Australian Spotted Duck: History And Habitat
Australian spotted ducks are one of the cutest ducks you can take in as a pet. But the sad thing is, they are extremely rare and at the risk of extinction.
If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one of these, you must take great care of them to help them survive as long as possible.
Our article will teach you how to do that by telling you about their habits, food preferences, and other important info.
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Australian Spotted Ducks History
The name can be a bit deceiving here as it might give the impression that the duck originated from Australia. But in reality, the breed was created in Pennsylvania, USA by John C. Kriner and Stanley Mason.
In 1920, they used stock of Call, Mallard, Northern Pintail, and several Australian wild ducks to crossbreed.
They kept all the breeds in the same place and let them interbreed among themselves. Among the offspring, they chose one and bred it further creating a new breed called the Australian spotted duck in the year 1928.
Australian Spotted Ducks Profile:
| Name | Australian Spotted Ducks |
|---|---|
| Size | Small |
| Use | Mainly as pet and for exhibition |
| Eggs | 50-100 eggs per year |
| Flying Ability | Yes |
| Lifespan | 8-12 years |
General Characteristics and Appearance of Australian Spotted Ducks
Size-wise the duck is quite small and has cheeks and a round-shaped beak. Their appearance makes them look very cute and adorable, and that also is the reason for their popularity as pets.
You see, the drakes have a white line around the neck, that adds an element of uniqueness to their look.
The body is kind of tear-shaped and the tail is quite short. And the male members of this breed weigh around 1kg, and the female ones weigh around 900 grams.
The nature of the ducks can be termed as gentle, and they are very easy going. So, it comes naturally for them to create friendships with hosts and other ducks.
How Long Do They Live?
Unless struck by a serious life-threatening disease, you can expect them to live for 8-12 years. So, you can enjoy their company for a long time if you decide to take them as pets.
Can Australian Spotted Ducks Fly?
Yes, they can fly very well. These are bantam ducks, and they always fly. That’s why you need to keep them in an enclosed area, from where they can’t fly away.
If you leave them out in the open, it’s possible for them to move away and leave them vulnerable to predators.
How Does an Australian Spotted Duck Behave?
They have a very tender nature and are unlikely to pick fights with other ducks. You won’t see them squabbling amongst themselves.
Also, it won’t take time for you to get along with it due to its easy-going nature.
Can I Take Australia Spotted Duck as a Pet?
Yes, and that would be their best case. As they are not a good fit for meat and egg production, taking them as pets is the best course of action.
Also, their breed is dying gradually, so, if they are taken as pets and bred, that might help them to survive.
Can Australian Spotted Ducks Be Used for Meat and Egg Production?
Technically, yes, but that wouldn’t make any sense business-wise. Though their meat is juicy and great to eat, the amount is very little as they aren’t very big.
Also, they are quite rare, so, not ideal for farming. However, they grow up quickly, and within 3-4 weeks, they become mature.
Egg production is also not one of the strongest suits as they can produce less than 50-100 eggs per year only. Despite the low number of eggs, they are quite big and tasty to eat.
Habitat of Australian Spotted Ducks
If left to live in the wild, they normally choose grassy areas near a pond. But for people who keep them as pets, they need to keep them in a fenced area.
There should be enough protection for them as they aren’t good at escaping predators. Since they have a small body, they can easily become an easy target for predators.
Freezing nights in winter can cause them problems, so, you need to make their coop warm and comfortable enough for them to spend the winter nights.
For cleaning themselves, they will need fresh water. So, it’s best if there’s a pond nearby their coop.
What Do Australian Spotted Ducks Eat?
They’re good foragers, so finding food for themselves comes naturally to them.
For food, they prefer worms, grass, insects, and seeds. In summer, you don’t have to worry about their food as they can forage and manage by themselves.
But when winter comes, food sources dry up and it becomes very challenging for them to find worms and insects.
During these tough times, they rely on you to provide them with the essential nutrients through food. You can arrange for a pellet-based diet to meet their food needs.
Conclusion
As Australian spotted ducks are endangered, it’s our duty to do as much as we can to preserve the breed. Learning about how to care for them is the first step towards ensuring their long survival.
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References:
- https://livestockconservancy.org/australian-spotted-duck/
- https://www.breedslist.com/australian-spotted-duck.htm
Image Credit:
- Facebook.com/Ducks of Providence
