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Bird species

Call Duck

Origin

🇳🇱

Netherlands

Size

Small Breed

Maintenance

Moderate

Classification

Anseriformes

Life Expectancy

5-12 years

Ideal Weather

10º-25ºC

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹3,000

Basic Lifestyle

₹4,000

Premium Lifestyle

Top 5 Traits

Curious

Playful

Social

Affectionate

Gentle

Grayscale portrait of a Call Duck on black background showing its head neck and part of its body

A white Call Duck with a small orange beak swims on still grey water creating small ripples

A white Call Duck with an orange beak floats on dark water looking towards the right

Call Duck Breed Overview

The Call Duck, which weighs less than a kilogram, is the smallest breed of domestic duck. They were created as calling ducks to lure wild mallards to large traps or decoys in the UK's Fens and the Dutch marshes. Their original name, the Decoy Duck, was derived from the Dutch word "de kooi," which means "trap" or "cage”. They are known for their small size, which makes them a great companion for those with restricted space.

They make excellent pets and are favoured by many. They are extremely social and can form quick bonds with their owners. Call ducks get their name from their unique quack, which is higher-pitched and livelier than other duck varieties. Female ducks have loud vocalizations and hence are not recommended for those with neighbours living close by.

Characteristics

Affection

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Vocalization

Silent

Vocal

Intelligence

Low

High

Social Behavior

Prefer Isolation

Very Social

Call Duck: Nutritional Guide

Monthly Food Expenses

₹2,000 - ₹ 2,500

Ideal weight

680 - 1134 grams

Essential Nutrients

Protein

Carbohydrates

Fats

Vitamins

Minerals

List of foods

Vegetables

Fruits

Cooked eggs

Legumes

Whole grain breads

Pellets

Lean cooked meat

Protein- It aids in muscle development and egg production. Ducklings require more protein than adults.
Carbohydrates provide them with energy for their daily activities.
Fats - Healthy fats boost their skin and feather health. However, be mindful as excess fat can lead to obesity and related health issues.
Vitamins A, D, and E are essential to boost their immunity, fertility, and overall health.
Minerals - Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and selenium help in bone health and eggshell formation.

Best Foods to Feed A Call Duck

Duck Pellets are recommended as they are specially formulated to cater to their unique needs.
Vegetables - Recommended sources are spinach, peas, carrots, and cucumber.
Grains and seeds - Whole oats, barley, cracked corn (in moderation), and quinoa offer energy and nutrition.
Protein - Insects like mealworms, earthworms, and crickets are great sources of protein.
Fruits can be given occasionally as treats. Good options are blueberries, apples (without seeds), and grapes.
Clean Water - Call ducks require a deep water bowl for them to submerge their beak while eating. This ensures that food digests easily.

Never Feed These Foods to a Call Duck

Avoid anything with these ingredients

Dairy products

High-fat foods

Onions

Garlic

Salty snacks

Chocolate

Caffeine

Raw beans

Avocado - It is toxic to ducks as it contains persin.
Onions and garlic can reduce red blood cells and disrupt digestion.
Chocolate and caffeine should be avoided as they are fatal.
Processed foods - Foods high in salt and sugar should be avoided as they can lead to dehydration and cause distress to the kidneys.
Citrus Foods may affect calcium absorption and can cause stomach upset.

Health Guide for Call Ducks

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹1,000 - ₹1,500

Recognising Stress

Feather Plucking

Excessive Vocalization

Aggression

Loss of Appetite

Changes in Droppings

Fluffed Up Feathers

Weight Loss

Common Health Issues

Respiratory Infections

Gastrointestinal tract yeast infections

Infectious causes of feather loss

Egg Binding

Nutritional Deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin A deficiency)

Parasitic Infections (e.g., mites, lice)

Energy Level

Medium

Preventative measure

Physical checkup every 6-12 months

Annual Fecal Exam

Beak Assessment

Nail Trimming

Feather Assessment

Environmental Enrichment

Avoid Sudden Diet Changes

Common Health Issues in Call Ducks

Respiratory Infections - It can be caused by damp bedding, poor ventilation, or sudden changes in the weather. Symptoms include sneezing, wheezing, and open-mouth breathing. Keep them in a well-ventilated and dry area to prevent infections.
Bumblefoot - It is caused by hard surfaces, and sometimes even obesity or injury. Symptoms include limping and swelling on the bottom of the feet. It can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight and providing them access to water for swimming.
Parasites - Ducks can contract parasites if they contact wild birds or don't live in clean enclosures. Symptoms include weight loss, feather damage, loose stools, and constant itching of the feathers. It can be prevented by keeping their surroundings clean and routine vet checkups.

General Healthcare Guidelines for Call Ducks

Due to their compact size, call ducks can gain weight easily. So, avoid giving them treats that are high in calories and switch to low-calorie options.
Provide them with extra insulation and warmth during winter as they lose heat faster than big ducks.
Call Ducks tend to grow quickly and require support for their legs during this period. So, avoid slippery floors and consult with your veterinarian regarding supplements to prevent niacin deficiency.

Prerequisites to pet a Call Duck

Time Commitment.

Noise Tolerance.

Living Space.

Environment Company.

Habitat

Initial Setup Cost

₹3,000 - ₹ 3,500

Monthly Expenses

₹1,500 - ₹ 2,000

Essential Equipment

Perches

Toys and Enrichment

Food/ water dishes

Mineral Block

Grit

Compatible mates

other ducks.

geese.

As per the British Waterfowl Association, the Call Duck is said to have been brought to Holland from Asia and was first standardized in the UK in 1865. In the 1600s, decoy ducks were utilized in Holland; however, it is believed that they were tame ducks, or decoy ducks by training, rather than the actual Decoy or Call.