A white call duck in close up 4K

Описание: Call ducks are a small breed of domestic duck known for their distinctive, loud, and high-pitched call, which historically made them useful as decoys to lure wild ducks. Here are some key points about call ducks:

Origin: They are believed to have originated in the Netherlands, with records dating back to the 17th century. Initially, they were used as "decoy" or "coy" ducks in hunting, where their calls would attract wild ducks into traps or close enough for hunters to shoot.
Size and Appearance:
Call ducks are classified as a bantam breed, meaning they are smaller than standard ducks.
Males (drakes) typically weigh around 600-700 grams, while females (ducks) are slightly lighter at about 500-600 grams.
They have a round head, large eyes, short necks, and very short bills. Their appearance is often described as toy-like or stuffed animal-like due to their petite and cute features.
Colors and Varieties:
There's a wide variety of colors in Call ducks, including but not limited to: black, white, blue, grey, pastel, and snowy.
Some breeders also develop unique colors and patterns, although not all are recognized in official poultry standards.
Personality and Behavior:
These ducks are known for their sociable and friendly nature, making them excellent pets. They are often kept for exhibition purposes due to their aesthetic appeal.
The females are particularly vocal, with a loud quack that can be heard from a distance, which is why they are called "Call" ducks.
Use:
Originally used in hunting, today they are primarily kept as pets or for exhibition due to their ornamental value. They are not typically raised for meat or eggs because of their small size and low egg production (laying between 25-75 eggs per year, with some individuals not laying at all).
Care:
Call ducks need protection from predators due to their small size. They can fly well, so some owners clip their wings or provide a covered enclosure.
They require clean water for drinking and swimming, though their containers should be shallow enough for them to easily access.
Popularity:
In recent years, Call ducks have become very popular both for showing at poultry exhibitions and as pets, particularly in the U.S. and UK. They often dominate duck classes at shows due to their appeal and the variety of colors.
Reproduction:
Breeding Call ducks can be challenging because overly small ducks might have reproductive issues. Selectively breeding for too small a size can lead to problems with fertility and laying.
Lifespan:
With good care, Call ducks can live up to 10-15 years, which is relatively long for ducks.

If you're considering these charming little ducks as pets, remember they are quite vocal, which might be a consideration if you live close to neighbors. Their friendly demeanor makes them delightful for interaction, especially for children, but their noise level should be taken into account.