Keeping ducks in the house - A big mistake or un-rational fear?

[LeslieDJoyce]

Domesticated ducks are still outdoor animals. There is so much about happiness that revolves around foraging and playing in the mud and water that I cannot imagine they'd be happier indoors than out. Sometimes it is hard to imagine that they wouldn't prefer living life the way we humans do, but they are animals and have their own needs, desires and habits. I agree with those who say as long as they aren't downy little ducklings, give them constant access to an outdoor shelter from predators and the weather and observe them enjoy the cold and wet. Then ask yourself if you really want to deny them all of that to make yourself feel a bit better.

(I presume you're not living in an igloo!)

 

[Saxyjazz]

I know this thread is old but I wanted to throw in my two cents about it in case anyone reads it. I have a pet duck who was raised indoors. He wears a diaper and really doesn't mind it. He has worn one since he was a week old so it was not an adjustment. I keep him in a large rabbit cage in our room at night and if we have to leave him in the house for longer than I know the diaper will last. He free feeds from a plastic tote with one side cut open to contain the mess. After his daily bath, he sits on a towel on the couch to preen. The towel catches any poo or dripping water until he is dry enough to put the diaper on. Or I keep him in the kitchen on the tile which is easily cleaned. I keep a set of 4 diapers for him and several large white towels I got from a second hand store. I bleach wash these frequently. His full diaper can get quite stinky, and if left too long he needs a good wash. It took me alot of trial and error to set up a system that reduces each of his daily messes. We buy cheap women's pads from whatever discount store and fold them in a way that prevents leaks and we don't have the added time of cutting baby diapers. Also, the sticky tape on the pad keeps him from pulling the dirty diaper out and leaving it on the floor. This was a habit he somehow learned, to my horror, while we were visiting in-laws. I absolutely adore Webster and he fits in our lives just fine. However, indoor ducks are not for everyone!!!!!! I have committed to changing his diaper at least three times a day. It doesn't take long, but it must be done. A lazy owner would have dribbles on the floor and a diaper rashed duck.It is also a financial commitment, not a huge one, but still. I have a spotbot to clean up messes, but without one I am sure I would have eaten the darn bird by now When they eat, they often shake their heads vigorously, splattering food everywhere. So we only feed him where this will not be an issue. Don't expect them to daintily swallow grapes or other treats without a crumb. Ducks are also VERY social. They need company. I work from home and take him with me when I go out. He has the dogs for company if I must leave him, but only because he sees them as flock-mates. If that were not the case, my absence would be quite distressing. I used to have ferrets and I must say they were more odiferous and difficult than our duck, but not as easy as our dogs or cats. Ducks are not easy housepets, but if you have the time and inclination, they will be the most dedicated and entertaining pet you have had.

 

[notIvy431]

Yes, Ducks fly to warmer areas though. Where I live it can get to 40 below. I only have one duck, she is an indoor duck who gets to go out to her pool every day in the summer, fall and spring, if it is not storming out. However, it took a while to figure out the best way to keep her and easiest as far as care. We are fortunate to have a bathroom that is ENORMOUS. She has her cage area filled with straw where she sleeps, the shower is always filled for her to walk into unless we are using it. She seems to go to the bathroom in one area, but I have to clean it constantly. I am home all the time so not a problem. Only once did she fly in there, I came in and she was on top the dryer. Of course we have to make sure there is nothing where she can get to that might be a hazard for her. We have to make sure there is no hair anywhere on the floor from combing our hair, as once she got a piece of hair tangled on her beak, not sure how she did that. She is not a farm animal outside, which is ok, as she is our little flying dog it seems.

 

[Homie Ducks]

Take a small or medium size cage keep them in it.

 

[Amykins]

Forgive me, I have bad eyesight and I can't read the post for beans - it's a wall of text!

 

[Jmuhkenzie]

I personally have two ducks that are inside, they are about 7 months old and we have struggled getting everything how we need it to maintin them in an apartment, but have learned so much and finally have a method that works.
I bought a playpen (for dogs) on amazon that comes with a cover, i put that cover on the bottom which keeps my floors clean. I also have a tarp around the playpen for when they eat they are extrememly messy and sling food and water on my walls. The tarp prevents that I use wood pellets in the playpen that i clean up a little every day to keep odor down. And they also have diapers which help so much! I work full time, so while im at work they are in the playpen, when im home they are in diapers Im new to this site, but plan to share pictures soon hope that helps!
There is hope in keeping them indoors!!! They also loooooove baths! and i give them bath time in my bathtub!

 

[DogsDucks&Cat]

Personally, I wouldn't.

My boyfriend and I got our first three ducks at 4 and 6 weeks of age and we had them in our house for several weeks while he got suitable outdoor enclosures built (we adopted them on a whim from a lady who needed to re-home them). They. Poop. So. Much. Their bedding in the huge dog kennel we were keeping them in needed to be changed several times a day. I was ecstatic when we finally got them outside full-time. We ordered five babies from Metzer a couple months later, keeping them in a very large Rubbermaid tote until they were old enough to be outside, and that was easier than the kennel, and it was super enjoyable to have the babies in the house for the most part, but even so, when the time came for them to be outside, it was very welcome. I can't imagine having to do all those diaper changes and baths every day (one reason I don't have kids, lol).

 

[K.Riggs]

They are water fowl not house pets. If I was a duck or a chicken for that matter I would not want to live in a house wearing a nappy. I think it's unnecessary and almost humiliation. Like a dog in a handbag. I'm sorry but it's just my opinion. Why can't you have an enclosure very close to the house? Make a straw bale shelter to keep them really warm in winter. I'm near Antarctica and that's what I'm doing. They don't need to be inside. I'm not saying letting animals inside us bad in general just living inside I don't think is the best for the animals welfare in the long run. Most people that brood ducks in the house as I am about to do are so happy when they can be out. It's generally agreed by most that it's not very fun.