A Complete Guide to Keeping Call Ducks

Call ducks are a charming and popular breed among poultry enthusiasts in the UK. Known for their small size, endearing personalities, and distinctive quacking, they make fantastic pets and ornamental additions to gardens and smallholdings. Whether you're new to keeping ducks or looking to expand your flock, Call ducks are an excellent choice.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about keeping Call ducks, from housing and feeding to health care and legal considerations.

Introduction to Call Ducks

Call ducks are a domesticated breed that originated in the Netherlands and were initially used as decoy ducks to lure wild waterfowl into traps. Today, they are primarily kept for their ornamental value, friendly temperament, and manageable size.

Key Characteristics:

• Lifespan: 7-10 years with proper care
• Size: Small (weighing around 500-900 grams)
• Temperament: Friendly, lively, and sociable
• Colours: White, mallard, bibbed, pied, blue, and more
• Egg Production: 50-150 small white eggs per year
• Noise Level: High; females have a distinctive loud quack

Why Choose Call Ducks?

Call ducks are a popular choice for several reasons:

1. Small and Manageable: Their compact size makes them ideal for small gardens and urban settings.
2. Friendly and Sociable: They are easy to tame and enjoy human interaction.
3. Beautiful Ornamental Ducks: Their attractive appearance makes them a delightful addition to ponds and enclosures.
4. Low Maintenance: They require relatively little upkeep compared to larger duck breeds.
5. Good Egg Layers: Although not as prolific as other breeds, Call ducks provide a reasonable number of eggs.
6. Great for Beginners: Their friendly nature makes them a fantastic breed for first-time duck keepers.

Housing Requirements for Call Ducks

Providing the right environment is crucial for keeping Call ducks happy and healthy.

Duck House Requirements

• Size: Allow at least 0.5 square metres per duck inside the duck house.
• Ventilation: Ensure good airflow to prevent dampness and respiratory issues.
• Bedding: Use straw, wood shavings, or hay for insulation and comfort.
• Predator Protection: Secure the house to protect against foxes, rats, and other predators.
• Easy Access: Ducks prefer a low entrance, as they do not perch like chickens.

Outdoor Space and Water Access

Call ducks are highly active and require outdoor space to thrive.

• Run Size: At least 2-3 square metres per duck, but more space is ideal.
• Water Source: A small pond, shallow container, or even a paddling pool for swimming and preening.
• Fencing: A minimum of 90 cm high fencing is recommended to prevent escapes.

Tip: Ensure their water source is easy to clean, as Call ducks can muddy water quickly.

Feeding Call Ducks

Providing a nutritious and balanced diet is essential for their well-being.

Essential Nutrition

1. Duck Pellets: A complete commercial duck feed containing essential vitamins and minerals.
2. Grain Mix: Wheat, oats, and barley can supplement their daily diet.
3. Greens and Vegetables: Leafy greens, peas, lettuce, and other vegetables are great treats.
4. Grit: Necessary to aid digestion and break down food in their gizzard.
5. Fresh Water: Ducks need clean water at all times for drinking and washing their food.

Feeding Tip: Avoid feeding bread, as it lacks nutrients and can cause digestive issues.

Health and Common Concerns

Call ducks are generally hardy birds, but they do require regular health checks and care.

Common Health Issues:

• Wet Feather: Caused by poor water quality; provide clean water for bathing and preening.
• Bumblefoot: A bacterial infection caused by rough surfaces; keep their living area clean.
• Parasites: Check regularly for mites and lice, especially around the vent area.
• Respiratory Issues: Prevent damp conditions in their housing to avoid infections.
• Obesity: Due to their small size, overfeeding can lead to weight-related health issues.

Preventative Care: Maintain a clean environment, provide a balanced diet, and conduct routine health checks.

Call Duck Behaviour and Handling

Call ducks are known for their lively and engaging personalities, making them a joy to keep.

• They are highly social and do best in pairs or small groups.
• They are naturally curious and will follow their keepers around.
• Female Call ducks can be quite noisy, so consider your neighbours when keeping them in residential areas.
• They are not aggressive and usually get along well with other poultry.

Handling Tip: Handle your ducks gently and regularly to build trust and encourage tameness.

Egg Production and Collection

Call ducks are not the most prolific layers, but they can provide a steady supply of small, tasty eggs.

Egg-Laying Habits

• Expect around 3-4 eggs per week during the spring and summer months.
• They may stop laying during winter unless provided with supplemental light.
• Call ducks are prone to broodiness, meaning they may sit on their eggs and attempt to hatch them.

Egg Collection Tip: Collect eggs daily to ensure freshness and prevent broodiness if you don't intend to breed.

Winter Care for Call Ducks

Although Call ducks are hardy, they require extra care during the winter months.

1. Sheltered Housing: Ensure their shelter is dry and insulated against frost.
2. Water Management: Prevent drinking water from freezing using heated bowls or regular checks.
3. Extra Feeding: Increase their caloric intake slightly to help maintain body heat.
4. Bedding: Provide thick straw or shavings for insulation during colder weather.

Winter Tip: Avoid letting ducks stay in icy water for extended periods to prevent hypothermia.

Breeding and Raising Call Ducklings

If you plan to breed Call ducks, there are a few important considerations.

Breeding Tips

• The breeding season typically begins in early spring.
• Females are excellent mothers and will often go broody naturally.
• A typical clutch contains 6-12 eggs, with an incubation period of around 26-28 days.
• Ducklings need warmth, chick (or duckling) starter crumb, and access to shallow water under supervision.

Growth Rate: Ducklings grow quickly and can transition to adult feed by 6-8 weeks old.

Legal Considerations in the UK

Before keeping Call ducks, it's essential to be aware of relevant UK regulations and ethical considerations.

• DEFRA Regulations: Follow biosecurity guidelines to prevent the spread of avian diseases.
• Local Council Rules: Check for any restrictions on keeping poultry in your area.
• Neighbour Considerations: Due to their noisy nature, inform neighbours to prevent complaints.
• Wildlife Protection: Avoid releasing domestic ducks into the wild as it can impact local ecosystems.

Conclusion

Call ducks are a delightful and rewarding breed for poultry keepers in the UK. Their charming personalities, beautiful appearance, and manageable size make them a fantastic choice for beginners and experienced keepers alike.

By providing appropriate housing, a nutritious diet, and proper care, your Call ducks will thrive and bring joy to your home for years to come.