Owning a pet duck

So I have a pet duck, his name is Walker and he is an Indian Runner Duck. Where ever we take him we always get asked about him and people adore him. What we get asked the most, is what is like having a pet duck.

First of all having a pet duck is like nothing you would expect. We got our little walker when he was a couple of days old and spend as much time with him in the first couple of days as possible. A duckling is soft fluffy and super cuddly. They love snuggling you! We chose to get one so he would imprint to us. Some may say that is cruel, however we always have someone with him even now that he is big. He is rarely alone. Within hours he was following us around the house and cheeping happily at us. We continued to spend as much time with him as possible as a result, he is imprinted to us and still follows us around even now that he is full grown. Now ducklings are noisy and messy! We had Walker inside for the first 8 weeks before we let him be free range outside. So if you get a duckling, don't expect to have clean carpet and expect to have duck food and water everywhere because they shake their heads as they eat. They also chirp constantly if you are not around. They were our only issues with Walker and the chirping stopped as he got older and the messiness isn't an issue because he is outside the whole time. Having a pet duck is such a great experience because they are loving and loyal just like other pets.

Food

Ducklings need a lot of water and it needs to be accessed at all times because they need it to swallow their food. We fed him chick starter which we bought from the breeder to start with. Now he is outside most of the time he mainly eats bugs, dirt and grass. 

Housing

We had Walker inside for the first 8 weeks before we put him out to free range around the back yard. He knows where he can and can't go and never ventures far but he is much happier in the yard free. We tried caging him while we weren't home but he didn't like it and as a result he wasn't as friendly towards us. Since he has been 100% free range he is so much happier and friendly. 

Temperament

Friendly and sweet but also territorial. He doesn't like unknown things in his yard and chases them away. Towards people he is kind and loving, shy at times but very friendly. 

Life Span

Ducks can live anywhere from 3 years right up until 12. So don't get a pet duck as a novelty, only if you are willing to make that kind of commitment.  

Here are a few photos of him growing up.

And this is him all grown up a big snuggly duck!

If you have any further questions please feel free to ask!