I am a duck breeder who relocated from urban life in Tampa, FL, to a rural mountainous area outside of Radford, VA.
All About Domestic Ducks
- Definition and Classification
- Domestic Ducks as Pets
- Domestic Duck Farming
- Top Domestic Egg Laying Ducks
- Top Domestic Meat Ducks
- Caring for a Domestic Duck
Definition and Classification
Domestic ducks are ducks that are cared for and/or raised by people. People raise ducks for many reasons, but the common ones are pets, eggs, meat, and show. Because ducks are so reliant on humans, they don't last long in the wild on their own they rely on people for food and shelter.
By classification, domestic ducks, with the exception of the Muscovy, are any descendant of the mallard duck. Southeast Asia was the first known area to start farming and domesticating mallards over 4,000 years ago! This practice has continued through Egyptian, Roman, and current times.
These ducks became polygamous after domestication. Mallards typically mate with one partner at a time, but maybe being in a confined space changed that mentality? Domestication provided the ability to have more influence over reproduction and served to secure a predictable resource from the ducks. Domestication also made ducks less aggressive and easier to handle than wild ducks.
Domestic Ducks as Pets
Domestic ducks make great pets and companions for life. No, they don't need a pond, just enough water to dip their heads into and clean out their beaks. They are resilient to extreme weather and easy to care for. Ducks only need enough water for cleaning out their nostrils by dunking their heads, so a bowl will do. Ducks are friendly, curious little creatures, and each one comes with its own unique personality.
Domestic ducks are great in the garden and enjoyable to have in the yard. They are also great around children because their bites don't typically hurt. Ducks do need to be protected from common predators such as hawks or the neighbor's pet dog, and any standard chicken tractor or pen to lock them up at night will do.
Some breeds of domestic duck are raised purely for show. These show ducks display beautiful crests, striking plumage, and decorative tufts. Buff Orpington, Silver Appleyard, Rouen, Saxony, and Faun Runners are amongst my favorite show birds.
Domestic ducks have been a part of society and culture for many years. Evidence suggests that Egyptians believed the duck to be a symbol of fertility.
Domestic Duck Farming
Ducks, like chickens, have been farmed for thousands of years by people all over the world. Ducks can be penned up, kept in batteries, or allowed to free roam. They are pretty resilient creatures that are capable of surviving harsh conditions. The domestic duck is farmed for a variety of reasons, including down, meat, eggs, oil, pets foie gras, and even their blood!
In the Western Hemisphere, domestic duck farming is not as popular as chicken farming because chickens are easier to keep confined and produce more meat per bird. The overall lower cost of care makes chickens more desirable.
