Have you ever thought of bringing ducks to your home as a pet? Let me share with you one fascinating story of mine – what I learned during a visit to my friend’s duck-filled yard.
Can Ducks Be Your Pet?
If you had asked me this question a week ago, I wouldn’t have given it much thought. Honestly, I couldn’t even imagine a duck as a pet. Cats, dogs, or birds, sure—but a duck? Seriously?
That changed last weekend when my friend Antara invited me to her village for her grandfather’s 80th birthday celebration. That’s when I met her lovely little flock of ducks. Watching those wildfowl waddling around her backyard, I couldn’t help but ask, “Can anyone keep ducks as pets?”
Antara laughed and explained that it depends on where you live. Villages are perfect for ducks, as there are typically no restrictions. However, if you’re considering adding a duck to your family, you’ll need to check your local municipality’s regulations.
Additionally, it’s important to confirm whether your apartment or housing authority allows ducks. Many urban areas have strict rules about keeping poultry, and some places don’t allow it at all. Others may only permit chickens or limit the number of birds you can keep.
What Are Ducks Like as Pets?
If you’re a dedicated pet parent, a duck can make great companions. A domestic duck can live 10–15 years if cared for properly.
Watching Antara’s flock was an eye-opener for me. Each duck had its own quirks—one was always first in line for food, while another loved sneaking into the vegetable patch for an unapproved snack.
Ducks are also great for gardeners, as they produce plenty of manure—perfect for organic fertilizer. They’re gentler in your yard compared to chickens and have a knack for munching on pesky insects.
How Do You Choose the Right Ducks?
Antara’s flock consisted of Indian Runner and Pekin ducks, but she explained that these are just two of many fascinating breeds:
- Mallard Duck
- Cayuga Duck
- Call Duck
- Harlequin Duck
- Swedish Duck
- Rouen Duck
- Mandarin Duck
- Muscovy Duck
Challenges of Caring for Ducks
If you’re thinking about getting a duck, keep in mind that they’re high-maintenance pets. Cleaning their water tub, for instance, is a never-ending task. Antara cleaned their tub every morning, but by afternoon, it was murky again.
Most pet ducks can’t fly, making them vulnerable to predators like coyotes, birds of prey, and even stray cats. You’ll need hawk covers for their pens and secure living spaces.
Ducks also struggle in colder climates. In temperatures below 20°F, their feet can develop frostbite. To keep them warm, offer high-fat, calorie-rich treats like cracked corn, warm oatmeal, or peanuts, and insulate their coop with straw and hay bales.
Another consideration is noise. Ducks can be loud, especially when seeking attention, which may not sit well with your neighbors.
How to Care for Your Pet Duck
If these challenges sound manageable, preparation is key before bringing a duck home.
1. A Duck Coop
Your ducks need a predator-proof coop with waterproof flooring and absorbent bedding like wood chips. Since ducks don’t perch, focus on floor space and ensure the coop has a low entry point or ramp for easy access.
2. An Enclosed Yard
Provide a fenced-in yard for your duck to roam safely. For extra security, install an electric fence and hawk netting to protect them from predators.
3. A Swimming Tub
Ducks adore water, so a spacious tub for swimming and splashing is essential. Be prepared to clean and refill it often.
4. Proper Food and Treats
Never feed a duck chicken feed—it doesn’t meet their nutritional needs. Instead, offer a diet tailored for ducks, supplemented with fresh treats like leafy greens, carrots, pumpkins, oats, berries, and bananas.
Final Thoughts
Now I understand why Antara loves her ducks so much. They’re not just pets—they’re companions, helpers, and a constant source of joy. While they require significant care, Antara assured me it’s worth it, especially for their rich, creamy eggs.
If you’ve ever thought about getting ducks, follow Antara’s advice: do your research, set up a safe and comfortable space, and embrace their quirks and challenges. As Antara said with a grin, “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth every quack!”
