Call Duck: Health, Temperament, Care & Costs

Call Ducks are one of the smallest domestic duck breeds, usually weighing about 1 to 2 pounds as adults. They were historically used as decoy ducks, but today they are more often kept as companion, ornamental, or exhibition birds. Their tiny size, rounded body, short bill, and animated personality make them especially appealing to pet parents who want a social, interactive duck.

Temperament matters with this breed. Many Call Ducks are alert, curious, and people-oriented when handled gently from a young age. They can be friendly and entertaining, but they are also known for being vocal, especially females. That loud, high-pitched calling is part of the breed's identity, so they are not always the best fit for close suburban neighbors.

Their small size comes with tradeoffs. Call Ducks are more vulnerable to predators than larger ducks, and some can fly better than heavy breeds, so secure fencing and overhead protection are important. They also do best with other ducks rather than living alone. For most households, a pair or small same-species group is a more natural and lower-stress setup than keeping a single bird.

Call Ducks are generally hardy when their housing, diet, and sanitation are appropriate, but they can still develop preventable health problems. Common concerns in pet ducks include external and internal parasites, bumblefoot, respiratory illness, injuries from predators or rough footing, egg-related problems in laying females, and nutritional disease. Because ducks often hide illness until they are quite sick, subtle changes like reduced appetite, quieter behavior, limping, tail-bobbing, diarrhea, or sitting apart from the flock deserve prompt attention from your vet.

Nutrition-related problems are especially important in young ducks. Waterfowl have different nutrient needs than chickens, and diets based mainly on bread, corn, scratch grains, or unbalanced poultry feed can contribute to poor feather quality, swollen joints, weak growth, and foot problems. Merck notes that waterfowl should be fed species-appropriate starter and maintenance diets, and that bread, lettuce, and corn alone can lead to multiple deficiencies.

Biosecurity also matters. Ducks and other waterfowl can be exposed to avian influenza and other infectious diseases through contact with wild birds, shared water, contaminated shoes or equipment, and new flock additions. If your Call Duck has sudden lethargy, trouble breathing, neurologic signs, severe diarrhea, or multiple birds become ill at once, see your vet immediately and limit contact with other birds until you get guidance.

The purchase cost range for a Call Duck is often modest, but the ongoing care costs are what matter most. In the U.S., pet parents commonly spend about $25 to $75 for a duckling from a hatchery or breeder, with rare colors, exhibition lines, or sexed birds sometimes costing more. Housing is usually the biggest startup expense. A secure predator-proof coop, enclosed run, water setup, feeders, and bedding can easily run about $250 to $1,000+ depending on whether you build or buy.

Routine veterinary care for ducks is less standardized than for dogs and cats because many birds need an exotics or avian veterinarian. Current avian/exotic exam fees commonly start around $115 to $135 for a wellness or medical visit, with urgent care around $185 and after-hours emergency exams around $200 plus emergency fees at some hospitals. Fecal parasite testing often adds about $25 to $50, and basic lab work or imaging can raise the visit total quickly.

For day-to-day care, expect recurring costs for complete waterfowl feed, bedding, cleaning supplies, seasonal heat support for young ducklings, and occasional parasite or wound care. A practical annual cost range for one or two healthy Call Ducks is often about $300 to $900 for food and supplies alone, not including major housing upgrades or emergency care. If illness develops, a single complicated visit can move into the low hundreds or more, so it helps to budget ahead and identify an avian-friendly clinic before you need one.

Call Ducks do best on a complete waterfowl or game-bird diet matched to life stage. Merck recommends starter diets for growing waterfowl with higher protein and fat, then a maintenance diet after 12 weeks that contains about 14% to 17% protein and 3% to 6% fat. During breeding or laying periods, nutrient needs can shift, so your vet may suggest a breeder or layer-appropriate ration depending on your bird's age, sex, and egg production.

Ducklings need special attention because waterfowl are prone to niacin deficiency if fed inappropriate rations. Merck lists niacin needs for Pekin ducks at 55 mg, and ducklings on unbalanced feed may develop leg weakness or poor growth. For pet parents, the practical takeaway is to use a duck-appropriate starter feed rather than relying on standard chicken feed unless your vet specifically approves a balanced alternative.

Treats should stay limited. Chopped leafy greens can add enrichment, but bread, crackers, and large amounts of corn should not be the main diet. Ducks also need constant access to clean drinking water deep enough to help them rinse feed from their bills while eating. Dirty water and spoiled feed increase the risk of digestive upset and infection, so daily cleaning is part of good nutrition.

Call Ducks are active little waterfowl that need room to walk, forage, dabble, and interact with other ducks. They are not high-endurance birds, but they do need daily movement and environmental variety. A secure outdoor run with safe footing, shaded areas, and regular access to water for supervised splashing or bathing supports both physical and behavioral health.

Because they are small and agile, some Call Ducks can clear low barriers more easily than heavier breeds. That means exercise space should also be escape-safe and predator-safe. Overhead netting or covered runs are often wise, especially in areas with hawks, owls, dogs, raccoons, or foxes.

Mental activity matters too. Scatter feeding, supervised foraging, shallow tubs or pools, and compatible duck companions can reduce boredom and stress. If your duck becomes less active, isolates from flockmates, or seems reluctant to walk, that is not a training issue. It can be an early sign of pain, foot disease, injury, or illness, and your vet should guide the next steps.

Preventive care for Call Ducks starts with housing and hygiene. Keep bedding dry, remove manure regularly, and provide clean water every day. Wet, dirty conditions increase the risk of foot sores, parasite buildup, and bacterial disease. Because ducks are prey animals, stress reduction matters too. Secure nighttime housing and calm handling can prevent both injuries and chronic fear.

Plan on establishing care with an avian or exotics veterinarian before a problem comes up. A baseline wellness exam, weight check, and fecal parasite screen can be useful, especially for new birds or mixed flocks. Quarantine new ducks before introducing them to your resident birds, and avoid contact with wild waterfowl or shared standing water when possible. This is especially important with ongoing avian influenza concerns in North America.

At home, monitor appetite, droppings, walking, feather condition, breathing, and egg-laying patterns. See your vet immediately for open-mouth breathing, blue or pale bills, sudden weakness, inability to stand, severe wounds, egg-binding concerns, or any rapid decline. Early care often gives you more treatment options and a more manageable cost range.