If you‘re considering adding a feathered friend to your family in the form of a pet duck, you may be wondering where to find one. Petco is often the go-to retailer for pets of all kinds, from cats and dogs to more exotic birds and reptiles. But does Petco sell ducks?
The short answer is no, Petco does not currently sell live ducks in any of its stores or through its website. However, that doesn‘t mean Petco can‘t still be a useful resource for duck owners. In this article, we‘ll explain why you won‘t find pet ducks at Petco, what duck supplies Petco does offer, where you can go to buy a duck, and everything else you need to know about owning one of these unique pets. Let‘s dive in!
Why Doesn‘t Petco Sell Ducks?
There are a few key reasons why you‘re unlikely to ever see ducks for sale at your local Petco store:
Legal Restrictions
In many cities and towns, zoning laws prohibit residents from keeping poultry or waterfowl on residential properties. These laws are meant to prevent issues like noise complaints, unpleasant odors, and waste. Since Petco stores are typically located in busy commercial areas near residential neighborhoods, the company likely avoids selling ducks and other livestock to prevent any legal issues or conflicts with the surrounding community. Obtaining the proper permits and permissions to sell ducks while complying with local regulations would be difficult for a large chain like Petco.
Habitat and Care Requirements
Another factor is that pet ducks have very different habitat and care requirements compared to the other animals Petco sells. Ducks need access to water for swimming, as well as a spacious outdoor area for foraging. An ideal duck habitat includes a pond or pool, a secure coop or duck house, and plenty of open space.
Petco stores simply aren‘t equipped to house ducks in a suitable environment, even temporarily. The tanks and habitats meant for fish, reptiles, and small mammals would be far too small and inadequate for ducks. Attempting to keep ducks in a store setting would be impractical and detrimental to the animals‘ wellbeing.
Incompatibility With Other Animals
Ducks also don‘t always mix well with other species commonly sold at pet stores. They can be aggressive towards smaller birds and animals when kept in close proximity. Waterfowl can also carry diseases that may spread to other birds in a pet store environment.
To prevent any potential issues, it makes sense for Petco to avoid selling ducks alongside the many other animals it carries. The health and safety of the animals in Petco‘s care is always a top priority.
What Duck Products Does Petco Sell?
While you can‘t buy an actual duck at Petco, the store does carry some useful supplies for duck owners, including:
Food and Treats
Petco sells a variety of pelleted and crumble-style foods formulated for ducks and other waterfowl. These nutritionally complete diets contain the protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals pet ducks need to thrive. You can find them in the bird section of Petco‘s website and stores.
The retailer also offers some duck-friendly treats and snacks, such as dried mealworms, which are an excellent source of protein. Always check the labeling to ensure any bird food or treat is appropriate and safe for ducks before buying.
Feeders and Waterers
Petco‘s selection of bird feeders and waterers includes several heavy-duty options suitable for ducks. Look for feeders and waterers made of sturdy plastic or metal that are easy to clean and refill. Avoid any with small, intricate parts that a duck could easily break or get caught in.
Grooming Supplies
Ducks need to preen their feathers regularly to keep them clean and waterproof. Petco sells bird bath sprays and misters that can help pet ducks with their grooming routines, especially if they don‘t have frequent access to a pond or pool. You can also find nail clippers and other grooming tools meant for birds that would work for ducks.
Toys
While Petco‘s bird toy selection mostly caters to parrots and other hookbills, you may find some options that would appeal to a duck‘s playful nature too. Avoid any toys with small parts that could be ingested. Stick to durable, simple toys that can be used in or around water.
Veterinary Services
If your pet duck ever needs medical attention, it‘s good to know that many Petco locations offer veterinary services. While the in-store vets typically focus on more traditional pets like cats and dogs, they may be able to provide referrals to avian specialists in your area who are experienced in treating ducks.
Where to Buy Pet Ducks
So if Petco is out, where can you go to find a duck to keep as a pet? Here are some of the most common places to buy pet ducks:
Farm Supply Stores
Retailers that specialize in selling supplies for farmers and rural homeowners often have a selection of live poultry for sale, including ducks. Tractor Supply Co. is one of the largest farm supply chains in the US and sells ducks seasonally in many of its stores.
Local Breeders
Search online or ask for recommendations from local farm and pet stores to find duck breeders in your area. Buying from a breeder allows you to see the ducks‘ living conditions and meet the parent birds before deciding on a duckling to take home.
Hatcheries
If you can‘t find a local breeder, you can also order ducklings from an online hatchery. These businesses ship day-old ducklings to your door, usually with a minimum order of 2 or more birds. Metzer Farms and Murray McMurray Hatchery are two of the most popular duck hatcheries in the US.
Rescues and Shelters
Adopting a duck from a rescue organization or animal shelter is another great option. While not as common as cat or dog rescues, there are some rescues out there dedicated to finding new homes for abandoned or surrendered ducks and other farm birds. Try searching for poultry or waterfowl rescues in your area.
Costs and Requirements of Keeping Pet Ducks
Before bringing home a pet duck, it‘s important to understand the costs and time commitment involved in their care. Here‘s a quick rundown of what to expect:
Initial Expenses
The upfront costs of duck ownership include:
- Purchasing the duck(s) – $5 to $30 each on average, depending on breed and age
- Building or buying a coop or duck house – $200 to $500
- Setting up a predator-proof outdoor pen – $100 to $500
- Buying feeders, waterers, and other supplies – $50 to $200
Recurring Costs
The ongoing expenses of keeping pet ducks include:
- Feed – $20 to $40 per month per duck
- Bedding – $10 to $30 per month
- Veterinary checkups and care – $100 to $300 per year
- Replacing toys, dishes, and worn supplies – $50 to $100 per year
Daily Care
Ducks require daily care and attention, including:
- Feeding and providing fresh water
- Cleaning out dirty bedding and coop
- Giving access to water for swimming
- Supervising outdoor playtime
- Grooming and health checks
Expect to spend at least 30 to 60 minutes per day on duck care, more when they are young. Ducks can live 10 years or longer, so they are a significant long-term commitment.
Space Requirements
Pet ducks need a lot of space to live a happy and healthy life. The recommended minimum is 10 square feet of outdoor space per duck, plus a dry, draft-free indoor area for sleeping and laying eggs. The more space you can provide for your ducks to roam and forage, the better.
Social Needs
Ducks are social birds that do best with the companionship of other ducks. Keeping just one duck is not recommended, as they can become lonely and depressed. Most experts advise getting at least two ducks, but more is better. Ducks of the same sex tend to get along well in groups.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, while Petco doesn‘t sell live ducks, the retailer is still a great resource for many of the products pet duck owners need, like food, treats, dishes, and toys. However, to actually buy a duck, you‘ll need to look elsewhere, such as farm stores, hatcheries, local breeders, or rescues.
Keeping ducks can be a rewarding experience for the right person, but it‘s not a decision to make lightly. In addition to the financial costs, ducks have complex social, housing and care requirements. Make sure you have the time, space, and resources to keep your ducks safe, healthy and happy for their entire lives.
Hopefully this article has given you a clearer idea of whether duck ownership is right for you. While you won‘t find any quacking critters for sale on your next visit to Petco, you‘ll at least be well-equipped to care for any pet ducks that do waddle their way into your heart and home.
