Thinking of Getting Ducks? What You Need to Know

By Emily Herr

The Scoop Digital Newspaper: April 2025

Ducks can be charming and delightful companions, but they’re not low-maintenance pets. Before you welcome these feathered friends into your life, it’s essential to understand the commitment involved.

Are Ducks Right for You?

Daily Care: Ducks require daily care and attention.
Long-Term Commitment: Owning a duck is a long-term responsibility. They can live for 10-15 years, or even up to 20 years.
Not Indoor Pets: Ducks are not suited for an indoor lifestyle. They need to live outdoors.

Essential Needs

Water: Ducks are semi-aquatic and need daily access to water for drinking, bathing, and swimming. A kiddie pool or similar setup is suitable.
Shelter: Provide a secure coop to protect them from weather and predators. A dog house can be sufficient for a few ducks.
Nutrition: Ducks need appropriate nutrition. They enjoy greens, vegetables, and grains. Avoid heavily spiced leftovers.
Social Needs: Ducks are social animals and thrive in pairs or flocks. Never keep just one duck.

Housing

Coop: A predator-proof coop is essential. It should be well-ventilated and have clean bedding like straw or wood shavings. Allow 3-5 square feet of space per duck.
Run: A spacious outdoor run with at least 10-15 square feet per duck is needed.
Fencing: A fence at least three feet high is recommended.

Enrichment

Toys and Activities: Provide toys, puzzles, and opportunities for foraging to prevent boredom.
Natural Behaviors: Encourage natural behaviors like swimming, digging, and exploring.

Health and Safety

Predator Protection: Protect ducks from predators like raccoons, foxes, and birds of prey.
Health Checks: Regularly monitor your ducks for signs of illness or injury.
Emergency Preparedness: Have a first-aid kit and know how to administer basic first aid.

Important Considerations

Social Needs: Ducks need companions. Keep at least two, preferably more.
Mess: Ducks are messy and produce a lot of waste.
Local Regulations: Check local ordinances regarding keeping ducks as pets.

Would you like to explore any of these aspects in more detail? Setup an appointment with Sugar Feather Farm today by clicking the link.

The author would like to thank Sugar Feather Farm for providing the inspiration for this article.

Check out Sugar Feather Farm for all your fowl needs.

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