Do you know that pet ducks can live up to 20 years if they receive exceptional care?
Today, domestic ducks have become quite popular as pets in homes around the world. But unfortunately, these animals often do not receive proper care and may die from accidental neglect or malnutrition.
However, it is not just pet ducks that suffer from these issues. Domesticated ducks in the wild also experience numerous mishaps. For instance, while it seems like a nice thing to do, park-goers who feed ducks foods like crackers and bread may also be endangering these ducks.
This is because such actions teach ducks the wrong foraging skills, not to mention that they may malnourish them. Ducks generally need nutrients, especially proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Not just the sugars and carbs that come with snacks.
Thankfully, more duck owners are becoming more aware of the dangers they may expose their pets to through improper care.
This article examines how long domestic ducks can live and the various factors that may affect their lifespan. We also share some tips on how to help your pet ducks live longer and more healthily.
What Was the Oldest Known Duck?
The most famous duck, Edwina, a mallard from the Uk, lived to an impressive age of 22 before she died. This is one of the longest recorded times for a duck to live.
However, another duck from the UK, Ernie, came close to breaking this record but died at 21. Interestingly, there is a claim about a duck living to the ripe old age of 29. But, these are generally challenging to verify.
But we’re confident there has been a 22-year-old duck!
Which Duck Breed Lives the Longest?
Pekin ducks usually have the longest lifespan of all duck breeds, with many living up to 10 years at the very least. However, many duck owners may also argue that Muscovy ducks can give Pekins a run for their money. The average lifespan for Muscovy ducks is between 8 and 12 years.
Duck Breeds and Their Average Lifespans
Here are some common duck breeds and some insight into how long you may expect them to live:
How Long Do Pekin (White) Ducks Live?
Pekin ducks have one of the longest lifespans, with most living up to 10 years. However, some Pekin duck owners have recorded numbers as high as 15 and even 20 years. But, such lifespans will require intentional care for your duck.
Fun fact? Pekin white ducks are the same as yellow ducks. The confusion is because younger Pekin ducks usually have a yellow color that fades into white as they grow older.
How Long Do Call Ducks Live?
Call ducks are a breed much smaller than the more common Pekin white ducks. However, the differences in their lifespan are not as significant as the size differences.
Most call ducks live about 7 to 10 years, with some living significantly longer. But, on average, call ducks live for approximately eight years.
How Long Do Indian Runner Ducks Live?
Domestic Indian runner ducks typically live long, full lives, with many living up to 12 years. But, the Indian Runner duck’s lifespan falls between 8 and 12 years on average.
However, there is a massive difference in the lifespans of their wild counterparts. A while Indian Runner duck may only leave to be two years old, and that’s on the optimistic side!
How Long Do Khaki Campbell Ducks Live?
Khaki Campbell ducks also have one of the longest lifespans among the duck breeds. Some can even live up to 15 years.
However, it is more common for Khaki Campbell ducks to live between 8 and 10 years.
How Long Do Mallard Ducks Live?
Wild mallard ducks live an average of 4 years before they die. On the other hand, domesticated mallard ducks who receive proper care and attention can live up to 10 years and more.
How Long Do Bantam Ducks Live?
Many experts consider Bantam ducks the duck breed with the longest life expectancy by a long margin. Many Bantam ducks live up to 15 years, with some living even longer.
Fun fact? Male Bantam ducks stay fertile for about a decade during their lifespan while females keep producing eggs, assuming an excellent quality of life. This makes Bantam ducks one of the most useful duck breeds.
But why are these ducks able to live as long as this?
Bantam ducks can typically live longer because they usually have lesser weights and do not undergo rapid growth. This way, their bodies can hold up to the demands of life.
In addition, this duck breed usually also stays healthy throughout its lifespan and typically does not experience age-related issues as other species do.
How Long Do Muscovy Ducks Live?
Muscovy ducks are among the more popular duck breeds as they require less time and attention to raise and are generally cost-effective.
But, what is the average lifespan for these ducks?
Muscovy ducks can live up to 8 years in the wild without any problems. Comparatively, their domesticated counterparts can live up to 12 years and more in a homestead where they receive proper care and attention.
Factors that Affect How Long a Domesticated Duck Lives
While ducks generally live longer on a homestead, several factors can affect their specific lifespans. Here are some variables that contribute to the longevity or brevity of duck lifespan:
Duck Nutrition
How you feed your duck is arguably the most critical factor determining how long and well they live.
Unfortunately, one size does not fit all when it comes to duck nutrition. Depending on their age and development stage, you’ll need to vary what goes into their meals if you want to ensure optimal health.
Ducklings typically thrive best on duck starter feed (usually rich in proteins), as this period is vital. However, once they reach around six weeks, you can switch to grower feed to ensure rapid and well-rounded growth.
As adults, you can switch to feeds with lower protein percentages such that they develop healthily without the risk of excessive weight gain.
However, it is not all about protein. You always want to make sure your ducks get a healthy helping of essential vitamins and minerals. Vegetables will conveniently solve this problem for you.
So, if you have a backyard or range with a healthy supply of greens, allowing your ducks to roam this area is an excellent move. Aside from the nutrient they gain, they can also get in some exercise, boosting their energy levels. In addition, they can also pick up some grit along the way, which aids their digestive process.
Finally, you should also ensure your ducks have access to an adequate supply of clean water. Ducks like to play around with water. So, if you put out bowls of water per time, you’ll find you have to keep refilling several times a day.
The perfect alternative is to serve your ducks in containers that are deep enough for them to submerge their entire heads. This way, you’ll likely only need to refill the containers once daily.
Proper Shelter
Ensuring your ducks have a safe and comfortable shelter is crucial to ensuring their long life and good health. While ducks are more independent than several other birds, proper housing may prove critical depending on your location and prevailing climate.
Thankfully, ducks do need much,
You only need a shelter that’s about three feet high and provides about four square feet of ground area for each duck. You can also throw some straw at a corner of the house to provide for nesting grounds.
Roaming Space
Allowing ducks to free-range is a great way to keep them busy all day, not to mention, the exercise opportunities it gives them.
So, even if you keep your ducks in a coop, try to give access to a roaming space from time to time as it is good for their health.
Vet Care
Everyone requires medical checks and attention ever so often, even ducks. So, providing your ducks with routine veterinary care is a surefire way to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.
For instance, regular flock checks can alert you to potential health issues. Of course, ensuring they also get the medical attention they need early will contribute to making sure they live long, healthy lives.
In addition, you can also add some natural supplements to their food and drinks to promote good health.
Breeding History and Genes
Purebred ducks typically enjoy a more healthy life than ducks with mixed genes. This is especially true if you’re keeping mallards.
So, if you can choose between purebred and hybrid mallard eggs, it is usually better to go with the purebreds. Statistics have shown that these have a much higher chance of living longer without health issues.
