energy, making them valuable for dungeon delving and other activities, or for gifts.
• Long-Term Investment: The consistent production of milk, and consequently cheese, makes goats a reliable income source. They also contribute to the Community Center bundles, which are a significant part of the game.
• Barn Animals: Goats reside in the barn, alongside other profitable animals like cows and pigs. They are thus part of the larger economy that a barn can produce, which will inevitably lead to greater profits and synergies.

The Unique Benefits of Goats

Beyond milk and cheese, goats also play a role in completing collections and fulfilling community goals. They are relatively low maintenance, requiring only daily feeding and occasional petting for optimal happiness and product quality. This low maintenance and consistent return on investment makes them a wise choice for any farmer.

The Case for Ducks

Duck Eggs and Feathers

Ducks, on the other hand, offer both duck eggs and duck feathers. These items have distinct uses but are less consistently profitable than the products of a goat:

• Duck Eggs: Duck eggs are produced every other day (similar to goats) and can be used in cooking and are required for certain bundles. They can also be used to make mayonnaise via a Mayonnaise Machine. This however, is not as valuable as goat cheese.
• Duck Feathers: Duck feathers are also less valuable. They are used in some crafting recipes, specifically the crafting of the Rain Totem which can be handy. However, their overall use and value are limited compared to products like cheese and truffles.
• Coop Animals: Ducks live in the coop, alongside other birds and rabbits, including the highly profitable chickens. While the coop itself can be an excellent source of income, ducks are less of a direct contributor to high-end profits.

Limited Utility of Duck Products

The limited usability and lower sale value of duck feathers and egg products compared to goat milk and cheese is the primary reason that goats are a better overall choice. While ducks certainly have their place in a well-rounded farm, they tend to serve a more niche function, unlike the consistent profit potential of goats.

Why Goats Generally Outperform Ducks

The key difference is the consistent higher value of processed goat products and their versatility. While duck feathers are useful for certain crafts, they don’t contribute to long-term income like goat cheese. Goat cheese can be sold, given as gifts, or used in many recipes to restore health and energy.

Practical Considerations

• Barn vs. Coop: The barn houses several highly profitable animals, including goats, cows, and pigs. Each is a greater direct contributor to long-term profit than a duck. This makes goats a good choice due to their position among other high-income animals.
• Processing: Processing goat milk into goat cheese significantly increases its value, creating a reliable income source.
• Early vs. Late Game: While both are accessible fairly early in the game, the long-term profitability and utility of goat products scales better than duck products as the game progresses.

When Might Ducks Be a Better Choice?

Despite goats being generally better, ducks are still valuable.

• Completing the Community Center Bundles: If you’re focused on completing the Community Center quickly, duck eggs are a necessary ingredient for the Animal Bundle, as are duck feathers.
• Crafting Specific Items: Players who heavily rely on using the Rain Totem will find ducks more beneficial due to their feathers.
• Aesthetic Preference: Ultimately, personal preference plays a role. Some players simply enjoy having a flock of ducks on their farm.

Final Verdict

While both ducks and goats are worthwhile additions to your Stardew Valley farm, goats are the superior choice in terms of long-term profitability and utility. Their consistent milk production, the value of goat cheese, and their place within the broader barn-animal economy makes them a better option for farmers aiming to maximize their income and farm efficiency. Ducks can provide variety and niche uses but do not perform as well as goats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I get a goat in Stardew Valley?

You can buy a goat from Marnie’s Ranch for 4,000 gold, after building a barn and upgrading it once.

2. How do I get a duck in Stardew Valley?

You can purchase a duck from Marnie’s Ranch for 1,200 gold after building a coop and upgrading it once.

3. How often do goats produce milk?

Goats produce milk every 2 days, provided they are fed and happy.

4. How often do ducks produce eggs?

Ducks produce eggs every 2 days, provided they are fed and happy.

5. Can ducks and goats roam freely outside?

Yes, both ducks and goats can be allowed to roam outside the barn or coop. This often increases their happiness level, and allows barn animals to eat grass, thus saving on hay.

6. What is the best use for duck feathers?

Duck feathers are primarily used in the crafting of Rain Totems.

7. What is the best use for goat milk?

Goat milk is best processed into goat cheese for increased value. It can also be used in recipes.

8. Are goat cheese and duck eggs needed for Community Center bundles?

Yes, goat cheese is needed for the Artisan Bundle, and duck eggs are needed for the Animal Bundle.

9. Which is more profitable, duck eggs or goat milk?

Goat milk, particularly when processed into cheese, is more profitable than duck eggs and feathers over time.

10. Do ducks or goats require more care?

Both ducks and goats require similar levels of care: they must be fed daily, and their happiness is boosted by petting.

11. Can auto-grabbers be used to collect products from ducks and goats?

Auto-grabbers only work in barns, and can collect goat milk but not products from coops.

12. Which animal is better for early game profits?

Chickens are generally the best for early game profit due to their daily egg production, however, goats quickly outpace other barn animals once the player has access to processing machines, as their products are high-profit.

13. Which animal is better for late-game profits?

Pigs are the best for pure late-game profit, followed closely by cows, due to the high value of truffles. However, goats are very good and easier to manage. Goats also provide consistent income via cheese.

14. Does the quality of goat milk or duck eggs affect their sell price?

Yes, like all animal products, the quality of goat milk and duck eggs (normal, silver, gold, and iridium) affects their selling price. Quality is based on the animal’s happiness and friendship levels.

15. Can I sell my goats or ducks later?

Yes, you can sell any animals in Stardew Valley at any time, but their resale value is significantly lower than their initial purchase price. It is typically better to keep them once you have invested in their purchase and upkeep.