Blue Mallard Call Duck: Health, Temperament, Care & Costs

Blue Mallard Call Ducks are a color variety of the Call duck, a very small domestic duck developed from mallard-type stock. They are compact, round-bodied, and known for a bright, alert expression and a high, ringing call. Adults are much smaller than common backyard breeds, usually around 1 to 2 pounds, which makes them appealing to pet parents who want a bantam-sized duck with a lot of personality.

Temperament is often social, curious, and active. Many Call ducks become people-oriented when handled gently from a young age, but they are still ducks first. That means they do best with other ducks, outdoor space, clean water, and a secure predator-proof setup. They are not ideal indoor pets, and their vocal nature can be a real issue in close neighborhoods.

With good care, many domestic ducks live 8 to 15 years. Blue Mallard Call Ducks can fit well in a small backyard flock, but their tiny size also makes them more vulnerable to predators, chilling, and management mistakes than larger breeds. For most families, the best match is a pair or small same-sex group with safe housing, species-appropriate feed, and a relationship with your vet.

Like other small domestic ducks, Blue Mallard Call Ducks are prone to many of the same problems seen in backyard waterfowl: parasite exposure, foot injuries, respiratory disease, reproductive problems, and nutrition-related illness. Ducklings are especially sensitive to diet errors. Ducks have a higher niacin requirement than chickens, so feeding chick starter without proper formulation or veterinary guidance can contribute to weak legs, poor growth, and mobility problems.

Wet, dirty housing raises the risk of bacterial and parasitic disease, while rough or hard surfaces can lead to bumblefoot and sore hocks. Because Call ducks are lightweight and active, they may hide illness until they are quite sick. Warning signs include limping, sitting more than usual, tail bobbing, open-mouth breathing, diarrhea, reduced appetite, sudden drop in egg production, or trouble walking. See your vet immediately if your duck is weak, breathing hard, unable to stand, or showing neurologic signs.

Backyard ducks also face infectious disease risks from contact with wild birds and contaminated water. Biosecurity matters. Limiting exposure to wild waterfowl, keeping feed dry and rodent-free, cleaning waterers often, and quarantining new birds can lower risk. Female ducks may also develop egg-binding, yolk coelomitis, or calcium-related problems during laying periods, so any straining, swollen abdomen, or sudden lethargy deserves prompt veterinary attention.

Blue Mallard Call Ducks are small, but the long-term commitment is not. In the US in 2025-2026, a pet parent may spend about $25 to $75 for a duckling from a breeder, with rarer colors, sexed birds, or show-quality stock often costing more. The bigger upfront expense is setup. A secure night house, fencing, predator-proof hardware, feeders, waterers, bedding, and a safe water area commonly bring first-year startup costs into the $300 to $1,200 range for a small pair or trio.

Ongoing monthly costs are usually moderate. Feed, bedding, grit or oyster shell for layers, cleaning supplies, and seasonal repairs often run about $20 to $60 per month for a small group. If you add a kiddie pool, winter water management, or higher-end predator protection, that cost range can climb. Annual wellness care with your vet varies widely by region, but many avian or exotic practices charge roughly $75 to $150 for an exam, with fecal testing, parasite treatment, imaging, or lab work adding to the total.

Emergency care is where budgets can change quickly. A visit for lameness, egg-laying problems, trauma, or respiratory disease may range from about $150 to $500 for basic evaluation, and advanced diagnostics or hospitalization can push costs into the $500 to $1,500 or higher range. Conservative care, standard care, and advanced care can all be reasonable depending on your duck's condition, your goals, and what your vet finds on exam.

Blue Mallard Call Ducks should eat a complete duck or waterfowl feed as the foundation of the diet. Ducklings need a starter ration formulated for waterfowl or another appropriate feed selected with your vet's guidance, because ducks have different nutrient needs than chickens. Niacin is especially important for healthy leg development. As ducks mature, most do well on a maintenance pellet, and laying females need a ration with higher calcium support.

Treats should stay limited. Leafy greens, chopped vegetables, and supervised foraging can add enrichment, but they should not replace a balanced ration. Bread, crackers, and heavily processed snacks are poor choices because they dilute nutrition and can worsen obesity or messy droppings. Always provide fresh drinking water deep enough to allow normal bill rinsing while eating.

Store feed in a dry, rodent-proof container. Moldy feed can be dangerous, especially for young birds. If your Call duck is overweight, laying poorly, or having soft-shelled eggs, ask your vet to review the full diet, including treats, supplements, and access to other flock feed. Small ducks can become nutritionally unbalanced faster than many pet parents expect.

Blue Mallard Call Ducks are active little birds that need daily movement, exploration, and social interaction with other ducks. They do best in a secure outdoor area where they can walk, dabble, forage, preen, and investigate. Even though they are small, they should not be treated like ornamental yard decorations. Bored ducks can become noisy, messy, and harder to manage.

A safe yard or run with grass, shade, and clean water for splashing supports both physical and behavioral health. They do not need a large pond, but they do need regular access to water deep enough to clean their nostrils and eyes and perform normal duck behaviors. Because some Call ducks can fly better than heavier domestic breeds, fencing and covered runs may be needed depending on your setup.

Plan for predator safety during all activity time. Small ducks are easy targets for dogs, hawks, foxes, raccoons, and neighborhood predators. Exercise should happen in spaces that are secure overhead and at ground level, especially at dawn, dusk, and overnight.

Preventive care for Blue Mallard Call Ducks starts with housing, hygiene, and observation. Keep bedding dry, refresh water often, and clean food and water containers routinely. Quarantine new birds before introducing them to your flock, and reduce contact with wild waterfowl whenever possible. Good ventilation matters, but drafts at duck level can be a problem, especially for ducklings or sick birds.

Schedule wellness visits with your vet if you have access to avian or exotic animal care. Baseline exams, fecal testing when indicated, weight checks, and early discussion of parasite control can help catch problems before they become emergencies. Female ducks benefit from close monitoring during laying season for shell quality, appetite, droppings, and abdominal changes.

At home, check feet, feathers, body condition, and mobility regularly. Watch for limping, dirty vent feathers, nasal discharge, wheezing, reduced activity, or changes in social behavior. Keep toxic exposures in mind too. Birds are highly sensitive to some household and environmental hazards, including overheated nonstick fumes and avocado. If your duck seems off, early veterinary care is often more effective and more affordable than waiting.