Call Duck: The Tiny Charmer For Your Backyard Or Pond
Are you curious about adding a little feathered friend to your outdoor space? Maybe you've heard whispers of the world's cutest, smallest duck breed. Well, get ready to discover the truly special call duck. These charming birds, with their captivating looks and lively spirits, are certainly stealing hearts everywhere, a very popular choice for many folks looking for a unique pet.
These little ducks, you know, offer quite a lot of personality in a small package. They are a rather delightful addition to any garden or small pond. People often find their distinct voices and friendly ways quite appealing, too it's almost like they were made to bring joy.
Today, we will learn all about the call duck, exploring their fascinating background, what makes them look so appealing, and how you can take good care of them. So, let's explore what makes these tiny waterfowl so beloved by so many people.
Table of Contents
- What Exactly is a Call Duck?
- Bringing a Call Duck Home: Care and Companionship
- The Call Duck Community: Breeders and Enthusiasts
- Frequently Asked Questions About Call Ducks
What Exactly is a Call Duck?
The call duck is, quite simply, a very small domestic duck breed. They are known for their rather sweet appearance and their special "call" sound. This little bird is often seen as the bantam of the duck world, meaning they are the small version, much like a bantam chicken is a small chicken. They are indeed a charming sort of bird, very popular for many different reasons.
A Rich History: From Decoy to Delight
The story of the call duck actually goes back a long way, to the 1600s, in the Netherlands. In fact, their name comes from a Dutch word, 'kool,' which means 'trap.' You see, these ducks were first bred for a very particular job. They were used as live decoy ducks, sort of like a lure, to bring wild ducks closer to hunters. Their small size, about two pounds, made them easy to carry around, and their loud voices were quite useful for calling down those wild ducks. So, in a way, they played a big part in hunting for quite some time.
Today, things are very different for the call duck. People now raise them for other purposes entirely. They are not really known for laying many eggs, nor do they provide much meat. Instead, they are typically raised for ornamental reasons or as companions. They are also very popular as show birds, admired for their looks and character. It's quite a transformation from their original hunting purpose, isn't it?
Tiny Stature, Big Personality: Appearance
Call ducks are, without a doubt, one of the smallest duck breeds you will find. As a bantam breed, they are much smaller than most other ducks. They have shorter bills, shorter legs, a smaller body, and even smaller feet. This gives them a very compact, almost toy-like appearance. Many people say they look too cute to be real, like real-life toy ducks. This tiny size, you know, is a big part of their appeal.
Despite their small bodies, these little ducks are certainly full of personality. They are known for being quite lively and having plenty of charisma. They also love to explore their surroundings, which is pretty fun to watch. You will find they have a really interesting character, and once you start raising them, people often just fall in love with them. They are, in a way, very engaging little creatures.
A Rainbow of Plumage: Call Duck Colors
One of the most appealing things about call ducks is the amazing range of colors they come in. In Europe and the UK, there are about twenty recognized colors. Australia, on the other hand, has a somewhat different range of colors. This variety means you can find a call duck that looks just right for your tastes. For instance, Metzer Farms offers healthy call ducklings for sale in seven different colors, which is pretty neat.
Just to give you an idea, black call ducks have plumage that looks glossy black. They usually have black legs and a black bill, which creates a striking, all-black appearance. Some black ducklings might have very small differences in color, but the main color is a solid black, sometimes with a white bib on their chest. So, you can see, there's quite a bit of choice when it comes to their feathers, which is that little extra touch of beauty.
Bringing a Call Duck Home: Care and Companionship
Bringing any animal into your home means you need to know how to care for them. Call ducks, while small, still have specific needs to keep them healthy and happy. They are, after all, living creatures that need proper attention. So, let's look at what you need to do to provide a good home for these little birds.
Making a Cozy Home: Housing Your Call Ducks
When it comes to housing, call ducks don't take up much room, which is pretty convenient for many backyards and gardens. They are quite sociable waterfowl, so they do well with companions. You will want to find out how to house them properly, making sure they have a safe and comfortable place to rest. They need shelter from the weather, of course, and protection from predators. A small pond or a water source is really good for them, too, as they love to swim and splash around. It's sort of their happy place.
They are also quite friendly birds, which makes them a joy to have around. Providing them with a secure enclosure will help keep them safe. Remember, they can fly well, so making sure their space is enclosed is a good idea. That, you know, keeps them from flying off and getting lost. Plus, they can be an excellent and organic way to get rid of slugs in your garden, which is a neat little bonus.
What's on the Menu? Feeding Your Feathered Friends
Feeding your call ducks is a pretty straightforward process. You need to learn about their dietary requirements to keep them in good health. A balanced diet is very important for any animal. You can find specialized waterfowl feed that has all the nutrients they need. It's also good to provide them with fresh water at all times, not just for drinking but also for dabbling and keeping their bills clean. They really do enjoy a good drink and a splash.
You will also want to learn how to raise these birds, which includes understanding their feeding habits as they grow. They might forage for some insects and plants if they have access to a grassy area, which is pretty natural for them. But, you know, a good quality feed will be the main part of their diet. They are, essentially, quite simple to feed once you know what they need.
Temperament and Social Life: Are They Right for You?
Call ducks are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They are generally docile birds, which means they are pretty calm and easy to be around. This makes them excellent pets for many people. They have a very fun character, and they really enjoy interacting with each other and, sometimes, with their human companions. You will find they are quite charming to observe, too. They truly are a delightful addition to a flock.
If you are thinking of adding ducks to your backyard, these little birds are a good choice because they are so full of personality. They are, in a way, like the tiny comedians of the waterfowl world. Their overall temperament makes them suitable for a backyard setting. They tend to be quite amiable, which is a good thing for any pet. You will certainly enjoy their antics.
The Sound of Charm: Their Distinctive Quack
One of the most talked-about traits of the call duck is their voice. They have a truly distinctive quacking sound. Females, in particular, have a very loud quack, which is how they got their name, after all. This loud voice was, you know, originally what made them so useful for luring wild ducks. It's a sound that really stands out.
While their quack is loud, it's also part of their charm for many owners. It adds to their unique character. So, if you are considering call ducks, be prepared for some lively vocalizations. It's just part of who they are, and it's a sound that, for many, becomes a comforting part of their outdoor space. It's a pretty interesting sound, that's for sure.
The Call Duck Community: Breeders and Enthusiasts
There is a vibrant community of people who love and raise call ducks. For instance, the National Call Breeders of America was founded in 1986 by Ed Cline. This club was created to encourage the breeding and exhibition of call ducks. They offer club awards and a master breeder program, which is pretty cool for those serious about these birds. Before the club, very few call ducks were shown in the southern parts of the country and other areas, so they really helped grow the interest.
This community shows just how much people appreciate these small ducks. They are ideal for small ponds and as pets, and their unique traits make them popular among enthusiasts. If you are interested in getting involved, there are resources to learn more about this breed. You can learn more about call ducks on our site, and you can also find out more about where to find healthy call ducklings from places like Metzer Farms. Many places, you know, raise and sell a wide variety of bantam ducks, including call ducks, East Indies, Australian Spotteds, and Miniature Silver Appleyards, so there's a lot out there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Call Ducks
People often have questions about these small, charming birds. Here are a few common ones:
Are call ducks good pets?
Yes, they often make excellent pets. They are known for being friendly, docile, and quite sociable. They have a lot of personality in a small body, and many people find them very engaging to have around. They really do add a bit of fun and color to a backyard, you know, and are pretty easy to care for once you get the hang of it.
How big do call ducks get?
Call ducks are a bantam breed, which means they are quite small. They typically weigh about two pounds when fully grown. They are considered the smallest domestic duck breed. So, they are, essentially, very compact little birds, much smaller than your average duck.
What do call ducks eat?
Call ducks need a balanced diet, usually a good quality waterfowl feed. They also enjoy foraging for insects and plants if they have access to a grassy area. Providing them with fresh water for drinking and dabbling is also very important. They are, you know, pretty happy with a consistent feeding routine.
Call Duck Breed (Everything you Need to Know)
Call Duck | Ducks | Breed Information | Omlet
Call Duck | Ducks | Breed Information | Omlet
