Have you ever watched ducks paddling serenely in a park pond and thought, “Could I have a duck as a pet?” You’re definitely not the first! The idea of keeping ducks as pets is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. These charming birds offer unique companionship and can be a delightful addition to the right home.
If the idea of Duckling Pets waddling around your backyard appeals to you, it’s essential to understand what duck care involves. Before you welcome these feathered friends into your family, let’s dive into the world of pet ducks and explore the important considerations for their well-being and yours.
Can You Keep Ducks as Pets?
The first question to address is whether keeping ducks as pets is even permissible where you live. Regulations vary significantly by location. Before getting your heart set on pet ducks, check your local ordinances and municipality guidelines.
Some areas prohibit keeping poultry altogether, which includes ducks and chickens. Others might allow chickens but not ducks, or vice versa. Some regions are more lenient, but may have restrictions on the number of birds you can keep, or specify times when they can be outside.
It’s crucial to verify your local regulations before bringing any ducks home. Discovering you have to rehome beloved pets because of zoning issues is a heartbreaking situation to avoid.
Are Ducks Really Good Pets?
For dedicated and prepared individuals, ducks can indeed be wonderful pets. They are brimming with personality – each duck has its own distinct character, making them fascinating to observe and interact with.
Ducks are also relatively long-lived. With proper care, domestic ducks typically live for 10 to 15 years. Another perk for some is that ducks tend to lay eggs more consistently than chickens.
Furthermore, ducks are prolific manure producers, which can be a fantastic asset if you have a garden that can benefit from natural fertilizer. They are also generally gentler on landscaping compared to chickens and are excellent at controlling insect populations in your yard.
Top Duck Breeds for Pet Owners
If you’re considering pet ducks, certain domestic breeds are known to be particularly well-suited for companionship:
- Mallard ducks
- Indian Runner ducks
- Call ducks
- Pekin ducks
- Cayuga ducks
- Harlequin ducks
- Rouen ducks
- Swedish ducks
- Mandarin ducks
- Muscovy ducks
Alt: Mallard duck swimming gracefully, showcasing vibrant plumage, ideal pet duck breed
Key Considerations Before Adopting Pet Ducks
It’s important to be realistic about duck ownership; they are high-maintenance pets. Be prepared for significant cleanup duties, which can often be wet and smelly. Here’s a glimpse into what to expect: Ducks require a lot of fresh water, and they have a habit of soiling it frequently. This means you’ll be regularly changing and replenishing their water sources.
Most pet ducks are unable to fly, making them vulnerable to predators such as coyotes, birds of prey, and even stray cats. To protect them, you’ll need to invest in predator-proof pens with hawk netting covers. When your ducks are outside, supervision is crucial to safeguard them from potential animal attacks.
Cold climates pose another challenge. Ducks are susceptible to frostbite on their feet if temperatures fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a colder region, you’ll need to provide high-fat, high-calorie treats, especially during winter. Cracked corn, warm oatmeal, and peanuts can offer extra warmth as they digest overnight.
Creating a warm environment is also essential. A thick layer of straw on the coop floor provides insulation. Wooden platforms, benches, or stumps can help keep ducks off the cold ground. Insulating the duck house with hay bales along the inner walls further minimizes cold air penetration, helping them stay warm in their shelter.
Noise is another factor to consider. Ducks can be quite vocal, especially when they are hungry or want attention. Their enthusiastic quacking might not be appreciated by all neighbors.
Essential Care Tips for Pet Ducks
If you’re still enthusiastic about pet ducks after considering the commitment, setting up your yard properly is the next step before bringing your new family members home.
Preparation is key because finding specialized pet duck supplies can sometimes be challenging. Planning ahead is essential. Here are some fundamental duck supplies you’ll need to acquire before welcoming pet ducks.
Duck Coop Essentials
A fully enclosed, predator-proof coop is a non-negotiable requirement for your ducks’ safety.
Unlike chickens, ducks don’t roost high up, so coop height isn’t a major concern. Focus on setup and floor space instead.
- Since you’ll likely keep water inside the coop, waterproof flooring and bedding are essential. Linoleum, tarps, or rubberized floor coatings can protect against water damage.
- An absorbent bedding layer on top of the waterproof flooring is necessary. Soft wood chips or recycled paper work well.
Ducks aren’t jumpers, so the coop should have a low entrance or a wide, stable ramp for easy access.
Alt: Secure duck house with ramp, safe shelter for duckling pets, predator-proof coop
Secure Enclosed Yard
A safe outdoor space for play and exploration is vital. A fenced yard is ideal, but even with fencing, supervised “free time” is recommended due to predator risks.
Beyond a fenced yard, pet ducks should have a secure, enclosed area for times when you can’t supervise them directly. This area should be further protected with an electric fence and hawk netting, even in urban settings, as many predators find ducks appealing.
Swimming and Bathing Tub
Water is central to a duck’s life. They love to swim, splash, drink, and bathe. The bigger the water tub, the happier your ducks will be.
Remember, ducks quickly soil their water, so regular changes are necessary – possibly multiple times daily. Choose a tub large enough for swimming but manageable for cleaning.
A moderately sized dog swimming pool, like the TRIXIE® Dog Splash Pool, is suitable for most ducks. Ensure easy entry and exit, especially for young, less coordinated ducklings.
Alt: Adorable ducklings swimming in pool, highlighting water enjoyment of duckling pets, splash pool
Proper Duck Food
While some owners might consider chicken food, it’s not recommended for ducks. Ducks have distinct nutritional needs that chicken feed doesn’t fully meet.
Just as you wouldn’t exclusively feed dog food to a cat or cat food to a dog, ducks shouldn’t rely solely on chicken feed.
Instead, feed your ducks a commercially formulated duck food, such as Mazuri® Waterfowl Maintenance Feed.
Healthy Duck Treats
Ducks relish treats, and healthy options that complement their diet are best.
Fresh, leafy green vegetables are always a hit. Carrots, ripe tomatoes, pumpkin, squash, oats, berries, and bananas are excellent choices. Corn, green beans, and Brussels sprouts are also popular snacks.
Generally, in-season produce from local farmer’s markets or grocery stores is safe and enjoyable for ducks.
Are Pet Ducks Right For You?
Ducks can be incredibly entertaining and rewarding pets. They do require more effort and expense than chickens, but the rewards can be well worth it.
Duck eggs are richer and creamier than chicken eggs, highly valued by bakers, and ducks are generally consistent egg layers.
If you’re ready for delicious baked goods and a plentiful supply of garden manure, delve deeper into duck keeping with books and resources, locate a waterfowl feed supplier, and prepare for an exciting and enriching experience!
Pet Duck FAQs
How long is a duck’s lifespan?
With good care, domestic ducks typically live for 10–15 years.
Can pet ducks fly?
Most pet duck breeds are flightless. However, breeds like Muscovy, Call, East Indie, and some domesticated Mallards can fly to varying degrees. Wing clipping is advised for these breeds to limit flight.
Where can you purchase pet ducks?
Pet ducks can be purchased online from farms and hatcheries. Local breeders and feed supply stores may also sell them.
WRITTEN BY
Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP
Veterinarian
Sandra Mitchell is a 1995 graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduation, she has worked in many fields…
