pet ducks(s)?

Question

I would like to get a pet duck. But I don't know what breed to get or how to properly take care of it or where to get it. I also don't know how many. Please help.

And I need good sources too.

other defining factors for the duck would be
i have a fairly large yard
i live right on a river where there are several other ducks
i have a small dog that isnt aggresive but barks alot

Answer 1

Okay, this is going to be disappointing for you, probably, but ducks do NOT make good pets, despite the presence of one in that show with the tough military dude taking care of the kids. 1.) Ducks poop. It is projectile. Ducks projectile poop a LOT. It is nasty, and it is what they do.
2.) Ducks love roots! They will eat the roots to all the grass in your yard, turning it into a mud-pit for their personal enjoyment.
If you live in the country and can put them outside, it's fine, but you're going to need a dog to guard them at night and in the rain because that's when the coyotes, foxes, owls, opposums, raccoons, snakes, other dogs, etc. come looking for yummy duck dinner. It's generally best to have ten babies for warmth. Until they get their feathers, they need to be kept under a heat lamp with duck & turkey starter as food and a good water source. They will splash the water EVERYWHERE and need it refilled and/or changed at least six times a day. Also, their bedding will need changed a ridiculous amount of times (because of projectile poop). If you're in the city, don't do it. You can check with the city regulations and see how many you have to have and try it, but I seriously don't recommend.

Answer 2

you shouldn't get a duck for a pet. they don't make good pets, even though as ducklings, they are very cute.

ducks are supposed to be kept in the wild, nears ponds and lakes. pets stores and breeders had the same issue with clown fish, and large birds. birds in general can go wild on kids- they aren't good pets either, unless they have been trained, which rarely happens. clown fish were also the craze back when finding Nemo was out- but so many were killed, or returned to pet stores all around that some places stopped selling them at the moment, because people couldn't properly take care of them in their slat water environments.

so if you don't have a farm, or live in the country side, you really should get a duck. ducks don't belong as a pet to a human, they may even turn hostile to you if feeling dangered. so, you wouldn't want to return a duck to a pet store, or the owner like everyone did with clown fish or mean birds, would you? anfd besides... ducks are very messy pets that could get you sick and destory your plants and grass outfront and outback. they will ruin your carpets too!

i suggest getting a cat or a dog.

Answer 3

Well, domesticated Mallard ducks are a nice breed. From what I've read ducks and other domestic birds seem to do better when their in pairs or in a flock. So I'd recommend getting two ducklings ya know brother and sister etc... but here's some places that have ducks.

www.gotpetsonline.com

www.petfinder.com

www.livedeal.com

www.eggbid.com

Although you might want to check your phone book or do a web search on a farm close to your area.

I don't know that much about caring for ducks but I hope this was of some help to you.

But I'll tell you this, be prepared to clean up feathers during molting season, also if the ducks start biting just gently flick them on the beak and tell them "no" after awhile they'll stop biting when they figure out if they bite then they'll be disiplined.

Answer 4

Ducks aren't especially social animals. And they can't be left by themselves, or they get lonely and die. They need to be in a pair. If you don't want babies a girl and a girl.

You need some land they are not an apartment animal. They also need a lot of water. They can't digest their food without water. And they need even a little kids pool to breed and be happy.

You can buy plain duck food, don't give them chicken food since depending on the brand and age of the ducks you can kill them.

I would suggest getting baby ducks, so you can tame them a little bit. We got all our ducks as babies and worked with them every day, and they are not tame.

It doesn't matter what kind of duck you get they are all about the same. Although malard ducks are illegal to have unless you have a special license.

Ducks don't need to be brushed and don't require much care.

But in my experience a turkey duck would be the best way to go. That is the only duck we have managed to tame. All the others are not tame.


Good Luck!!

Answer 5

I had a pet duck once when I was about 10 years old. It was fun and interesting but very time consuming. Make sure you have the time to spend with him (or her). Ducks tend to "flock" together so if you get one, YOU will be his flock and he will follow you around ALL THE TIME! Pretty much you will be his "mate". Which is a cute thing but if you ever need to leave him alone for a period of time he won't like it and will probably cry for you... Ducks needs water so my suggestion is to buy a small child's swimming pool for the duck to use because he will everyday! Ducks go to the bathroom on average 3 times per hours so watch out! Good luck! =)
P.S. My duck's name was PATO - Spanish for duck. =)

Answer 6

Yes I agree with the first answer, I had a pet duck for 2 yrs, till a racoon took her out,I live in the country, Ducks are cute and funny, but are not for city liveing, or a house pet, do to there poop, and the mess they make with any water,
I have a 14 yr old Chinese Goose, No one comes into my yard, great guard dog, He lives out side, Has weather , raoccons, skunks, possiums. and snow storms,

Answer 7

I was SO tempted to get a Muscovy duck recently! I had one as a child and she (laid eggs [not good eats]) was a darling. The only duck I knew (in my ignorance) that would purr when I pet her and would wag her tail when she was happy. She could not hurt you.. never did me. No teeth and soft rounded beak. She could only 'gum' your ankles if she was annoyed. She'd eat almost anything, slugs and waterbugs but also rice. Also smart, build a 'dog house' for her for winter and she had no problem using it. they are florida type birds, but I got mine around PA/NJ farms. BEST of luck finding a duck. (no pun, lol) had mine for 7 years until she died. I agree, NOT an indoor animal by any means, but as a tiny duckling, you can keep in the kitchen over first winter until warm feathers come in.

Answer 8

ducks r not good pet they will fly away even if u clip their wings