Call Ducks
Call ducks, why you should add them or reasons you shouldn’t! After you read this you will know if they are right for you.
If you’ve ever seen a tiny duck waddling around your yard and instantly fallen in love, chances are it was a call duck. They are known for their small size, sweet personalities, and unmistakable quack, call ducks have quickly become a favorite for backyard flocks and for good reason.
We added call ducks to our own homestead from Metzer Farms you can order from Hardware Sales in store or order online. They’ve brought so much personality (and noise 😅) to our daily routine. If you’re considering adding them to your flock, here’s everything you need to know.
What Are Call Ducks?
Call ducks are a miniature breed of domestic duck. Did you know they were originally used by hunters as decoys because of their loud, high-pitched calls (hence the name “call duck”).
Despite their small size, they have big personalities and are often the most vocal members of any flock.
Why We Chose Call Ducks
When we were choosing ducks, we wanted something:
- Friendly
- Smaller and easier to manage
- Full of personality
Call ducks checked every box.
Ours from Metzer Farms arrived healthy, active, and honestly… a little sassy right from the start. They quickly became part of our everyday routine—following us around, chatting nonstop, and making the whole space feel more alive.
Call Ducks Personality: What to Expect
- Extremely social – they love being around people and other ducks
- Very vocal – especially females (just a heads up 😄) boys sound so cute you will know which is which
- Curious and active – always exploring
If you love animals that interact with you daily, call ducks are such a fun addition. But if you have close neighbors, their noise level is something to consider.
Housing & Space Needs
Even though they’re small, call ducks still need a safe, clean, and predator-proof space.
What they need:
- A secure coop
- A fenced run or yard space
- Protection from predators
TO SHOP MY FAVORITE DUCK THINGS
Do they need a pond?
Not necessarily—but they do need:
- A water source deep enough to dip their heads
- Access to water for cleaning and preening
Even a small pond or tub makes a big difference in how happy they are.
Do Call ducks fly?
One thing that surprises a lot of people, they can fly. Because of their small, lightweight bodies, they’re actually much more capable flyers than larger duck breeds. Ours have done quick long bursts, yes that freaked me out! But they tend to stay close to home, especially when they feel safe and have everything they need, but it’s something to plan for. If you want to keep them contained, you may need fencing with a cover, clipped wings, or a fully enclosed run.
Feeding Call Ducks
They eat a diet similar to other ducks, just in smaller amounts.
Basic diet includes:
- Quality duck feed (starter, grower, or layer depending on age)
- Fresh water at all times
- Occasional treats like:
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Herbs
- Grubs
Because they’re small, they don’t eat nearly as much as larger breeds—which makes them a great option if you want ducks without a huge feed bill.
Egg Production
They do lay eggs, but they are:
- Smaller in size
- Less frequent than larger laying breeds
If your goal is eggs, they may not be your top choice. But if you want personality and charm? They win every time.
Yes—and this is one of the biggest reasons we love them.
Are they good for Families?
They’re:
- Easy to handle due to their size
- Interactive and engaging
- Great for teaching kids responsibility
Our call ducks have become part of our everyday life—from morning routines to just being outside together.
Things to Consider Before Getting Call Ducks
Before adding them to your flock, keep this in mind:
- They are loud
- They need protection because of their small size
- They’re social animals—don’t keep just one
- They fly FAR
If you’re okay with those things, they are such a rewarding addition.
Where to Buy Call Ducks
We got ours from Metzer Farms, a well-known hatchery that specializes in waterfowl. They offer a variety of call duck colors and ship day-old ducklings safely. They cant sex them so you get what you get so be ready for that!
Choosing a reputable hatchery makes a big difference in:
- Health
- Temperament
- Overall experience
Are Call Ducks Worth It?
If you’re looking for:
- A fun, interactive backyard animal
- Something a little different than chickens
- A pet with personality
They are absolutely worth it.
They may be small, but they bring so much life, noise, and charm to a homestead. For us, they’ve become one of those “we didn’t know we needed this” additions—and now we can’t imagine not having them.
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