Call Duck Breed: The Secret Behind the Quietest Quack!
Forget giant ducks, the Call Duck Breed is all about pint-sized adorableness! These tiny cuties are full of personality. It makes them popular pets and backyard buddies.
These little feathery friends have a long history. Call Ducks came from the Netherlands long ago and were used as “decoy ducks” once upon a time! But today, they’re more likely to melt your heart with their friendly spirit and their special “quack.” It’s because of the quieter quack and their vocal talent!
The breed is an excellent addition to rural farms and urban households. Get more facts about this breed by checking their personalities.
Table of Contents
A Short Profile of Call Duck Breed
Call Ducks are social creatures. To let you know about them, here’s a quick overview!
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Call Duck | Anas platyrhynchos domesticus |
| Size | Smallest domestic duck breed, weighing around 0.8 kg (1.8 lbs) |
| Temperament | Friendly, sociable, docile, easily tamed, good with children |
| Activity Level | Active, playful, enjoy swimming and foraging |
| Lifespan | 8-12 years with proper care |
| Vocalizations | Females have a high-pitched “quack” quieter than other ducks. |
| Drakes are mostly silent | |
| Egg Laying | Lay around 8-12 eggs per clutch |
| Care Needs | Access to water for swimming, secure shelter, balanced diet, predator protection |
| Unique Traits | Used as “decoy ducks” historically |
| Known for their quiet quack | |
| Popular for shows and exhibitions |
History And Location Of the Call Duck Breed
The Call Duck has a fascinating history, even though it’s quite small. Let’s explore where they came from. Also, we’ll learn how they become beloved pets.
Where Did They Come From?
The Call Duck’s beginnings are a bit of a mystery. People think they started in the Netherlands, but there’s not much proof until the 17th century. Some say they might have come from Asia.
The Journey of Call Ducks Becoming Pets
As time went on, people started to love Call Ducks just for being cute and friendly. They’re small, make funny sounds, and are perfect for keeping as pets. By the 19th century, they were well-known in places like the UK and USA, and people adored them.
Call Ducks Today
Nowadays, you can find Call Ducks all over the world! People who love ducks keep them as pets. Some organizations and breeders make sure they stay happy and healthy.
Whether you see them in Europe, North America, or Asia, one thing is clear! Call Ducks are always charming and fun to be around.
The Physical Appearance of the Call Duck Breed
Let’s take a closer look at the charming appearances of male and female Call Ducks. Find out whether male and female call ducks are the same or not.
Male Call Ducks
- Head and Neck: Elegant blue-gray shades.
- Breast: Eye-catching red-tipped white feathers.
- Back: Handsome mix of white and pale bluish-gray.
- Bill: Usually green, adding a vibrant touch.
Female Call Ducks
- Head and Neck: Rich browns and creams.
- Breast and Underbody: Delicate pale pink hues.
- Bill: Often dark orange or brown, matching their overall colors.
Shared Traits of Male and Female Call Ducks
- Size: Both males and females are small, weighing around 0.8 kg (1.8 lbs). Sometimes they can be about 15 to 25 punches.
- Body Shape: Cute and round.
- Plumage: Comes in various colors like black, white, apricot, bibbed, and silver.
- Eyes: Striking black or dark brown, adding to their charm.
People get confused about, “What is the size of a Call Duck.” So, here’s a clear answer: males and females both are the same in size.
See a video of this beautiful little creature!
4 Different Personalities of the Call Duck
Call Ducks are gentle and have unique personalities. Rarely displaying aggression, they are known for their docile nature. Let’s check out their different personalities.
1. Friendly and Sociable
Call Ducks are known for being friendly and sociable. They like spending time with their owners, often following them around and enjoying attention. They usually don’t get aggressive and are okay around kids.
2. Playful and Active
These ducks are full of energy and love to play. They have fun exploring, swimming, and chasing each other. But remember, they’re small, so make sure they have enough space to play safely.
3. Surprisingly Quiet
Even though they’re called Call Ducks, they’re not very loud. Female Call Ducks have a high-pitched “quack.” But it’s much quieter than other duck breeds.
They use this vocalization for various purposes. For example – it can be for communication and calling for mates.
Male Call Ducks are silent except for occasional low rasps or whistles. It’s especially true during courtship.
4. Curious and Inquisitive
Call Ducks are curious and like to check out their surroundings. They’re fun to watch as they explore and play around. It’s good to give them things to keep them busy and entertained. Like treats or toys.
Related Article: Marbled Duck Breed: Are They Friendly Enough
Reproduction and Breeding of Call Duck Breed
Considering adding Call Ducks to your backyard? Understanding their breeding habits and responsible breeding is important. Let’s learn about their breeding!
When do Call Ducks start their breeding season?
Call Ducks typically begin their breeding season in Spring, between April and October. However, this can vary depending on factors like climate, daylight hours, and individual bird maturity.
How long does it take for a Call Duck egg to hatch?
The incubation period for Call Duck eggs is around 28 days. Both parents can incubate, but females usually take the lead.
How do Call Ducks breed?
Breeding Call Ducks responsibly requires several steps:
- Make sure to follow local laws about owning and breeding ducks.
- Set up a safe and roomy enclosure with clean water and a cozy nesting area.
- Give them a good diet.
- Let ducks choose their mates naturally during the breeding season.
- Keep an eye on them during mating.
- Make sure the female has a safe spot to lay eggs.
- Be ready to take care of the ducklings once they hatch.
How many eggs do Call Ducks lay?
Call Ducks are not prolific layers, typically laying clutches of 8-12 eggs. Some hens may never lay eggs at all.
Which color eggs do Call Ducks lay?
Call Duck eggs come in a range of colors, including white, light green, and sometimes blue. The most common color is white.
6 Different Purposes of Call Duck Breed
Call Ducks, were once used for hunting. But they serve for various purposes:
- Pet Ducks: Call Ducks are loved as pets. So, you can keep them as a domesticated duck or backyard pal. Because they’re small, friendly, and fun.
- Ornamental Ducks: Call ducks are ornamental ducks, too. With their beautiful looks and vibrant colors, they’re often used for ornamental purposes. They bring charm to gardens, ponds, and water features.
- Educational and Exhibition Uses: Call Ducks are featured in educational programs. It’s especially for kids. They also take part in duck shows and competitions worldwide.
- Conservation and Preservation: These ducks help preserve genetic diversity. So, they prevent certain varieties from dying out.
- Egg Production and Broodiness: They don’t lay eggs as much as commercial breeds. However, the eggs are edible.
- Garden Pest Control: They’re good at keeping gardens pest-free. They eat snails, slugs, and insects to keep the garden clean.
How Do I Take Care Of My Pet Call Duck?
Want to raise Call Duck in your yard? Here’s a guideline to raise them with proper care –
Habitat Needs
Provide at least 10 square feet per duck with 4-foot-tall fencing. Offer a secure, draft-free place with comfy bedding.
Also, set up a kiddie pool or pond for swimming and grooming. If breeding, give them a quiet spot with soft bedding.
Remember, these ducks are easy to keep in pairs or trios. So consider their social needs.
Feeding Time
Mix commercial duck feed pellets with leafy greens, veggies, and fruits (as treats). Grit can also be good for digestion. Make sure they have clean water for drinking and grooming. Ask a vet about extra vitamins or minerals they may need.
Keeping Them Happy and Healthy
Visit the vet yearly for health checks. You can keep your eyes on parasite control, and vaccination.
It’s also better to secure their area to keep them safe. Regularly clean their housing and water to prevent sickness.
I suggest you spend time with them. Also, handle them gently to build trust. You can offer them extra shelter and ensure their water doesn’t freeze. And be sure you do proper care during winter.
Pros And Cons of Having Call Duck Breed
Before getting Call Ducks, think carefully. They’re cute but need a lot of care and time. Consider both the good and bad before deciding if they’re right for you.
Pros of Call Duck
- Adorable and friendly
- Compact and manageable
- Relatively quiet
- Low maintenance
- Active and entertaining
- Diverse and beautiful
Cons of Call Duck
- Not for meat or eggs
- Need access to water
- Can be messy
- Prone to escape
- Requires commitment
- May not be suitable for everyone
Related Articles:
- The Friendly Elizabeth Duck Breed
- Raising Cayuga Duck With Care
- Why You Should Consider Abacot Ranger Duck
- Australian Spotted Ducks: A Rare Breed
FAQs
You can check some related queries about Call Duck. I hope they’ll help you out to know more!
Q. Will Call Ducks fly away?
Call Ducks are agile fliers. So they may fly away if not kept in a secure enclosure. It’s essential to provide a safe environment with proper fencing to keep them.
Q. Are Call Ducks smart?
Call Ducks have intelligence and adaptability. They can learn quickly and exhibit problem-solving abilities.
Q. What age do Call Ducks lay eggs?
Call Ducks typically start laying eggs around 5-6 months of age. But it can vary depending on individual factors. For example – genetics, diet, and environmental conditions.
Final Word
Call Duck Breed is small but popular! They can bring happiness to any home or farm. Their friendly nature, small size, and fun behaviors make them popular pets. Whether as pets, decorations, or educational tools, Call Ducks steal hearts with their unique qualities!
Before getting a Call Duck, it’s important to understand their needs. While they’re cute and easy to care for, it’s crucial to consider challenges. However, with proper care, Call Ducks can be wonderful companions for many years.
