My ducks are too NOISY!!

[KatGold]

Okay, call me a fool. But I hatched three darling little Australian Spotted Ducks (one of each color, I was lucky). They all seem to be females. The are charming and we love them.

Well, most of us do.

Because we must keep them in a pen, they quack all the time. I have neighbors that work out of the house and neighbors that just expect to be able to have a little peace and quiet in their homes (which they deserve). I never dreamed such cuttie pies could be so flipping noisy.

This is a ridiculous question, but I'm going to ask it anyway. Are there any strategies at all to help quiet the little guys up? If I let them out free in the backyard, I have to lock up my dog. I do that lots, but it's just not good for the dog either.

I was a fool. I made a mistake. I could relocated them to a family ranch, but my young daughters are in love with them and are afraid they would die out there.

Thanks for any advise.

 

[Wynette]

If they're causing issues, then relocate them. You sure don't want neighbors to be angry. I've had neighbors that we didn't get along with, and it rots. Maybe you can find a place close, where you can get "visitation" rights for the girls? FWIW, I don't think it was foolish to try....the foolish thing would be to ignore the situation now that there are problems. Sounds to me like you're working to find a solution!! Good on you.

 

[D'Angelo N Va.]

R u allowed to have them where u live? If so, give them more space...I don't know much about that breed to tell you if they are loud or not...please don't tick off the neighbors.

 

[easttxchick]

If the ducks are allowed, I'd keep them.
So many people are forced to bend to the will of their neighbors in an urban/agricultural setting in order to "be a good neighbor". Sorry, I just don't like people that move to the country expecting it to be quiet-they don't understand that while you don't have the traffic and human noise, there's a TON of natural noises.

 

[veronicasmom]

Could you try to rehome them to a place that is owned by people that are very duck experienced and will give your kids visiting rights? If you say where you live, maybe someone wonderful on here is close and will help you out. Or maybe you could find someone with three drakes that would trade, drakes are very quiet. It is not fair to bother your neighbors, as much as I love animals, a constantly barking dog or braying donkey gets old real fast. I have dogs, ducks and many other animals, but I am out in the country and I still try to keep everyone reasonably quiet.
Good luck, hard situation.

 

[Amiga]

My ducks make the most noise when they know I'm here but I don't visit with them often enough. Often enough is about 15 minutes every hour. Neighbors tell me that when I am not home, the ducks are quiet.

How large a space do you have for the ducks (are they too cramped)?

Do they have food and water at all times (are they hungry)?

Do they have a pan to swim and splash in (are they bored)?

What's the weather like (are they too hot or cold)?

You may need to rehome them, but see if you can find out what their complaint is.

Mine make some noise, as I do get involved in indoor projects, but none of the neighbors mind. I offer free eggs when they're available, and that may help.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

The girls are louder than boys, it just comes with duckies. If you aren't keeping them and violating any local laws or HOA rules then there is no need to rehome them. Make sure they have plenty of space to move around, water to play in and feed. Ducks chatter, they talk about their day/night, fav mud hole, the sky, a bug, they just chatter. Ours don't talk all day, but are very loud (can't hear each other across the yard) when we are out doing chores. They spend most of the day quietly sleeping and waddling around.

 

[iajewel]

Trade them to someone with Muscovy, they are quiet

 

[clucksbc]

Hummh...was not familar with this breed and looked it up ...
they are so cute...but are a cross with a call and a mallard...bothbreeds expecially the call duck is very loud...think the call and the peking are the loudest...
I hope it all works out for you...
I know it is difficult to think of rehoming...

 

[dumb_cluck]

If they are busy (occupied) they will be quiet (er). Can you provide a place for them to free range (and be quiet) but still let the dog out? This may take some planning, but if you really like them, you'll come up with a solution.

I have WH and they are pretty quiet, but they are LOUD when they want something or see/hear me coming.