3 Stunning Domestic Duck Breeds Perfect for Your Garden

Keeping ducks in your garden can be a delightful addition, offering both beauty and amusement. This guide introduces three stunning domestic duck breeds that thrive in garden settings, each bringing unique charm, wonderful egg-laying abilities, and engaging personalities while promoting responsible ownership.

When selecting ducks for your garden, it's important to ensure you have adequate space and a secure environment, as ducks enjoy roaming and can impact lawns and flower beds. Understanding individual breed traits will help you care for them responsibly and enjoy their company to the fullest.

The Lovely Bali Duck

Appearance and Origin: The Bali Duck, also known as the Balinese Crested or Crested Runner Duck, was originally bred on Bali, an island east of Java. These ducks present a striking upright carriage and come in brown, white, or a wild Mallard coloration.

Characteristics: They are prolific layers of distinctive blue-green eggs, with drakes weighing around 2.3 kg and females slightly lighter at 1.8 kg. Their crest gene requires careful breeding to avoid hatchability problems and deformities, so responsible cross-breeding with non-crested Bali ducks or Indian Runner ducks is advised to maintain health.

Responsible breeders and owners take care to manage this genetic trait safely, ensuring healthy offspring and longevity of the breed.

The Striking Cayuga Duck

Heritage and Appearance: Originating from the Finger Lakes region near New York, USA, the Cayuga Duck is known for its beautiful iridescent black plumage that shines green in sunlight. They have black bills and feet, with a sleek and elegant look that's captivating in any garden.

Temperament and Care: Cayugas are calm, gentle, and make excellent pets for backyard flocks. Females lay about 3-4 eggs per week with eggs that gradually lighten in colour from black/dark grey to lighter shades as the laying season progresses. Drakes can weigh up to 3.6 kg, with females slightly smaller.

They are hardy birds, adaptable to UK gardens, but require space to roam and protection from predators.

The Charming Call Duck

Description and Uses: Sometimes called "Decoy" ducks, Call Ducks are small and extremely vocal, boasting over 17 recognised colour varieties. Originally bred in Holland as decoys for wild ducks, they were introduced to the UK and have become popular ornamental ducks.

Personality and Requirements: These tiny ducks are lively, social, and make entertaining pets. Their loud vocalisation means they are best kept where neighbours won't be disturbed. Like all ducks, they need access to water sources—even shallow bowls placed around the garden suffice.

Call Ducks are good flyers, so wing clipping (one wing) or secure netting is recommended to prevent escape until they settle into their environment.

Keeping Ducks in Your Garden Responsibly

Ducks love to explore and forage, which can lead to lawn damage and disturbance to flower beds. Gardeners keen on maintaining pristine outdoor spaces should consider fencing or dedicated duck runs to protect their plants. Ducks provide benefits beyond companionship, including fresh eggs for cooking, but their needs must be balanced with garden preservation.

Always source ducks from reputable breeders or consider adoption options to ensure healthy birds and support ethical practices.

For those interested, visit our Ducks for sale page to explore available ducks from trustworthy UK breeders.

Conclusion

Incorporating Bali, Cayuga, or Call Ducks into your garden can bring colour, lively personalities, and fresh eggs, enriching your garden experience. Understanding their distinct traits and meeting their care needs ensures a rewarding companionship with these beautiful domestic ducks.