are ducks good pets

[awesomecoolfun]

hi i was looking at BYC and saw this duck area i have look at getting a duck now and then,but i have never really looked in to it. i was wondering if ducks would be a good pet thanks

 

[De Novo Farm]

I don't necessarily agree with the above posts. If you have a secure area to keep them, a gravity fed feeder, and reliable water source they can be left alone for short periods. I would feel more comfortable leaving a duck or a chicken alone for five days than a dogs. I commonly left our initialf five hens alone at home in the coop for 3-5 days when I go hunting in the fall. I would have some extra dirty eggs to clean but otherwise they were fine.

However, I do agree that they don't make the best pet if you are looking for something to cuddle and handle. That being said we have two chickens that absolutely love being snuggled and pet so it just depends on how much you interact with them when they are young. I already see some people ducks in our flock that eagerly jump into our hands and enjoy being stroked on the back.

 

[Kinnisone]

hi i was looking at BYC and saw this duck area i have look at getting a duck now and then,but i have never really looked in to it. i was wondering if ducks would be a good pet thanks

I've had a pet Pekin duck that lives in my home for the past 7 years. First off, ducks even one duck which you should never have a single duck, is a lot of work that never ends. However, IF someone is up for the challenge a pet duck can be very rewarding. My duck is like the family dog. We have spent so much time with him he can even say human words. I don't say we taught him human rather I say he taught us to speak duck. Cleaning up after him is continuous. Anything that goes in him pretty quickly comes right back out. They are not a clean nor what I would call an easy pet. They all have their own personality and can be a great companion once you get to know them.
I would recommend first timers to raise chickens over ducks at least at in the beginning. Chickens do not require as much time, clean up, or attention, but there is regular ongoing maintenance to raising any animals which to many people don't consider before getting animals. I'm happy to see you are taking a serious approach at owning animals.

 

[Sosalty]

Folks here are speaking in terms of what care a pet should get. If you owned 3+ dogs, (you should own 3+ ducks as their social needs are met by other ducks) you should interact with 'em daily, have a few behavioral expectations, and provide a safe stimulating environment. Ducks do require start up considerations. They need a coop easy to clean, and a run or yard with a small pool. Once you get that in place, they don't need that much more care than some common pets. Auto feeders and doors can help a bit.

Learn and be prepared beforehand. With some stores that sell ducks, you might get more drakes than hens. If you get 1 drake and 4+ hen ducks, then fine, but what are the odds, we don't know their sex until months later? Drakes require special consideration, often another area you can keep 'em separate from the others. Very young ducklings need considerable warmth and we're headed into chilly October nights. Where can they poop a lot, stay clean, and warm? Know that ducklings ordered online ship when they hatch. The 2-day olds arriving at your post office have to have prompt care. Ducks are defenseless against most any water, land, and air critters small and large.

If you do decide to go all ducky, this is a great forum to help with questions. My 3 lady friends softly quibble, tweeb, and chibber their contentment. They do swim over any time I'm out there. Lately they like to spread their wings and run at me or the cats! They get close so you can feel the air from their wings, then just look at 'ya. I look forward to them being even greater friends 10 yrs from today.

[From closest: Spats, LuRoy, & Moby Duck]

 

[Shabby Chic-Hens]

Ducks make great pets. Especially outside. Most breeds won’t attack you, if you treat them the right way. If they have a soft bill, even if they do attack you, no damage done.

 

[AvianEgo]

It depends what your looking for in a pet. Yes they make good pets if you have the proper set up and time to put into them. They usually don't like being held once they grow up, but they are comical to watch and some produce lots of eggs. They do bite, HARD. But i don't think its always out if aggression. But i love mine and it all depends in what your looking for

 

[Deleted member 94844]

Yes. They are fantastic pets, but you must be prepared for how high-maintenance they are... plus they make a huge mess. Ducks also do not jive with work schedules and travel. So if your life involves either, think hard. You need to have fenced open space outdoors for them to free range and preferably a pond. They also require a secure house to sleep in at night that is safe from predators, and they must be let in before dusk. Every night. You will need to be there every day to care for them and maintain their routine and environment. They are not like dogs, cats or caged birds that can be left alone with a bowl of food. I don't mean to scare you off... a lot of domestic ducks are dumped at ponds and parks because people think they are cute and are not prepared for how much work they are. These animals have no defenses and usually die from predation.

 

[awesomecoolfun]

ok thanks i think i won't get one

 

[Deleted member 94844]

If you have a secure outdoor covered run, yes, they can be left for a short period of time... but they still need to be locked up at night, every night. A dog can defend itself against a raccoon, domestic ducks and chickens can't.

And my favorite duck is extremely affectionate... he loves being held, petted, and cuddled and will literally crawl into my lap for attention. So. Everyone has their own perspective.

 

[AvianEgo]

Mine are only 6 weeks old. Still pretty tame thus far. But i had to socialize them a ton.