March 18/2026

                     

What Do Ferrets Eat?

By Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP

Dec. 5/2023

You’ve just brought home your first pet ferret, & you might be wondering, “what do ferrets eat?” Maintaining a proper ferret diet is a key factor in helping your furry friend live a long & happy life, & there are many ferret food options on the market today.

What Can Ferrets Eat?

Ferrets, like cats, are obligate carnivores, which means they get nutrients from meat-based protein. Many veterinarians feel that common problems such as inflammatory bowel disease & insulinoma are directly related to feeding ferrets the wrong foods.

Never feed your ferret cat food. While a ferret can technically eat cat food, ferrets require a higher amount of protein in their diet which most cat foods do not offer. Always feed your pet ferret a diet specifically formulated for ferrets.

Best Ferret Foods

Some of the best foods for ferrets include the following:

A healthy ferret food should have no seeds, nuts, or bits of dried-up fruit in the bag. Ferret food should all look the same, with no artificial colors or other variety to the formula.

Many foods designed for ferrets may change their formulas frequently. Ferrets are often extremely picky about their food & become bonded to the taste & feel of it. This can be a major problem when a manufacturer makes a change, so it’s recommended to purchase multiple different ferret food brands & blend them into a common container—mixing up the taste & making it easier to transition in the future, if needed.

Food should be available to your ferret 24/7 & should be checked daily. Remove any wet, soiled, or crunched-up kibbles that are no longer prime for eating.

Ferret Treats

Ferrets are tiny animals, so treat portions need to be kept small to maintain good nutrition. Choose healthy treats that complement their diet—not ruin it.

Puréed meat baby food with no additional ingredients is often a yummy snack for your ferret, & it’s an especially helpful treat to combine with medicine, if necessary. Do not feed baby foods that contain rice, vegetables, or chunks.

Another good treat for ferrets is Bob Church’s Chicken Gravy (also known as duck soup). A staple for the sick ferret, it’s a healthy addition to a ferret’s diet.

You can also offer your ferret small pieces of cooked lean chicken, turkey, beef, or fish. Be sure to remove the bones & skin, & ensure that it’s thoroughly cooked & diced relatively small.

What Can Ferrets Not Eat?

The list of what a ferret should not eat is much longer than the list of what they should eat. As a general rule, if a food isn’t meat-based, your ferret shouldn’t eat it.

Things that ferrets should not eat include:

Cat food

Dog food

Raisins & other fruits

Human foods (except small pieces of cooked meat)

Vegetables

Bones

Fish heads or skin

How To Feed a Ferret

The actual process of feeding a ferret is simple: simply set out approximately ¼ cup of a healthy kibble blend into a heavy crock feeder once per day. Be aware that ferrets love to play in their food & water, so using heavy crocks & separating the food & water by a few feet helps prevent messes & contamination.

Food & water should be checked approximately 12 hours later & changed, if needed. Ferrets often don’t like to eat crumbs, so if the bowl is heavy on the crumbs, dump it & start fresh. Water should also be provided in heavy crocks & checked & changed frequently. Some ferrets will drink from water bottles, but the vast majority prefer & drink better from crocks.

Ferret Food FAQs

What do ferrets eat in the wild?

Ferrets, as we know them, do not exist in the wild. It is thought that they were domesticated from the European polecat, which eats primarily small rodents, amphibians, & birds.

What do domestic ferrets eat?

Domestic ferrets eat a blend of high-quality, high-protein kibble designed for ferrets. A ferret’s diet is often supplemented with some softer high-protein treats, such as puréed baby food & meats.

Can ferrets eat cat food?

No. There are a few expensive high-protein, low-carbohydrate foods designed for cats that are also suitable for ferrets, but this is the exception rather than the rule. Also, the kibble size tends to be different, which makes it hard for ferrets to chew & can even damage their teeth.

Can ferrets eat dog food?

No, ferrets should never be fed dog food. It’s too high in carbohydrates for them to properly digest, does not contain the nutrients in the correct balance for a ferret’s metabolism, & is too large to fit properly in their mouth without possibly causing some damage.

What Do Ferrets Eat? | PetMD

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March 11/2026

                           

Kazakhstan Is Building a Forest to Bring Back a Tiger That's Been Gone for 70 Years

Capybara Dispatch

March 4/ 2026

The last Caspian tiger disappeared from Kazakhstan in the late 1940s — hunted to extinction, its riverside forest habitat stripped away. For over 70 years, the country's wetlands & river deltas fell silent of the world's largest cat. Now, a carefully coordinated effort is working to change that.

In 2025, the Kazakhstan Tiger Reintroduction Programme — led by the country's government with support from WWF Central Asia in Almaty & the United Nations Development Programme — planted 37,000 seedlings & cuttings across nearly 10 hectares of the South Balkhash region in southeast Kazakhstan, where tigers once lived. The species planted — narrow-leaf oleaster, willow, & turanga — are the building blocks of tugai forests, the dense riverine woodland that tigers need to survive. Earlier plantings, stretching back to 2021, have already reached heights of up to 2.5 metres.

The habitat work is running in parallel with the tigers themselves. 2 captive Amur tigers — a male & a female — arrived in Kazakhstan from the Netherlands in 2024 & appear to have adapted well. Wild tigers from Russia are expected to arrive in the first half of 2026. Scientists consider Amur tigers a suitable stand-in for the extinct Caspian subspecies, as genetic studies suggest the 2 were likely the same population until human activity forced them apart.

Full wild release remains years away — conservationists estimate the habitat will need at least 15 more years to mature. But the forest is already growing.

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March 4/2026

                            
Small Rabbit with a Black Tail Not Seen in 120 Years Found Hopping Around Mexican Mountains

By Andy Corbley 

Sept. 5/ 2025

A species of cottontail rabbit endemic to Mexico has been seen again for the first time in over 100 years following a committed search by biologists.

For more than 4 years, GNN has paid close attention to a special conservation mission called the “25 Most Wanted” list—a name that invokes bounty hunters & bandits, but which actually focuses on species lost to science.

Over those 4 years, the organization behind the list, called Re:Wild, has located 13 of those species, which range from funghi & insects to larger animals like deer.

This most recent hit was the Omiltemi cottontail rabbit—unmistakable for its small & black puffball of a tail, so counterintuitive to the reference to “cotton” in its name. This enigmatic rabbit was last seen by scientists in 1904 & was feared extinct, but after a 5-year search in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range of Mexico, it’s clear the little hopper is undoubtedly still among us.

“Just knowing that it had been 100 years, & no other scientist had seen a live [Omiltemi] rabbit is incredible,” said José Alberto Almazán-Catalán, a biologist who led the search. “It’s totally different from the regular cottontail, & I was completely amazed & very happy to have had that opportunity to see one.”

As with any decent search effort, Almazán began at the LKP, the last known position. Back in 1904 that was a very rural area, but it’s now a forest on the edge of Chilpancingo, the capital city of the state of Guerrero with a population of over 200,000 people.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, no trace of the Omiltemi rabbit was found, & so in 2020, the hunters switched their focus to conifer forests at higher elevations.

Once there, the hunters met another kind of hunter—subsistence hunters—who had in fact seen the rabbit very recently on their dinner plates. This is the sort of local knowledge that has been key to finding several of the other 12 lost species discovered by the initiative, not necessarily because they’re all hunted, but because small rural community members in places like Indonesia don’t publish in scientific papers, & may see animals daily that haven’t been seen by scientists in decades.

Fortunately the Omiltemi breeds, well, like a rabbit, & despite not being seen by scientists since 1904 & being an extremely range-restricted critter, the population has been able to replenish itself from late winter to late spring such that locals occasionally caught them for food.

It wasn’t long after the encounter with the hunters that live individuals were recorded—their little black tails giving them away immediately.

“80% of the objectives of this project have been achieved,” said Almázan. “However, we still need to learn more about the natural history of this species.”

During the interview with the hunters, virtually all locals agreed that if the rabbit species was at risk of disappearing from subsistence hunting, they would alter their hunting patterns according to scientific recommendations to ensure that didn’t happen.

According to a statement from Re:Wild, the Search for Lost Species has rediscovered 13 of its “Most Wanted” species: Jackson’s climbing salamander in Guatemala, Wallace’s giant bee in Indonesia, velvet pitcher plant in Indonesia, silver-backed chevrotain in Vietnam, Somali sengi in Djibouti, Voeltzkow’s chameleon in Madagascar, Sierra Leone Crab in Sierra Leone, Pernambuco holly in Brazil, De Winton’s golden mole in South Africa, Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna in Indonesia, Fagilde’s trapdoor spider in Portugal, big puma fungus in Chile, & the Omiltemi cottontail rabbit in Mexico.

Small Rabbit with a Black Tail Not Seen in 120 Years Found Hopping Around Mexican Mountains

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Feb. 25/2026

                                  
14 Most-Protective Cat Breeds That May Defend Your Family At All Costs

By Keri-Beth Clur   

3/9/2025 

Your idea of a guard animal is probably a dog with large teeth, pointed ears, big paws, a loud bark, & a muscular body — something along the lines of a German shepherd or Doberman pinscher. But it may surprise you to know that your fluffy, nap-loving, & sun-bathing cat can have a protective side, too. Some cats are fearless, territorial, & always on guard, & if someone enters their home without a clear welcome, they may puff up, hiss, growl, chase, & attack to show the intruder that they're willing to defend their families at all costs.

Cats are naturally territorial, & if they feel they need to defend their space, they can act aggressively. As much as having a cat as a guard animal has its perks, aggressive cats can cause problems with guests & new pets. Early socialization can reduce these behavioral issues, as can the slow introduction of cats to new environments. Neutering, medication, & positive reinforcement can also calm overly aggressive cats. 

Some cat breeds, such as the Abyssinian & Siamese, have stronger territorial streaks than others, but there are many factors that make a cat the way it is. That said, if you're looking for an overall solid option, these 14 picks are among the most-protective cat breeds.

Norwegian forest cats are protective & always on patrol

The Norwegian forest cat comes from the cold climate of Norway & has a history that goes back to the Vikings, who used them to hunt rodents. They're gentle giants but are always on guard, monitoring their homes to ensure everything is as it should be. Norwegian forest cats are usually quite friendly — except to rodents, to whom they show no mercy. Why do cats torture their prey? Well, because it's the Norwegian forest cat's predatory instinct to do so; it wears its prey out, & it's fun for it.

This breed does well with high perches & cat trees, where they have good vantage points to watch over their territory. Although independent, this breed is loyal & protective of the people & pets it loves most, which is why it would defend them at all costs. One Redditor on r/NorwegianForestCats noted that their cat is "protective & growls at the neighbor's aggressive dog through the window" & that although he tries to look tough, he's sweet & sensitive.

Turkish Angora cats are protective because they're strong-willed

Although dainty & regal-looking, Turkish Angoras are strong-willed & independent, preferring not to be held or seated on a person's lap for long. As its name suggests, this breed comes from Turkey, where it's beloved & one of the earliest ancestors of long-haired breeds. These cats are intelligent & curious, & they like to be in charge, which means knowing who's in their territory. One Reddit user posted on r/turkishangoras that their cat defended them when a pit bull was aggressive toward them near their home. The user said that their cat came out of nowhere & "went after the pit bull. He went after a rearing pit bull!"

Although they're wonderful companions, they don't warm up to strangers quickly & may even hiss at, growl at, or bite invaders. Early socialization can reduce aggression toward strangers, but stress & anxiety can also cause aggressive behavior. If your cat is nervous around strangers, ask visitors to respect your cat's space by ignoring your cat until it chooses to come to them. It's your Turkish Angora's choice to be petted, so allow it to retreat or engage, depending on how it feels around the visitor.

Abyssinian cats are alert all the time

Abyssinian cats are known for their agouti coats & large ears that alert them to everything happening around them, & they have muscular, medium-sized bodies to back them up. They're busy cats who enjoy exercise, training, & mental stimulation, & due to their deep curiosity & protectiveness, they like to patrol their environments & watch everyone's movements.

Abyssinians are busy, intelligent, & always on guard. They're not big on strangers, & they can act aggressively toward people & pets if they feel threatened or challenged. One Reddit user said on r/aww that their Abyssinian was very protective of their family & didn't like anyone else, even extended family. The user shared a story about a time that their aunt playfully punched her dad on the arm, & their cat "went running up to her, started her down, & growled." The Abyssinian thought their owner was in danger & ran to the rescue, & if that's not protective, we don't know what is.

Bengal cats are incredibly territorial

If you think Bengal cats look wild, it's because they are — or at least their ancestors are. However, the more these offspring produce their own offspring, the more their personality resembles a domestic cat & not a wild one. Bengals are alert, territorial hunters & dog-like in nature, even enjoying playing with dogs quite a lot. 

Bengals are looking for adventure, things to climb, toys to chase, & problems to solve. With a mind like theirs, Bengals need constant stimulation, & without it, they can become destructive. When considering getting a Bengal, make sure you're selecting the right cat for your home or family because this breed doesn't get on as well with smaller pets & children due to its high prey drive & energy.

Although this means Bengals will defend their families at all costs, it also means that any new addition to the family must go through a slow introduction to your Bengal. In r/bengalcats, one Redditor shared how their Bengal became "destructive" & "aggressive" in an attempt to get out of the house to attack the new cats next door. The user mentioned that the cat never had a problem with other dogs, only cats. Another user replied, saying, "He is not being naughty. He is being protective of you & his home." The user also mentioned that they've seen many similar cases with Bengals because they're so territorial.

Siamese cats are very loyal to their owners

Siamese cats don't just act royal — they once were. These blue-eyed felines once belonged exclusively to Thai royalty, deemed too prestigious for commoners. They weren't just kept to look pretty, though. According to the Siamese Cat Society, they were considered "guardians of the temples" & would "receive the dead person's soul" when someone important died because the Thai people believed they held special powers. 

Today, Siamese cats are owned & loved by many for their loyal temperament. They share many interests with dogs, such as going for leash walks, playing fetch, learning tricks, & following their owners from room to room. They're intelligent, vocal, & interactive, & they're quick to alert their owners to anything out of the norm. Perhaps thanks to being temple guardians years ago, these cats are territorial, protective, & sometimes aggressive. One user on r/cats shared their experience with Siamese cats, describing them as "very protective with young children." They also shared how a Siamese cat they knew "would cry for hours when the child was away until the baby was back home."

Turkish Van cats are true defenders

The Turkish Van isn't an easy cat breed to find, but if you're fortunate enough to welcome one into your home, you'll have a very loyal, friendly, & sprightly cat to love. Although this breed is sweet-natured, a personality & behavior survey conducted by the University of Helsinki showed that "the Turkish Van breed scored considerably higher in aggression towards humans & lower in sociability towards cats." 

These results back up a 2019 study that was published in Scientific Reports that showed that Turkish Vans scored highest for aggression toward people & cats out of over 15 breeds studied. These results don't suggest that all Turkish Vans are highly aggressive, but it does suggest that early socialization is important to prevent these behaviors from developing, especially when they may feel that they need to protect their territories & family members from new pets or guests.

On the r/turkishvan subreddit, one user shared a few things that their 7-month-old Turkish Van likes to get up to. He regularly confronts dogs in their neighborhood, "patrols everyone's yards," & "repelled & deterred the constant attacks from the neighbor's Norwegian Tree cats." Not only does this young kitten sound fearless, but he's also a true defender and guardian.

Maine Coon cats are possessive of their owners

Although one of the giants of the domestic cat world, Maine Coons are gentle, loving, & affectionate, making them a popular breed. They also get on well with children & pets. However, these cats are avid hunters, so having smaller pets, such as birds or mice, could be difficult. If you do own rodents, never let them run freely around your Maine Coon.

Maine Coons are an intelligent breed that likes to hang around their owners & know what they're up to. They can be very possessive of their owners & envious of shared attention, whether with another cat, child, or adult. However, this trait makes them protective of the people they love. They're also vocal & will do whatever it takes to get your attention on them or warn you about something they're concerned about. 

An example of a Maine Coon defending the person it loves was shared on r/mainecoons. One morning, a user's flatmate woke up because their cat was making unusual & "angry" noises. When they looked to see where the cat was, they saw him "leap from the bed & onto a burglar climbing in through the window. The burglar panicked, fell out of the window, & ran away." Whew!

Manx cats develop guardian-like attachments to their owners

One of the most-distinguishable features of a Manx cat is its lack of a tail. However, some of these cats do have tails; it just depends on the genetics they were dealt & whether they have the tailless mutation. The breed's exact origin is unknown, but we do know that they've long called the Isle of Man home & may even have ties to the Vikings, who would have found their rodent-hunting abilities useful.

Manx cats are another dog-like breed in personality & behavior. If you're in any kind of danger, your Manx cat is likely to jump into action, as these tailless felines are intelligent & form strong bonds with their owners. One Reddit user posted on r/manx that their Manx cat is "a velcro boy, & goes so far as to get in the shower, under the water, to be near me." This behavior is common among Manx cats because they develop a guardian-like attachment to their owners.

Siberian cats are natural hunters

Siberian cats are a large breed that can get up to 15 pounds, & personality traits vary greatly among them, with some being very affectionate & cuddly & others being much more independent & active. These cats enjoy hunting & chirping loudly when they spot potential prey, even if it's on the other side of the window. 

You can take a Siberian cat for walks on a leash, & they're playful, curious, & intelligent. Consider using games & training to bond with your new cat, as Siberian cats love learning tricks. Puzzle games like the Catstages Scratch N' Hunt Puzzle Cat Toy are great options for this breed because they mentally stimulate these cats & allow them to problem-solve. Like dogs, Siberian cats can be territorial, & you should introduce new people to them to show them they're friends, not foes. 

On the r/SiberianCats subreddit, a few users have described their Siberian cats as "gentle giants." However, one user went on to add, "[E]xcept when I was scared as a kid, then he'd attack the thing scarring me cause he was like a guard cat. He was never super territorial but definitely super protective of their humans."

Egyptian Mau cats are devoted to their owners

The Egyptian Mau is a spotted breed that can get as tall as 14 inches & weigh up to 14 pounds. They have muscular bodies that are attached to a wagging tail — a clear sign that your Mau is happy or excited. It's true that many cats come across as aloof, but the Egyptian Mau doesn't hide its excitement to see you. It will trail you around your home just to be close to you, & although they can come across as timid, these fearless cats will defend their pet & human family if necessary.

These cats pick people to bond with & can become incredibly attached & devoted to them. Due to this, they struggle more than many other breeds with being re-homed. One Quora user shared how their Egyptian Mau is territorial of them & doesn't like sharing them with their partner, writing, "...if my husband gets too close to me he will move closer & put his paw on my husband as if to say 'she is mine & you are not supposed to touch.'"

Korat cats are dog-like in nature

The Korat is confident, intelligent, & fearless. It's a stunning but rare breed from Thailand that has a blue coat with silver tips & big, green eyes. These cats are medium-sized, weigh around 10 pounds, & haven't changed much from the ancient Korat, which is unusual for breeds with such a long history. They're big chatterboxes & like to get involved in family activities, including driving around in the car & cuddling up next to their owners. Korats even use different tones & sounds to communicate their needs & warnings to those around them.

The Korat is a loyal breed that forms strong bonds with their owners. They have strong personalities, & if a person or animal invades their territory, they will likely try to defend their possessions, including the people they "own." One Quora user said that their Korat "can be a little aggressive with my other cat." However, they also mentioned that their cat does submit when reprimanded.

Devon Rex cats don't like strangers

The Devon Rex has a similar look to the Sphynx with its large ears & elf-like face. However, these cats have short, curly coats, while the Sphynx is largely hairless (though some Sphynx cats have ultra-fine fur). These cats are quite small, only weighing up to 9 pounds, & they enjoy the company of their owners & other pets & will take any opportunity to play or hang out. They don't like doing things on their own, so adding them to a home with other pets will make them happiest.

If you own a Devon Rex, they're not your pet — you're theirs. These cats are loyal & deeply bonded to their owners, but interestingly, they want to rule the home. They're tolerant & social but can show aggression toward uninvited guests — & won't hold back from defending their family. They're funny, curious, & bright, making them quick learners. Positive reinforcement through treats is how to get your cat to come when you call and train them to do any other tricks.

Pixiebob cats are fearless

The Pixiebob is another dog-like cat breed that is tough, robust, & fearless, though they're also friendly, loving, & easy-going. Their large size, solid bodies, & wild look are quite intimidating & might be enough to warn people off without much persuasion. Furthermore, they're chirpy & chatty & will let you know if something is out of the norm. Some key features that make the Pixiebob extra special include their short tails & extra toes.

These cats are devoted to their owners & are active members of any family. They're sturdy enough for kids & get on well with other cats. They're usually not demanding or high-maintenance but enjoy activities & toys that challenge them & get them to problem-solve. Interestingly, Pixiebobs are a rare breed with a short history up until this point. The first Pixiebobs were bred by Carol Ann Brewer about 40 years ago. One of the first ones was named Pixie, & Brewer later named the new breed "Pixiebob" in memory of her.

Chinchilla cats are highly aggressive, which could work in your favor

The chinchilla cat shares its name with the chinchilla rodent, but this breed is actually a type of Persian cat, although they tend to have different personalities and temperaments. Like Persians, chinchilla cats are one of the best cat breeds for apartments because they're not avid climbers, overly noisy, or highly energetic, although they like to play. However, according to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Science that took a look at 12 different cat breeds' behavioral traits, chinchilla cats ranked highly in aggressiveness. They can be nervous of strangers, which can bring out some aggression, but they're still affectionate pets to their owners.

Chinchillas are excellent communicators & like attention. They're a stunning breed & seem to know it, as they prefer to be the top cat of the house. They can display aggressive tendencies when threatened but can also take some of that energy out on their owners. One owner shared their experience on JustAnswer, saying, "[My chinchilla kitten] becomes really aggressive when she's playing; her ears will go back on her head, & instead of charging the toy, she will charge at me!" This kitten's behavior is misdirected, but this is still an indication that cats of this breed may defend their territory & the people in it if faced with the opportunity.

Read More: https://www.cuteness.com/1805257/most-protective-cat-breeds/

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Feb. 18/2026

                           

Are Ducks Good Pets? What To Know About Pet Ducks

By Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP. Reviewed by Teresa Manucy, DVM

Updated 10/ 17/ 2024

Have you ever seen ducks swimming happily in a park pond & wondered, “can you have a duck as a pet?” You’re not alone.

If you think pet ducks might be the right fit for you, here are some tips for duck care & issues to consider before adopting a duck as a pet.

Can You Have a Duck as a Pet?

It depends on where you live. If you’re considering adding pet ducks to your family, the first step is to see if your local municipality allows you to keep ducks as pets. 

Some areas won’t permit any poultry (such as ducks & chickens) to be kept as pets. Some cities will allow only chickens, & others are more flexible. Certain areas might also only allow only a certain number of birds or restrict the hours that birds may be allowed outside.

Be sure you know what your town permits; there is nothing worse for you to be bonded to your birds & then forced to give them up because you didn’t follow local guidelines.

Are Ducks Good Pets?

For the dedicated pet parent, ducks can make great pets. They are feathered balls of personality—each one is different, & it’s fun getting to know them as individuals.

They are relatively long-lived pets; the average domestic duck lifespan is 10–15 years when they’re well cared for. Ducks also lay eggs more regularly than chickens.

Ducks also produce lots of manure, so they’re great pets to have if you have a garden to fertilize. They are less damaging on your yard & landscaping than chickens are, & ducks eat a lot of pesky insects.

The Best Kinds of Pet Ducks

If you are looking for a pet duck consider these types of domestic ducks that make ideal pets:

- Mallard ducks

- Indian Runner ducks

- Call ducks

- Pekin ducks

- Cayuga ducks

- Harlequin ducks

- Rouen ducks

- Swedish ducks

- Mandarin ducks

- Muscovy ducks

Things To Consider Before Adopting Pet Ducks

Ducks are high-maintenance pets. There’s a lot of cleanup needed, & it’s often a wet & stinky job. For example: Ducks need lots of fresh water, & they soil it frequently. So you’ll spend a lot of time refreshing their water.

Pet ducks usually are unable to fly, so they are a big target for local wildlife predators like coyotes, birds of prey, & even stray cats. This means you have to provide hawk covers, which should be placed over their pens. When outside, your pet ducks will also need to be supervised & protected from potential animal attacks.

Ducks also don't do well in colder climates. If temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, ducks are prone to frostbite on their feet. If you live in an area where it gets colder during winter, it’s important to offer treats that are high in fat & calories. Treats such as cracked corn, warm oatmeal, & peanuts may help provide additional warmth overnight as the food digests.

You should also provide additional warmth in their environment, such as a layer of straw to place on the coop floor. Wooden plants, benches, or stumps are also helpful in keeping ducks off the ground.

Be sure to insulate your duck house with bales of hay along the inner walls—this will limit how much cold air comes through & allows them to stay warm in their duck house

Pet ducks can also be noisy, especially when they want something. Neighbors may not appreciate the enthusiastic quacks as much as you do.

How To Take Care of Pet Ducks

If all of this sounds like a good fit for you & your lifestyle, you’ll want to take some time to set up your yard before bringing your new family members home.

Preparation is key. Finding pet duck supplies can be challenging, so time & planning is needed. Here are a few basic duck supplies you’ll need to get before bringing home pet ducks.

Duck Coop

You will need a completely enclosed, predator-proof coop for your ducks.

Ducks do not tend to fly up & perch like chickens, so height is not important. What you do need to consider is setup & floor space:

You’ll likely want to leave water in the coop with your ducks, so it’s important to have waterproof flooring & bedding material. You can use linoleum, tarps, or a rubberized floor coating to protect your floors from water damage.

You need a layer of absorbent bedding on top of the waterproof flooring, such as soft wood chips or recycled paper.

Ducks can’t jump wall into their coop, so the coop you choose should have a low opening or a wide, stable ramp to get through the entry.

Enclosed Yard

You need to have a safe place for your pet ducks to play when they are not in the coop. Having a fenced-in yard is the best solution, but know that this “free time” should be supervised because the risk of predators is still there, even with a fence.  

In addition to a fenced-in yard, pet ducks should have a secure, enclosed area that can serve as a safe place to be when you can’t watch them. This area should be surrounded with an electric fence & covered in hawk netting—even if you live in an urban area.  Many species of predators find pet ducks appealing.

Swimming Tub

Ducks love to swim, splash, drink, & bathe. Everything in their life revolves around water, which means the bigger the tub, the better.

Remember that ducks will soil their water with amazing speed, so the tub needs to be changed regularly—sometimes even several times per day. You’ll want to find a tub that has enough room for your ducks to swim but is small enough to clean easily.

A moderately large dog swimming pool, like the TRIXIE® Dog Splash Pool, works for most birds. Be sure that your ducks can both get in & get out of it easily, especially if you’re raising young ducklings that aren’t quite coordinated yet.

Duck Food

Many people choose to feed their pet ducks chicken food, but this is not recommended. Ducks have different nutritional needs than chickens, & these needs won’t be met if they eat chicken food.

Think of it this way: You wouldn’t consider feeding your dog exclusively cat food or your cat exclusively dog food, right? In the same way, ducks shouldn’t be fed exclusively chicken food. 

Instead, feed your ducks a commercially designed duck food, such as Mazuri® Waterfowl Maintenance Feed.

Duck Treats

Ducks love treats, & healthy treats that complement their diet are the best option.

Foods like fresh, leafy green vegetables are always favored. Carrots, ripe tomatoes, pumpkin, squash, oats, berries, bananas—the sky is the limit here! Corn, green beans, & Brussels sprouts are also go-to snacks.

For the most part, anything that is in season at the local farmer’s market or grocery store is probably fair game for the ducks.

Are You Ready for Pet Ducks?

Ducks can be amazingly fun  & interesting pets. They do require more work—& more expense—than keeping chickens, but the payback can be worth every bit. 

Ducks tend to be more consistent about laying eggs, & duck eggs are richer & creamier than chicken eggs, prized by bakers everywhere.  

So, if you are ready for lots of baked goods & plenty of manure for your garden, pick up a good book or 2 on keeping ducks, find a source for waterfowl food, & get ready to start on a great adventure!

Pet Ducks FAQs

How long do ducks live?

When well cared for, the average duck lifespan is 10–15 years.

Can ducks fly?

Most pet ducks don’t fly, but some breeds such as the Muscovy duck, Call duck, East Indie duck, & some domesticated Mallard ducks can fly to some degree. For these breeds, it’s recommended to clip their wings to limit flight.

Where do you buy ducks?

Pet ducks can be purchased online from farms & hatcheries. Local private breeders & local feed supply stores may also sell them.

Are Ducks Good Pets? What To Know About Pet Ducks | PetMD

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