If you’ve ever stumbled across a tiny duck with a round body, upright posture, and a surprisingly loud voice, chances are you’ve met a Call Duck. Despite their small size, these birds have a big personality and an even bigger history. Originally bred for hunting, they’ve now become one of the most popular ornamental duck breeds in the world.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes Call Ducks so special from their origins and behavior to care requirements and breeding tips. Whether you’re a backyard poultry keeper or just curious about these charming little birds, there’s plenty to discover.
What Are Call Ducks?
Call Ducks are a miniature domestic duck breed known for their compact size and distinctive vocalizations. Adult Call Ducks typically weigh between 0.7 to 1.2 kilograms, making them significantly smaller than most standard duck breeds.
One of their most defining traits is right in the name they “call” loudly. Their high-pitched quacking was historically used by hunters to attract wild ducks into traps. This unique ability made them valuable working birds long before they became beloved pets and show animals.
Today, Call Ducks are primarily kept for exhibition, companionship, and ornamental purposes rather than hunting.
A Brief History of Call Ducks
The origins of Call Ducks trace back several centuries, with strong ties to the Netherlands and possibly parts of Asia. They became especially popular in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries when duck decoy systems were widely used for hunting waterfowl.
Hunters would use trained Call Ducks to lure wild ducks into enclosed waterways known as “duck decoys.” Their loud calls would echo across the water, drawing curious wild birds closer. Once the wild ducks entered the trap, they were captured for food.
As hunting methods changed and declined, Call Ducks transitioned into ornamental birds. Their small size, friendly behavior, and striking appearance made them favorites among poultry enthusiasts and breeders.
Today, they are commonly showcased in poultry exhibitions around the world and are prized for their variety of colors and patterns.
Appearance and Personality
Call Ducks are undeniably adorable. Their compact bodies, rounded heads, and short bills give them a cartoon-like appearance that many people find irresistible.
Physical Traits:
- Small, rounded body
- Short neck and bill
- Upright posture
- Fluffy plumage
- Wide variety of colors (white, gray, pied, pastel, mallard-type, and more)
Despite their tiny size, they are surprisingly energetic and expressive. They are social birds that thrive in groups and often form strong bonds with their flock mates or human caretakers.
Temperament:
Call Ducks are generally friendly and active. However, they can also be quite vocal and alert. Some owners describe them as “chatty” or even “nosy” because they react quickly to movement or unfamiliar sounds.
While they can be tamed, they are not typically as calm as larger duck breeds like Pekins. Instead, they are more suited for people who enjoy lively, interactive poultry.
Housing and Environment Needs
Because of their small size, Call Ducks do not require as much space as larger breeds, but they still need proper care and a safe environment.
Ideal Housing Setup:
A good duck shelter should include:
- Dry, draft-free sleeping area
- Soft bedding such as straw or wood shavings
- Secure fencing to protect from predators
- Access to outdoor space for foraging
Even though they are small, Call Ducks still enjoy swimming. A shallow pond, kiddie pool, or water basin is highly recommended. Clean water is essential, as ducks use it not only for swimming but also for cleaning their bills and nostrils.
It’s important to ensure the water area is shallow enough for safety, especially since Call Ducks are not strong flyers or deep divers.
Feeding and Nutrition
A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining healthy Call Ducks. Their nutritional needs are similar to other domestic ducks but must be adjusted to their size.
Core Diet Includes:
- High-quality waterfowl pellets or duck feed
- Leafy greens (lettuce, kale, spinach)
- Grains such as oats and wheat
- Occasional treats like peas or corn
They also enjoy foraging for insects, snails, and small plants when allowed outdoors.
Fresh, clean water must always be available. Ducks need water to swallow their food properly, and dehydration can quickly become a serious issue.
Overfeeding fatty foods should be avoided, as Call Ducks can become overweight more easily than larger breeds.
Breeding Call Ducks
Breeding Call Ducks can be both rewarding and challenging. Because of their small size, fertility rates can sometimes be lower than in larger duck breeds, especially in heavily bred exhibition lines.
Key Breeding Facts:
- Females lay relatively small clutches of eggs
- Incubation period is about 26–28 days
- Ducklings are tiny and require careful brooding conditions
Proper temperature control, clean bedding, and access to starter feed are essential for healthy development. Many breeders use incubators rather than relying on natural incubation, especially for show-quality birds.
Genetics also play a major role in breeding outcomes, particularly for color patterns and physical structure.
Health and Common Issues
Call Ducks are generally hardy when properly cared for, but like all poultry, they are susceptible to certain health issues.
Common concerns include:
- Respiratory infections (often caused by damp or dirty environments)
- Foot problems due to wet or unsanitary bedding
- Obesity from overfeeding
- Egg binding in breeding females
Regular cleaning of housing areas and maintaining a dry environment can prevent most health problems. Routine observation is also important changes in behavior, appetite, or mobility often signal early health issues.
Why People Love Call Ducks
There’s a reason Call Ducks have become so popular among poultry enthusiasts. They combine beauty, personality, and manageability in a small package.
Some owners keep them as backyard pets, while others focus on breeding or showing them in exhibitions. Their wide variety of colors and patterns makes them especially appealing to collectors.
They are also relatively easy to manage in small backyard spaces compared to larger duck breeds, making them suitable for hobby farmers and rural households alike.
For those searching online for call ducks for sale, it’s important to choose reputable breeders who prioritize health, genetic diversity, and ethical breeding practices. Quality breeding has a huge impact on both temperament and longevity.
Are Call Ducks Right for You?
Before bringing Call Ducks into your care, it’s worth considering your environment and expectations.
They may be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy active, vocal birds
- Have a safe outdoor space
- Can provide clean water access
- Are interested in ornamental poultry or breeding
They may not be ideal if you prefer quiet animals or live in a noise-sensitive area, as their distinctive calls can carry surprisingly far.
That said, many owners find their personality and charm outweigh any noise concerns.
Tips for First-Time Owners
If you’re new to keeping Call Ducks, here are a few practical tips:
- Start with a small flock (they are social animals)
- Provide clean water at all times
- Secure their enclosure against predators
- Keep bedding dry and regularly changed
- Handle them gently and frequently to build trust
Consistency and care go a long way in raising healthy, happy ducks.
Conclusion
Call Ducks are one of the most fascinating and endearing duck breeds in the poultry world. Their history as hunting decoys, combined with their modern role as ornamental and companion birds, gives them a unique place in domestic animal keeping.
From their lively personalities to their striking appearance, they offer a rewarding experience for anyone willing to meet their care needs. Whether you’re exploring poultry keeping as a hobby or simply admiring their charm, Call Ducks are hard to forget once you’ve encountered them.
And for those actively searching for call ducks for sale, taking the time to learn about their care, temperament, and breeding requirements will help ensure a successful and enjoyable experience with these remarkable little birds.
