Call Duck History - Domestic Waterfowl in the UK

Call Ducks: Domestic Waterfowl in the UK A Short History of the Call Duck The Call duck is the smallest breed of domestic duck, weighing only 1-1½lbs. Call ducks were literally developed as calling ducks, to call down the wild mallard to the great traps or decoys of the Fenlands of the UK and the marshes of Holland. They were first known as the decoy duck, the name coming from the Dutch word 'de kooi' meaning 'trap or cage'.
First standardized in the UK in 1865, their origin is known to be Dutch - but where did the Dutch get them? 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, van Gink (Holland), suspected that the birds could have been imported from the Far East. Lots more about their history in *The Domestic Duck*
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 British Waterfowl Association's Championship Show in November each year. Calls are cheap to keep and transport but really difficult to breed and find a winner. They are wonderful pets More info
Call Ducks love bathing	Click for more information


Apricot Call duck More about the history Call Ducks on Call Ducks II	Group of three-day-old Apricot and Silver Call ducklings