If you‘re considering an unconventional pet, you may have wondered if PetSmart, the ubiquitous pet supply superstore, sells live ducks. The short answer is no – you won‘t find any quacking, waddling waterfowl in PetSmart‘s cages. However, duck enthusiasts need not despair. In this ultimate guide, we‘ll detail how PetSmart supports duck owners, where to find pet ducks, and everything you need to know to raise a happy, healthy duck.
Duck Ownership is on the Rise
First, let‘s dive into some statistics. Duck ownership has steadily increased in recent years, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture reporting that the number of domesticated ducks raised totaled 9.95 million in 2021, up from 9.44 million in 2011 [^1]. This 5.4% increase over the decade demonstrates the growing popularity of these charismatic birds.
[^1]: United States Department of Agriculture. (2022). Poultry – Production and Value: 2021 Summary.Several factors are driving the duck ownership trend. Ducks are intelligent, social creatures that can form strong bonds with their human caregivers. They‘re also generally healthier and hardier than chickens, thanks to their thick, waterproof feathers and love of swimming. Plus, pet ducks that regularly lay eggs provide their owners with a delicious source of fresh, free-range nutrition.
What Duck Supplies Does PetSmart Offer?
Although live ducks are not sold at PetSmart, the retailer carries an array of supplies to keep pet ducks fed, enriched and in optimal health. PetSmart‘s selection of duck products includes:
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Duck feed: Brands like Mazuri and Purina offer specially formulated waterfowl feeds to meet ducks‘ nutritional needs at every life stage. PetSmart stocks both pelleted and crumble feeds.
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Nutritional supplements: Adding supplements to a duck‘s diet can support specific health needs. PetSmart sells products like brewer‘s yeast, which provides B vitamins and aids digestion, and oyster shell grit for strong eggshells.
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Feeders and waterers: PetSmart carries an assortment of heavy-duty feeders and waterers designed to withstand enthusiastic duck bills. Look for options with deep reservoirs to prevent accidental spillage.
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Coop supplies: If you plan to house your ducks outdoors, PetSmart offers the essentials to outfit a comfortable coop, including bedding, nesting pads, and predator-deterring hardware cloth.
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Duck toys: Ducks are playful and love to forage. PetSmart‘s foraging toys and floating pond toys will keep your ducks mentally stimulated.
In addition, over 200 PetSmart locations now feature in-store veterinary clinics operated by Banfield Pet Hospital [^2]. These clinics are staffed by licensed veterinarians experienced in avian care who can provide expert advice and treatment for duck owners.
[^2]: PetSmart. (2022). PetSmart Launches Pilot of Banfield Pet Hospital "Wellness Plan" for Cats and Dogs.Where to Buy Pet Ducks
So if PetSmart doesn‘t sell ducks directly, where can aspiring duck owners find their ideal feathered friend? Here are some reputable sources:
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Hatcheries: Many online hatcheries ship day-old ducklings straight to your door. However, shipping policies and minimum order sizes vary, so read the fine print. Well-regarded hatcheries include Metzer Farms, Murry McMurray Hatchery, and Stromberg‘s.
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Farm and feed stores: Stores like Tractor Supply and Rural King often carry ducklings seasonally in the spring and summer. Call ahead for availability.
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Local breeders: Search for local duck breeders and clubs in your area. Visiting a breeder allows you to observe the ducklings‘ living conditions and meet the parent birds before committing.
When selecting a source for pet ducks, prioritize sellers that emphasize flock health and humane husbandry practices. A reputable breeder should be transparent about their methods and willingly answer your questions about the ducklings‘ care, diet, and socialization.
Choosing the Right Duck Breed
Not all duck breeds are created equal when it comes to their suitability as pets. Some are prized for egg production or meat quality, while others are bred primarily for their endearing appearance and friendly personalities.
Here‘s a handy chart comparing popular duck breeds for pet owners:
| Breed | Weight | Temperament | Egg Production | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pekin | 6-8 lbs | Friendly, outgoing | Good | 9-12 years |
| Muscovy | 6-12 lbs | Independent, seasonal mating | Poor | 8-12 years |
| Khaki Campbell | 3-5 lbs | Active, excellent foragers | Excellent | 8-10 years |
| Welsh Harlequin | 4-5 lbs | Calm, personable | Very good | 8-10 years |
| Indian Runner | 3-5 lbs | Energetic, needs ample space | Very good | 8-12 years |
| Call Duck | 1-2 lbs | Engaging, can become hand-tame | Fair | 10-15 years |
| Cayuga | 5-8 lbs | Gentle, adaptable | Good | 8-12 years |
Creating the Ideal Pet Duck Habitat
Pet ducks‘ housing needs will depend on your climate, available space, and whether you plan to keep your ducks indoors or outdoors. Ducks are adaptable but do have some non-negotiable environmental requirements.
Outdoor Duck Housing
Ducks allowed to free-range outside enjoy foraging for insects and vegetation. However, they‘re also vulnerable to predators and must be confined to a secure coop at night. When constructing an outdoor duck area, provide:
- Predator-proof fencing buried at least 1 foot underground
- Covered, well-ventilated housing with at least 4 square feet per duck
- Weather-appropriate bedding like straw or wood shavings
- Nesting boxes lined with clean, dry materials
- A shallow pond, stock tank or kiddie pool for swimming, cleaned regularly
Indoor Duck Housing
With some modifications, ducks can live harmoniously inside the home. However, they can be messy and are notoriously hard to potty train. Here‘s how to protect your interior while keeping indoor ducks healthy:
- Designate an easy-to-clean "duck zone" with tile, vinyl or sealed wood floors
- Provide a large pen with ample floor space and head clearance
- Use absorbent bedding on floors and change daily
- Cover electrical cords and block access to hazardous areas
- Offer water for swimming in a basin or bathtub, supervised at all times
Meeting Ducks‘ Health and Social Needs
To thrive, pet ducks require much more than food and shelter. Prospective duck owners must be prepared to meet their unique physiological and behavioral needs.
Diet and Nutrition
A domestic duck‘s ideal diet includes:
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Commercial waterfowl feed: Age-appropriate pellets or crumbles should make up the majority of a pet duck‘s diet. Opt for feed with at least 14% protein, like Mazuri Waterfowl Starter or Purina Duck Grower.
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Fresh produce: Fruits and leafy greens provide essential vitamins and minerals. Safe options include kale, peas, melon, berries, and cucumber. Avoid avocado, citrus, and onions.
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Healthy proteins: Offer lean proteins like cooked eggs, mealworms, and small fish in moderation.
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Flowers and weeds: Ducks enjoy munching on rose petals, dandelion greens, and clover. Verify any plants are non-toxic before feeding.
Be sure to include a shallow dish of coarse grit, like crushed oyster shells, to help ducks grind their food and form strong eggshells. Also provide a separate, deep bowl of clean drinking water, changed multiple times daily. A good rule of thumb is at least 1 liter of drinking water per adult duck per day.
Duck Socialization
As highly social creatures, ducks fare best with the companionship of their own species. Experts recommend keeping at least two compatible ducks together to prevent loneliness and stress. However, use caution when introducing unfamiliar ducks to avoid territorial aggression.
Regular interaction with humans is also vital for pet ducks, particularly if raised from ducklings. Aim to spend quality time each day observing your ducks‘ behavior, scooping them up for cuddles, and engaging in gentle play. Over time, a hand-raised duck can rival the affection and loyalty of a pet dog!
Health and Veterinary Care
Proactive care is key to preventing serious health issues in pet ducks. Perform weekly at-home health checks to look for:
- Bright, clear eyes
- Smooth, well-groomed feathers
- Supple skin free of scabs or sores
- Soft, evenly sized feet with no swelling or bumblefoot
- Regular, well-formed droppings
An experienced avian vet, like those at PetSmart‘s Banfield Pet Hospital clinics, should perform annual check-ups on pet ducks. They can advise on nutrition, grooming needs, and parasite control, plus diagnose and treat any illnesses or injuries that arise.
Some signs a pet duck needs immediate veterinary attention:
- Lethargy, weakness or loss of appetite
- Discharge from eyes, nose or mouth
- Labored breathing or persistent coughing
- Lameness or reluctance to walk
- Seizures or lack of balance
- Injury with signs of pain or bleeding
With proper diet, housing, socialization and veterinary care, pet ducks can live up to 15 years. By providing this level of care, owners can enjoy the unique joys of duck companionship for years to come.
Are Ducks a Duck-tastic Pet Choice?
Ducks are delightful, intelligent birds with endlessly entertaining personalities. However, they are far from low-maintenance starter pets. Compared to more traditional pet species, ducks require:
- More extensive housing and outside space
- Specialized nutrition and constant access to clean water
- Daily cleaning of living areas to control dampness and odor
- Dedicated social interaction with other ducks and humans
- An avian-savvy veterinarian for health needs
For patient, prepared owners, pet ducks offer unconditional affection and a glimpse into the fascinating world of waterfowl. But ducks demand a significant investment of time, space and funds that not all households can accommodate. Those not ready for the challenges of duck stewardship should consider a lower-maintenance pet bird species, many of which are available at PetSmart.
Although PetSmart itself doesn‘t sell ducks, it remains a vital resource and ally for duck owners. By providing top-quality duck supplies, plus in-store veterinary care, PetSmart helps support the rapidly growing community of devoted duck owners across the country.
