Duck wont stop quacking

[JP84]

Let me preface this by saying I knew ducks would quack before we decided to get them. With that being said I could use some advice on quacking. I have 2 ducks, a peking drake and a female rouen, both about 6 months old. We got them when they were just a few days old. The peking is a pretty quiet guy. As for my female, it's a different story. She used to quack when she would hear me come outside or when she would see me get into my car. They are on the west side of my house, front door on the east. Also, when she could hear me talk to people who came to my door. This was no big deal. Well the last few weeks it seems her favorite sound is the sound of her own quack! She normally starts at 6am, and continues throughout the day whether I am around or not. They are in a nice run with plenty of space. Always have food, fresh water, a small pool, shelter and each others company. I clean the pool daily, and spend time talking to them. Could there be something I am missing to make her unhappy, or is this just her personality from now until forever? Is there anything I can do to quiet her down a little? I have alot of close range neighbors who would probably prefer not to be woken up at 6 every morning, and I'm worried about getting complaints and having to give them up. We adore them, and would hate to lose them! Any input is appreciated. Just trying to keep everyone happy, ducks and humans alike Thanks in advance!

 

[Amiga]

I will guess that her hormones are kicking in, and this is a phase related to her egg-laying instincts.

Has she laid any eggs yet, or started making a nest? Is Mr. Drake pretty easy on her or is she missing feathers on the back of her neck or showing other signs of too much mating?

 

[chickens really]

I have 5 Ducks...My one Hen will Quack her head off till I let them out to free range...She is loud...She does like yours...Basically Quacks all day long...When I open the door, start my jeep, walk by to the Chicken coop, fill the pool, feed them..Etc....
I believe some are just more vocal than others...

Cheers!

 

[Amiga]

Oh, you mean that staccato ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah? Sometimes with the head going diagonally up and down? That's an interesting behavior. In my Runner flock, that can mean, "what the heck are you doing?" or "where on earth have you been?" or "I think you are just the coolest duck ever."

 

[PINOAK RIDGE]

Yes, female ducks do tend to be quite chatty. We have several colors of call ducks and I can tell you, we can't yell at each across the yard for the duck din. LOL

The new "machine gun" quacking may be her courting/inciting her mate. They often do this with their head bobbing up & down at their shoulder. Ducks will often begin courting and pair bonding in the fall, hence the nuptial plumage in the fall.

Good luck & enjoy your ducks.

PINOAK RIDGE
Call ducks in: Apricot Silver, Aztec Blue, Black, Blue, Blue Fawn, Buff, Butterscotch, Chocolate, Grey, Khaki, Pastel, Snowy, Silver & White.
Black East Indies, Miniature Silver Appleyards, Mallards and Silver Mallards.

Silkies: Black, Blue, Buff, Grey, Partridge & White
Bantam Cochins & Frizzles: Black, Blue, Silver, Mottled-Black & Blue, Millie Fluer (Calico) and White.

 

[JP84]

Yes, female ducks do tend to be quite chatty.   We have several colors of call ducks and I can tell you, we can't yell at each across the yard for the duck din.   LOL    

The new "machine gun" quacking may be her courting/inciting her mate.   They often do this with their head bobbing up & down at their shoulder.   Ducks will often begin courting and pair bonding in the fall, hence the nuptial plumage in the fall.

Good luck & enjoy your ducks.

PINOAK RIDGE
Call ducks in:  Apricot Silver, Aztec Blue, Black, Blue, Blue Fawn, Buff, Butterscotch, Chocolate, Grey, Khaki, Pastel, Snowy, Silver  & White.
Black East Indies,  Miniature Silver Appleyards, Mallards and Silver Mallards.

Silkies:  Black, Blue, Buff, Grey, Partridge & White
Bantam Cochins & Frizzles:  Black, Blue, Silver, Mottled-Black & Blue, Millie Fluer (Calico) and White.

Thanks. Sounds like this may just be her mating call. I just hope it doesn't last forever lol

 

[fuscia]

I’m not sure lol. Mine quack in the morning to be let out and then are pretty quite and busy free ranging. The like to come out or up when they hear people or me. They sometimes come in the shed to see what I’m working on. They quack when they get in their pool and splash around. But generally aren’t noisy. They are 3 months old Pekins, I pretty sure male and female. Just 2. I love them. I live in the country so if they do get noisy it’s ok. I think they are quacking to be let out of the run to free range. Is free ranging around your yard an option? Mine free range the back yard and just kinda go around to al their favorite places throughout the day and then if it’s dark and I haven’t escorted them to bed and tucked them in, they are waiting and looking for me at the back door! Who knew ducks were so charming

 

[Ksammy]

I here ya! I was getting ready to ask the same question, when I saw your post about chatty female. Mine is also unusualy noise today won't take a break. She didn't lay this morning, I was thinking maybe because I messed up her nest when change the straw, idk. This would be her 5th day if laying. I even brought , well let them walk in the back door and go take a nice bath since pools are frozen. Still chirping ... Glad to read all the information , thanks fellow duck owners, your the best!

 

[KaleIAm]

I have 6 duck hens who quack very loudly anytime they hear a door open, hear my voice, see me, or think they can somehow get my attention. The top duck is the loudest - but they are all demanding and obnoxious. Mine don't quack for nothing, though. Maybe your duck is just super chatty?

I do notice that when my ducks are into making nests and fussing over their eggs they seem to wander about quacking loudly for days.

 

[JP84]

I will guess that her hormones are kicking in, and this is a phase related to her egg-laying instincts.

Has she laid any eggs yet, or started making a nest?  Is Mr. Drake pretty easy on her or is she missing feathers on the back of her neck or showing other signs of too much mating? 

She has not started laying yet, but I'm sure it will be soon. She has started making a different type of quack, along with her normal loud quack. Almost reminds me of a mini machine gun sound lol. No missing feathers yet. Could it be "just a phase", or does it normally continue from here on out?