Do Ducks Make Good Pets? A Beginner’s Guide

Ducks are adorable, funny and full of personality, so it’s easy to see why so many Australians dream of keeping them as pets. Watching ducks waddle around the backyard, splash in water and interact with each other can be incredibly rewarding.

But before bringing ducks home, it’s important to understand what daily care really involves. While ducks can make wonderful pets, they are not quite as low-maintenance as they may appear on social media. This beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know, from duck breeds and housing to food, cleaning and whether ducks are the right fit for your backyard.

Key Takeaways

• Ducks make wonderful pets, but they have different care requirements to chickens.
• Always check your local council rules before getting ducks, as regulations around keeping poultry can vary across Australia.
• Ducks are social animals that are happiest in a flock, so a minimum of three ducks is recommended.
• Some duck breeds can fly, so consider your breed choice and whether extra containment measures are needed.
• Choose a duck breed that suits your backyard, lifestyle and what you want from your pets.
• Ducks need a balanced diet of quality duck feed, fresh drinking water and occasional healthy treats.
• Ducks and chickens can live together successfully when introduced carefully and provided with enough space and separate areas to suit their different needs.
• A secure duck enclosure helps protect your flock from predators while giving them a safe place to rest.
• Not all chicken coops are suitable for ducks, so look for features such as low entrances and wide, gentle ramps.
• Ducks need access to clean water for swimming, bathing and natural behaviours, but their water area requires regular maintenance.

Is Keeping Ducks Different to Keeping Chickens?

If you’ve kept chickens before, you might think ducks are similar. Well… not quite.

Pet ducks and chickens share many similarities. They both sleep in coops overnight, roam your yard during the day, live in flocks, lay eggs and need protection from predators. Both can also be messy, with a habit of digging up gardens and leaving droppings around the yard.

However, there are some important differences. Ducks love water, so keeping them means providing a small pond, tub or another water source that allows them to submerge their heads and clean themselves. Regularly cleaning both their coop and water area is part of duck ownership, making ducks slightly more work to care for than chickens.

Unlike chickens, ducks prefer to walk rather than jump up into their coop. A wide, sturdy ramp with a gentle slope makes it much easier for them to get in and out safely. Ducks are also generally louder than chickens. Their quack is usually much more noticeable than the gentle cluck of hens.

Are Pet Ducks Legal in Australia?

In most parts of Australia, domestic duck breeds can be kept as pets. However, it’s important to check with your local council before purchasing ducks, as rules and restrictions can vary between areas.

Local councils may have requirements around the number of ducks allowed per property, the amount of space each duck needs, whether drakes (male ducks) are permitted, and how far coops or shelters must be located from fences and dwellings. Some councils may also have guidelines for disposing of wastewater, which can affect how you manage and clean your duck’s pond.

It is illegal to keep native Australian ducks as pets without the appropriate wildlife permit. Permit requirements vary between states and territories.

How Many Pet Ducks Should I Get?

Ducks are social animals and are much happier when kept with other ducks. We recommend keeping a minimum of three ducks so they can form a small flock and enjoy natural social behaviours together. A single duck can become lonely and stressed without companionship.

When choosing how many ducks to keep, consider the space you have available, as well as the extra cleaning, feeding and water maintenance that comes with each additional duck.

Will Pet Ducks Fly Away?

Many domestic duck breeds have been selectively bred for traits such as size and egg production, which means some are too heavy to fly well. Popular pet breeds such as Pekins and Rouens are examples of heavier ducks that typically have limited flying ability.

However, some domestic breeds, such as Mallards and Indian Runners, are capable of stronger flight. If you keep ducks that can fly, you may need to take extra precautions to keep them safely contained, such as discussing wing clipping with an experienced breeder or veterinarian.

Ducks raised from a young age in a safe, familiar environment are generally less likely to wander away, as they become accustomed to their surroundings and flock.

Which Duck Breed Makes the Best Pet?

Many domestic duck breeds make great pets. The best breed for you depends on your backyard, experience level and whether you are looking for a friendly companion, good egg layer or a duck with a particular personality.

• Pekin Ducks: One of the most popular pet duck breeds. Pekins are large, friendly and easy to handle. They are also poor flyers due to their heavier body size.
• Indian Runner Ducks: Known for their upright posture and active personality. Indian Runners are curious, energetic and excellent foragers. They are also good egg layers.
• Khaki Campbell Ducks: A hardy and friendly breed that is well suited to backyard owners. Khaki Campbells are known for their excellent egg production and active nature.
• Rouen Ducks: A larger breed that looks similar to a Mallard. Rouens are calm, friendly and make good pets for families wanting a larger duck.
• Muscovy Ducks: A quieter duck breed that does not make the typical loud quack. Muscovies are friendly, good foragers and can be more capable flyers than many other domestic breeds.

Caring for Pet Ducks

Learning how to care for your ducks properly will help you become a confident and responsible duck owner.

What Do Pet Ducks Eat?

A pet duck’s diet should mainly consist of a high quality duck feed, available from most farm supply stores. Duck feed comes in pellets, crumble or mash and is specially formulated to provide the protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals ducks need. Avoid feeding ducks chicken feed, as it is not designed to meet their nutritional requirements.

When roaming your backyard, ducks will also graze on grass and other vegetation. They are excellent foragers and enjoy eating small bugs they find along the way, especially snails!

You can also offer healthy treats in moderation, such as corn, peas, leafy greens, watermelon, berries and dried mealworms. As with any treat, these should only make up a small part of their overall diet.

Ducks need separate drinking and swimming water, as their swimming water quickly becomes dirty. Provide fresh drinking water in a poultry water dispenser to help keep it clean. Place it beside their food, as ducks regularly alternate between eating and drinking to help swallow their food and clear their nostrils.

Can Ducks Live with Chickens?

Yes, pet ducks and chickens can live together in the same backyard. However, when keeping different species together, it’s important to provide plenty of space so they can move away from each other if misunderstandings occur.

Ducks and chickens are more likely to get along when they are raised together from a young age. If you are introducing ducks to an existing chicken flock, start slowly by keeping them in separate areas where they can see and become familiar with each other through a fence before allowing them to share the same space.

Ducks love water, while chickens prefer to stay dry, so it’s important to create separate areas that suit both species. Provide ducks with a water area for swimming and bathing, while ensuring chickens have a dry space away from mud and splashing.

It’s also a good idea to feed ducks and chickens separately sometimes, as they have different nutritional needs.

Make sure to consider their different requirements when it comes to housing…

Duck Housing

Creating a suitable enclosure for your ducks will help protect them from predators while giving them a comfortable place to spend their time.

How to Set Up a Duck Coop

Ducks need a secure, sheltered area to sleep where they are protected from predators overnight. If using a coop, line the floor with absorbent bedding such as straw or wood shavings, and replace it regularly to keep the coop clean and dry.

Female ducks will lay eggs, even without a male. These unfertilised eggs are safe to eat. Provide a quiet nesting area with plenty of soft bedding so your ducks have a comfortable place to lay.

Ducks also need a safe outdoor area where they can roam, forage and explore during the day. This can be a secure enclosed run or your backyard if it is safely fenced. Include a water area for swimming and bathing, such as a small pond, old bathtub or children’s paddling pool.

Are Duck Pens Different to Chicken Coops?

Many backyard poultry keepers successfully use chicken coops to house ducks, but there are a few important features to consider.

Some chicken coops have steep, narrow ramps or ladders leading to the sleeping area. Many duck breeds are less comfortable using these, so a single-storey coop or one with a wide, gently sloping ramp is usually a better choice.

Doorway height is another thing to check. Taller breeds, such as Indian Runner ducks, may struggle to fit through low doorways designed for chickens.

Many of our customers have successfully adapted Somerzby chicken coops for ducks. For example, several customers use the Cottage Coop for one or two ducks, providing secure overnight housing before letting them free range during the day.

We’ve also had customers house ducks and chickens together in the Homestead Coop. They found the chickens preferred sleeping on the upper level, while the ducks naturally settled on the ground level underneath.

If you’re unsure which coop is best for your ducks, our team is always happy to help you choose a suitable option.

How Do You Protect Ducks from Predators?

As a duck owner, it is your responsibility to protect your flock from predators. At night, ducks should be locked inside a secure coop that keeps them safe from animals such as foxes, cats and wild birds.

During the day, it is best to provide a protected outdoor area where ducks can roam safely. A secure run with strong wire mesh is recommended, with smaller mesh openings (around 1cm squared) helping to reduce the risk from predators such as snakes and rats.

Regularly check your duck enclosure for gaps, weak spots or damage to ensure it remains a safe environment for your ducks.

Do Pet Ducks Need a Pond?

Ducks need access to water where they can swim, play and clean themselves. The water should be deep enough for them to submerge their heads and bodies.

If you don’t have space for a full pond, a plastic children’s paddling pool or shell pool can be a great alternative. Choose something with a low edge or a ramp so ducks can easily get in and out, as many domestic breeds are not strong flyers and may struggle to escape from containers with high sides.

Remember that duck water becomes dirty quickly, so regular cleaning is an important part of keeping your pet ducks healthy.

Where to Buy Pet Ducks

The cost of a pet duck in Australia typically ranges from around $20 to $100 per duck, depending on the breed, age and breeder. Ducklings are usually less expensive, often costing around $10 to $30 each, while rare breeds or older ducks may cost more.

Remember to factor in the ongoing costs of food, bedding, water maintenance and suitable housing when budgeting for pet ducks.

FAQ

Do ducks bond with their owners?

Yes, domestic ducks can form bonds with their owners, especially when they are handled regularly from a young age. Ducklings raised with lots of human interaction may imprint on their caregiver and become comfortable following them around.

Can pet ducks live inside?

No, ducks are generally not suitable as indoor pets. They cannot be toilet trained and produce frequent, watery droppings, which can quickly create a mess inside the home.

While social media often shows ducks indoors, this does not reflect the reality of duck ownership! Ducks are happiest outdoors, where they have space to explore, forage for bugs and naturally contribute nutrients to your garden through their droppings.

Can ducks be left alone for a week?

No, pet ducks cannot be left alone for a week. They need fresh food and water daily, and their coop and pond require regular cleaning. If you travel often, consider who will be able to care for your ducks while you are away.

Toni’s Wrap

Keeping pet ducks is about much more than simply buying a few ducklings. Understanding their housing, feeding, social and cleaning needs before bringing them home will help you decide whether ducks are the right fit for your lifestyle.

For the right owner, ducks can make entertaining and rewarding pets with plenty of personality. Taking the time to research first will help you create a safe, healthy home where your ducks can thrive.

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