How to raise a single duck in Colorado???

[search]

Hi there!

I live in a small town up in Colorado. I was thinking about getting a duck. The reason I can only get one duck is because a few reasons:

1. Divorced parents who live around 15 minutes apart.

2. I'm still in highschool, I'm a freshman.

3. I can't handle two ducks where I live, it's a bit too hard.

Also more important information:

I don't have a fenced yard, we live on a hill. I also go back and forth in between homes every week. One home has concrete floors and the other wood. I also have 2 dogs and a cat.

I want only one duck as a pet and I really like the Pekin ducks.

Any tips on how to raise a duckling in my situation? Thanks for the help!


EDIT I THOUGHT ABOUT IT AND WANT TO GET TWO DUCKS NOT ONE. I WILL MOST LIKELY GET BOTH PEKIN DUCKS

 

[Amiga]

The biggest issue is that if you have one duck, that duck needs to be with a buddy 24/7, so that would be you. But you would not be able to stay with the duck 24/7.

Please don't rush this. Think long and hard.

So, let's say you decide you'll have two ducks - just for the sake of considering how it might go.

Two sets of predator-proof shelter, supplies of food and medicine. A carrier for transporting them.

It can be done, but I don't know your personality. For some folks, it would be easy. For some, it would get old, fast.

Ducks live up to 15 years. What happens after high school?

 

[TLWR]

If 2 ducks are too hard, 1 duck will be harder. Ducks are flock animals and don't do well on their own. If they are a single duck, they require you to be their companion. What will you do with your duck while you are at school? What about after you graduate - most dorms don't allow pets, let alone farm animals.

 

[search]

@Amiga I would perfer to keep my ducks inside... if that is an option. We don't have a fenced yard and we can't fence in our yard. It also snows a lot here. After highschool I will most likely go to college somewhere and hopefully they would allow him. Anyways, lacrosse season is ending soon so I would have more time to care for them. And I decided that I would get two ducks. Another thing is that my family is going on a vacation for a few months during the summer so I want to get them after my family vacation. Anyways, thanks for that @Amiga.

 

[dotknott]

Having attended 2 colleges and assisted my sister in her on campus living endeavors I can tell you that you are unlikely to find on campus housing that will allow pets at all outside of service animals.

 

[Duck Drover]

If you want a single bird as a pet, try a parrot. Ducks are social so they need a constant companion.

 

[Duck Drover]

I am sorry if my reply seems harsh or rude. It is so traumatic for a duck to be alone and I am not sure you understand the emotional damage it causes a helpless baby bird to be taken away from other birds.

 

[jennifleur]

I have to agree, ducks are extremely social. They need 24 hour companionship. If you can't see yourself with at least two ducks, than maybe ducks are not the pet for you. It's good you are researching the issue and asking questions. Respectfully, this is my answer to your question.

added
I just saw your edit. Sounds like you will need diapers. To change them often. Budget for them. Cat and dog duck friendly? Dogs are the number one cause of duck death. Hard floors can cause issues with feet. Possible need for booties. Duck sitter available, one that changes diapers? Food and medical supply budget. You will need duck pellets, Brewers yeast, and Vetricyn. Recommend apple cider vinegar, sweet pdz, and poultry drench. Both parents ok with this? What happens when you graduate? They can be great pets. I'm glad your thinking it through.

 

[Duck Drover]

I just read your edit too and I am glad to see you are thinking about your future pets' needs for constant companionship. You will enjoy watching them play together and being happy ducks.