First standardized in the UK in 1865, the call duck is said to have been imported from Asia into Holland. Decoy ducks were used in Holland in the 1600s, but these are thought to have been decoy ducks by training (i.e. tame ducks) rather that the true Decoy or Call. The Call itself seems to have suddenly become popular in Holland around 1800. For this reason, it is suspected that the birds could have been imported from the Far East. Calls were virtually unknown in the show pen from 1900 to the 1970s. Then their popularity took off. They are now the largest entry at a show, often reaching over 300 at the BWA's Championship Show. Calls are cheap to keep and transport but really difficult to breed and find a winner. They are wonderful pets. The females do have a very loud quack, which is why it would not be advisably to keep female call ducks if you have close neighbours.
Call ducks are not great layers and the females are most likely to lay in clutches of 8-12 eggs and if left to sit and hatch them out the duck will look after the resulting ducklings with great care and attention
River Cottage's collection of Domestic Ducks changes regularly. Please visit us regularly to keep up-to-date with our flock
Click the button above to add a pair of Call Duck Mixed Colourss to 'My Enquiries' which is available at the top of each page, and similar to a 'basket' on an ecommerce website!
Note: All birds are subject to availability and we reserve the right to alter prices as the market and our costs dictate. Viewing is strictly by appointment. Please contact us for futher details
