Common Name: Call Duck
Scientific Classification: Anas platyrhynchos domesticus (domestic duck subspecies)
Origin: The Netherlands (originally bred as decoys for hunting wild ducks)
Status: Domesticated breed, popular as pets, show birds, and ornamental ducks
Size: Smallest domestic duck breed
Weight:
Drakes: 600–900 g (1.3–2 lbs)
Ducks: 500–800 g (1.1–1.8 lbs)
Body: Short, compact, and rounded with a short bill
Head: Relatively large and round with a short neck
Plumage: Wide variety of color varieties—white, mallard, silver, blue fawn, apricot, black, chocolate, pied, and more
Voice: Very loud, especially females, with a distinctive high-pitched call (originally bred for hunters to lure wild ducks)
Lifespan: 7–10 years with good care
Personality: Friendly, social, active, and alert
Intelligence: Quick learners, can be tamed easily if raised with human interaction
Social Needs: Thrive in small groups or pairs (best not kept alone)
Behavior:
Good foragers and enjoy dabbling in water
Females are noisier, while drakes are quieter
Can be flighty, so secure enclosures may be needed
Base Diet: Quality waterfowl pellets or duck grower feed
Supplements: Cracked corn, wheat, peas, oats, and duck-safe grains
Fresh Foods: Leafy greens, peas, chopped vegetables, mealworms (as treats)
Water Access: Essential for digestion (must have drinking water deep enough to submerge their bills)
Avoid: Avocado, chocolate, salty or moldy foods, raw potatoes, onions
Housing:
Secure coop or duck house (predator-proof) with straw or wood shavings for bedding
Need access to an outdoor run or pond
Water Needs: Enjoy swimming, but don’t strictly need a large pond—small kiddie pools or tubs are sufficient if cleaned regularly
Space: At least 4–5 sq ft per bird in the house, plus outdoor roaming space
Enrichment: Water for dabbling, mud patches, and space to forage
