Guide to Raising Ducks as Pets
*This section is currently under construction. I'll be adding more information when I have the time. Thank you for your understanding.
Should You Get Pet Ducks? Pros & Cons
Pros of Having Ducks as Pets:
Ducks are smart and emotional. With early, gentle handling, they become sociable and can learn commands, play, and enjoy affection like other pets.
Ducks eat pests like slugs and mosquitoes, reducing the need for pesticides.
Ducks are playful and entertaining to watch.
Many ducks breeds lay abundant, nutritious eggs.
Ducks are bundles of personality. Each one is unique, and it's enjoyable getting to know them as individuals.
Ducks are resilient to diseases and adaptable to various climates.
Ducks enjoy companionship and prevent loneliness.
Keeping ducks teaches responsibility and provides therapeutic benefits.
Cons to Consider:
Ducks are messy.
Ducks are higher maintenance than chickens.
Female ducks can be loud.
Ducks do need at least a kiddie pool to groom themselves in and will splash water everywhere.
Ducks intentionally backwash and poop in their water and so it’s always dirty.
Drakes can be aggressive towards humans.
Ducks have higher protein needs than chickens which makes their feed more expensive.
Ducks face threats from predators like foxes, raccoons, and birds of prey. Protecting them can be tough without a secure enclosure, especially in predator-rich areas.
Ducks are subject to more legal regulation than chickens because they are waterfowl.
Consider the commitment. Ducks on average will live between 7-12 years but they can live much longer, some for as many as 20 years.
Releasing pet ducks into the wild is ILLEGAL. These ducks lack survival skills and cannot adapt to wild environments. Such actions can disrupt ecosystems and harm native wildlife.
The Cost of Owning a Pet Ducks
Are you considering bringing a quacking bundle of joy into your life? Pet ducks can be incredibly delightful companions, but it’s essential to know what you’re getting into, including the financial aspect.
Food: Ducks are enthusiastic eaters! On average, you might spend $20 to $50 per month on duck-specific feed, grains, and fresh veggies. Keeping those adorable bills happy can be rewarding!
Housing and Supplies: Your feathered friend will need a comfortable and secure living space. Initial setup costs for a coop or enclosure could range from $100 to $500, depending on size and materials. Monthly expenses for bedding and supplies might be around $10 to $20.
Health Care: Just like any pet, ducks need regular veterinary check-ups and occasional vaccinations. Plan to allocate about $10 to $30 per month for potential health expenses.
Safety Measures: It is critical to invest in predator-proofing measures to protect ducks from harm. Depending on your setup, you might need to factor in extra costs for security.
On average, expect to spend approximately $45 to $150 per month on your pet duck, depending on various factors. Remember, responsible ownership is a labor of love!
Before diving into the world of duck ownership, do your research and create a budget tailored to your situation. These quacktastic companions can bring immense joy to your life, but being financially prepared will ensure they have a happy and healthy life with you!
Why did I choose to raise Call Ducks?
With over 120 domestic duck breeds worldwide, I've chosen to dive into the enchanting world of Call Ducks. Here's why:
Tiny Ducks, Big Personalities: Call Ducks are known for their petite size but massive personalities! Despite their small stature, these ducks have hearts as big as their quacks. Their playful antics and curious nature will steal your heart in no time.
A Rainbow of Colors: One of the things that make Call Ducks so enchanting is their diverse range of colors and patterns. From snowy white to vibrant mallard, there's a Call Duck for every aesthetic preference.
Adaptable and Affectionate: Call Ducks have an incredible ability to adapt to human interaction. They quickly form bonds with their caregivers and enjoy being part of the family. Their affectionate nature makes them a joy to have around.
Preserving a Piece of History: Call Ducks have a rich history, dating back to the 19th century when they were used as decoy ducks in hunting. Breeding and preserving these ducks is a way to honor this heritage and keep a piece of duck history alive.
The Gem of Waterfowl Fancy: Call Ducks are often considered the "gem" of the waterfowl fancy world. Their unique qualities, captivating beauty, and charming personalities make them a prized addition to any waterfowl collection.
Perfect for Small Spaces: For those with limited space, Call Ducks are a dream come true. Their compact size makes them an ideal choice for backyard duck enthusiasts.
One Little Quirk: Call Ducks, especially the females, can be quite vocal! Their charming quacks can be heard not just in the morning but throughout the day. While some find their continuous chatter endearing, others might want to embrace the delightful symphony of duck calls that comes with these lovable birds.
Duck Imprinting
Lately, I've been flooded with questions about the incredible bond I share with my pet ducks. Let me spill the beans on the enchanting phenomenon called "imprinting" that's at the heart of it all!
Imprinting is like nature's superglue – a profound, instinctual connection formed during the critical early stages of life. Imagine this: when I hatched these adorable fluffballs, I became their first sight, their protector, and their guide. It's a bond that defies norms – they look at me like family, and I'm their guiding star.
This phenomenon isn't limited to ducks alone; various animals, especially those with a knack for learning early on, can imprint on humans. It's like writing a story in their minds where we're the central characters, full of trust and love. From ducks to geese, and even some mammals, imprinting opens the door to cross-species friendships that warm the heart.
So next time you wonder why my feathered friends stick around, remember the magic of imprinting. It's a tale of unbreakable bonds, formed by the universe itself.
Raising Ducks / Heat for Ducklings
Raising ducklings can be a fun adventure, but if you aren’t careful, you can lose the delicate babies to cold. Therefore it’s necessary to provide ducklings with heat for the proper amount of time, usually between 3 and 6 weeks.
Your ducklings should be brooded, staring at 90 degrees the first day, and then you can lower the temperature by 7 degrees per week (one degree/day) until they are feathered out and ready to go outside.
The Temperature Chart:
1st week 90 - 84 F / 32-29 C
2nd week 83 - 77 F / 28-25 C
3rd week 76 - 70 F / 24-21 C
4th week 69 - 63 F / 20-17 C
5th week 62 - 56 F / 16-13 C
6th week 55 F / 13 C
By the time the ducklings are 3-5 weeks old, and weather dependent, they can be outside for short periods of time on nice sunny days with adequate protection from predators, the sun, and rain. Your ducklings will love exploring outside on nice warm, sunny days.