5 Reasons Why Ducks Are Terrible Pets

Last updated on July 16th, 2024 at 06:31 pm

In this blog post, I will discuss five reasons why ducks make terrible pets. I know what you’re thinking, “But ducks are so cute! And they’re so funny!” And you’re right; they are. I love my ducks! They’re amazing creatures.
But they’re also a lot of work and are not for everyone. So, if you’re considering getting a pet duck, read this first to ensure you know what you’re getting into. You can also watch this video:

1. Ducks are messy

They’re messy. They poop a lot, and they like to splash around in water. This can make a mess in your home. They are also very messy eaters.

So, if you’re not prepared to clean up after them, a duck is not the pet for you.

2. Ducks can’t be potty trained

Ducks poop a lot! They poop on average every 5 to 10 minutes!
And they poop everywhere. They do not care if it is your couch, bed, or carpet.
Ducks can not be potty trained because they don’t have the sphincter muscles and have no control over their defecation.

You’ll want to carefully consider which areas of your home you want your ducks to have access to or diaper your ducks.
You can also use puppy pads or towels to protect your couch or carpet.

3. Ducks are expensive

Ducks can be expensive to care for.
They need a lot of food and water and a safe and comfortable living place.

Ducks need commercial food that is made specifically for ducks. Chicken or other poultry food will not give them the necessary nutrients. In addition, they should get fresh food in the form of veggies and fruits. You may also want some treats for them, such as mealworms or grubs.

Read more about proper duck food in our blog post What Do Ducks Eat? Your Guide To Feeding Ducks.

Also, please don’t underestimate the amount of water ducks need for drinking, dunking their head, swimming, and preening. Ducks should have at least a small kiddie pool. This needs to be cleaned and refilled multiple times a week. You could also have a larger pond, which requires even more water.

Ducks need to have a shelter that is safe against predators. They typically have a run and a coop. From my experience, the cheapest options are around $300. But depending on your needs and the size of your flock, that can easily be over $1,000. You can read more about predator-proof runs and coops.

You’ll also need to pay vet bills if they get sick or injured.

4. Ducks are high maintenance

They’re high-maintenance. Ducks require a lot of care and attention.
They need to be fed and watered regularly, watered multiple times a day, and cleaned up afterward.
You’ll need to be prepared to deal with any problems they may have.
And what if you want to go on vacation?

5. Ducks prefer other ducks over humans

Ducks are not social, at least not with humans. They need at least one duck friend. They are flock animals and do not thrive if kept alone.
Ducks are wild animals, and they’re not domesticated like dogs or cats. This means that they’re not as easy to train and less likely to be as affectionate.
They do not like to be held or cuddled. So, if you’re looking for a pet you can cuddle up with on the couch, a duck is not the pet for you.

Conclusion:

So there you have it, five reasons why ducks make terrible pets. If you’re still considering getting a duck, research and ensure you’re prepared to provide them with the care they need. But if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, quiet, and cuddly pet, a duck is not the pet for you.