Ducks are amiable creatures and are widely kept as pets. However, not everyone knows which breeds of ducks can be friendly and which should be avoided if you’re looking for an amiable companion.
From the Maryland duck tolling retriever to the English call duck, there are many different species of ducks that you can choose from when shopping around for your new pet, so it’s essential to learn more about each before deciding on your favorite breed!
This article will introduce you to 10 friendly duck breeds to help narrow your options.
1. White Pekin
The White Pekin is a popular duck breed often used for egg and meat production. They are native to China and were first brought to the United States in 1872. Pekins are large ducks with white feathers and orange bills and feet.
They are known for being friendly and easy to handle, making them an excellent choice for those looking to keep ducks as pets. Pekins come in different colors: brown, black, gray, buff, and White.
2. Mallard
The Mallard is the most common duck in North America and is often seen in parks and ponds. Their green head and yellow bill easily recognize them. Mallards are generally friendly duck breeds but can become aggressive during mating season.
The Mallard is a good choice if you’re looking for a friendly duck breed. It’s common to see them walking around lakes, ponds, and rivers near your home.
Mallards aren’t typically aggressive toward humans unless they protect their eggs or young from predators like owls or foxes.
You’ll know when the Mallard becomes irritated because it will hiss at you with its wide beak and make a barking sound that scares predators away.
3. Cayuga
The Cayuga is a black duck with greenish-black plumage. They are native to North America and can be found in the eastern United States.
The Cayuga is a calm and friendly duck breed suitable for beginners, and they are also good layers of large, brown eggs. There are five different variations of the Cayuga: Black, Blue, Brown, golden cayuga (which is all yellow), and White.
4. Call Duck
The Call Duck is a miniature version of the Mallard. It was initially bred in Holland to be used as a decoy duck, but it has since become famous as a pet. These ducks are very friendly and can be easily trained.
They enjoy being around people and follow their owners like a dogs. Call Ducks are good swimmers and can even fly short distances. They have a round body with an oval head and bill.
Their feathers come in shades of green, brown, black, or blue, with white under-feathers on their wings. Sometimes, they will also have patches of red or orange on their heads.
5. Muscovy Duck
Muscovy Ducks are the largest of the different friendly duck breeds and can weigh up to 15 pounds. They’re also one of the quieter breeds, which makes them a good choice if you’re looking for a pet duck.
Muscovies are known for their long, hooked bills and webbed feet, which make them excellent swimmers. They’re also very social creatures and enjoy being around other ducks and animals.
6. African Spot-billed Duck
The African Spot-billed Duck is a friendly duck breed often found in Africa. They are known to be very social and can often be seen in pairs or groups. These ducks are also quite playful and have been known to play with other animals, including humans!
The African Spot-billed Duck is a great choice if you’re looking for friendly duck breeds. However, these ducks do better when they live on farms with plenty of space.
7. Welsh Harlequin
The Welsh Harlequin is a beautiful duck breed in many different colors. They are friendly duck breeds that make great pets. They are good egg layers and can lay up to 200 eggs annually.
The Welsh Harlequin is a great choice if you are looking for a friendly duck breed. They are typically very docile animals.
The Welsh Harlequin has a high tolerance for cold and hot weather, making them an excellent choice if you live in different climate zones throughout the United States.
These ducks don’t tend to fly, but they will swim away from predators when they feel threatened. Some of these birds have been known to be aggressive with other animals, so keeping their coop separate from other farm animals is essential.
If you’re interested in purchasing this type of duck, check out local farms or your nearest pet store, as these ducks are usually not found at big box stores like Walmart or Petco.
8. Rouen
The Rouen is a French duck breed developed in Rouen in Normandy. The Rouen is similar in appearance to the Mallard but is larger and has a more upright stance. The drakes (males) are particularly striking, with dark green heads and white chests.
The Rouen is a famous duck for exhibition and as a pet due to its friendly temperament. They also make great mothers, producing many eggs each year.
The Rouen is an all-purpose bird, excelling at meat production and egg laying. Its handsome plumage and calm demeanor make it a favorite among hobbyists and those who keep ducks for pets.
9. Khaki Campbell
The Khaki Campbell is one of the friendly duck breeds from England. They are known for being excellent egg layers and can lay up to 300 eggs annually! Khaki Campbells are excellent swimmers who can dive underwater to catch fish.
If you’re looking for a friendly duck breed that is also a great egg layer, the Khaki Campbell is a great choice.
These ducks originate from England and can lay up to 300 eggs yearly. The Khaki Campbell is also an excellent swimmer who can dive underwater to hunt for food.
10. Indian Runner Duck
Indian Runner duck is a popular breed that is often used for racing. They are also friendly ducks that make great pets. Runner ducks are available in many colors, including white, black, and brown.
These ducks are known for their long necks and legs, which make them excellent runners. The Runner duck is a great choice if you’re looking for a friendly duck breed that is also good at running.
White runner ducks are very popular, and they have an elongated neck that makes it easy to see where they are going. Runner ducks can live up to 10 years if cared for properly.
