What Are Call Ducks? Everything You Need To Know

Have you ever come across photos or videos of seemingly tiny ducks on social media and wondered what exactly they are? Call ducks have gained increasing popularity on social media, and in the hearts of people all over the world for their tiny size, huge personalities and friendly disposition. But what is a Call duck? That is what I am going to discuss with you today.

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Call ducks are my favorite breed of domestic duck. I have owned these bantam ducks for multiple years, in most of the APA (American Poultry Association) recognized colors. They are a very unique breed with interesting physical characteristics and huge personality. 

Origin Story: 

Many duck breeds have a blurry origin story that has faded over time. While the exact origins of Call ducks are a little blurry, they have a fairly well preserved history that explains how the breed has become what it is today. There are some speculations as to where Call ducks originally came from, some believe they originated in East Asia. However, there is no hard evidence to prove that is where they are originally from. Some of the Calls earliest records date back to the 17th century in the Netherlands. 

 Calls are known to have been bred from wild mallard ducks. Although they were developed into a distinctly different breed for a very specific purpose. Call ducks were originally bred and used as live decoys by duck hunters. They were actually known as Coy ducks or Decoy ducks until their official name of the Call duck was settled upon.  They would assist hunters in attracting wild ducks by being placed in a specific funnel trap. Their high-pitched call (which mimics wild ducks) would lure wild ducks to the trap, making light work for duck hunters back in the day.

Around the 18th century these bantam ducks were imported into the UK. By 1935, using live ducks as decoys was banned, causing the popularity of Call ducks to drop. Until the 1970s when some breeders decided to revive the Call duck breed which has risen in popularity ever since. 

What Are Call Ducks? Distinct Features: 

Aside from their boisterous quack, the call duck breed has multiple distinct physical features that set them apart from wild waterfowl and domestic ducks.

They are known for the compact size of their small body, short bills, puffed cheeks, short necks, and a rounded wide head. 

Calls are the smallest breed of domestic duck on average weighing less than 2 pounds. Drakes weigh between 600 to 900 grams (21 to 31oz.), female ducks weigh between 500 to 700 grams (17 to 24oz.). 

Some breeders attempt to breed these ducks as little as possible. There are however, poor implications to this kind of breeding. If bred too small, males cannot breed females correctly, females may not be able to lay eggs (or may lay very few), and ducklings may need to be assisted to hatch out of their eggs due to their small body and short beak size. Good breeders will avoid breeding too small while maintaining the distinctive attributes of Calls.

If Call ducks do not fit within their distinct characteristics, they are referred to as “pet quality” Calls because they will not do well within the show arena. They will, however still make excellent pets. Pet quality call typically are a bit larger, with a thinner and longer bill, and a less rounded head.

Call duck Characteristics:

Calls are known for their loud cackles. Although this reputation is somewhat inaccurate. Male calls actually have a low, raspy whisper of a voice and rarely let out a loud “quack”. If you hear the loud quacking of Call ducks, it is most definitely a group (or even a single!) female causing all of the racket! 

Personality: These little ducks are very personable and friendly. While drakes can show aggression towards each other during mating season, I have never heard of, or experienced a Call duck show aggression towards a human. Despite their small size, they can hold their own within a flock of larger birds.

Utility: Calls are not production birds. They lay a very limited number of eggs per year (between 25-75 eggs based on the individual). Calls are also not good for meat because of their small size. Instead, the use of Call ducks is showing, to be pets, and ornamental purposes. 

Female Call ducks make excellent mothers. I have more Call ducks go broody, and successfully hatch large clutches of eggs into ducklings than any of my other duck breeds. Sometimes I have mothers hatch 2 clutches per year! They are very protective, proactive, and fierce mothers, passionate about their baby ducks. 

Male Call ducks I have found to have a lower fertility rate than other ducks. Because of this, I keep a higher male/female ratio than my larger ducks. 

Do They Make Good Pets? 

This small breed of duck make excellent pets for multiple reasons. 

If you want a house duck, a male Call duck may be the best choice! They are quiet, small, personable, and make less mess than larger ducks. 

Female call ducks are adorable, but loud. So if you have neighbors, you may want to take that into consideration. 

Because Calls are such a little duck, Call ducks can have a smaller enclosure than larger ducks. 

Call ducks have more personality, and can be more personable than larger ducks. (in my opinion) 

These bantam ducks can fly very well. So this is important to keep in mind if you are wanting free-range duck pets. 

Where to get Call ducks from? 

Call ducks are not as widely bred as other duck breeds. So finding this petite breed to buy can be harder than just going to a farm store. 

A few hatcheries offer limited colors and quantities to purchase online. Through these hatcheries, you’re more likely to get true colors and distinctive Call qualities due to their selective breeding. But the downside to ordering online, is that they can be more expensive, and need to be shipped through the mail and picked up at the post office. Which can be risky for young ducklings health. One place to get Call ducks online is Metzer Farms they recently added Calls to their breeding list. 

Local breeders are a good option, if you can find them. There are a few benefits to buying local. You support a local business or family, they are often cheaper, and may have a larger variety of colors. The downside, is they are often mixed breeding, may have some “pet” qualities of longer bills, larger size, etc. But you can buy them and bring them home same day. Local shows and online groups are a good way to find breeders in your area. 

Online independent breeders: Facebook has multiple groups For Call ducks where you can find independent breeders around the US that will ship adult call ducks. This is the best way to get quality breeding and color variety, but also the most expensive way to buy Call ducks as they usually sell full-grown breeding pairs.

Caring for Call ducks: 

Call ducks require almost exactly the same care as full-sized duck breeds so if you already own ducks, adding your own Calls will be fairly easy. They need just as much daily maintenance, similar diet, and an abundance of water. Fair warning, they may pester you more for snacks than any other duck breed. They are quite vocal about wanting love and treats. For more information about raising ducks, proper housing and care, you can check out my blog “Thinking Of Getting Ducklings?” Here.

Conclusion: 

Call ducks are a unique breed with an interesting history. They are very similar to regular ducks as far as how they are cared for. But their friendly personalities and miniature physical features make Calls one of the most lovable duck breeds to own. 

References: 

Breed profile: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_duck“>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_duck

History/Breed profile: https://www.raising-ducks.com/call-duck/“>https://www.raising-ducks.com/call-duck/

APA Recognized Colors: https://amerpoultryassn.com/accepted-breeds-varieties/

 BWA (British Waterfowl Association) and PCGB (Poultry Club of Great Britain) Standardized duck colors: https://www.waterfowl.org.uk/domestic-waterfowl/call-ducks/

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR OWN FLOCK?

Let me know in the comments! 

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This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please read my full disclosure policy here.