Owning an animal is a long-term commitment and should not be taken lightly. If you are entertaining the idea of raising ducks, you are probably wondering how long ducks live and maybe the survival rate of ducklings.
You should also know how ducks die naturally and what is the best age to butcher a duck. That way, you know the time you will need to care for them, calculate costs and lifetime meat and egg yields, or decide if a domestic duck as a pet is right for you.
Environmental Factors That Can Alter The Lifespan of a Duck
Naturally, a domestic duck will have a longer lifespan than that of one living in the wild. The average lifespan of a wild duck ranges between five to ten years. Although many wild ducks can live a long and healthy life in the wild, they will have elements to contend with that domestic pets do not. These factors include:
- Inadequate food or water
- Predator threats
- Infestation or disease
- Extreme weather conditions
- Breeding concerns
Domestic ducks have an entirely different lifestyle than their wild counterparts. When you have a pet duck, they have an advantage to those factors that can hinder their lifespan in the wild. Owners of pet ducks can aid in a longer lifespan by:
- Offering a proper, well-rounded nutritious diet
- Ensure they are safe from predators
- Obtain regular veterinarian care when necessary
- Give adequate shelter from the outdoor elements
- Monitor breeding circumstances
Breed and Sex Factors That Can Determine a Duck’s Lifespan
Different breeds of ducks will live shorter or longer than others. This variance can be due to how quickly the bird matures, along with the overall size and weight.
For example, when it comes to how long a Pekin duck lives, the average lifespan is about five years. Yet, if breeding lines have issues with any domestic pet, offspring may not survive as long as they should or will exist with ongoing health problems.
The overall size of the bird is a factor in how long they live. Typically, larger birds will not live as long as the smaller varieties. However, you can ensure your domestic duck has a long and healthy life by providing the best care for it while alive.
In the wild, you will find more drakes than females per capita, as a general rule. The population discrepancy stems from the overactive breeding male. Often, female ducks can drown if the male tries breeding while in water or becomes crushed, has broken backs, or has other severe injuries. Drakes are aggressive maters, and if the ratio of males to females is unbalanced, the females will die off or become so injured that they suffer and die.
The Lifespan of Popular Domestic Ducks
The world record for the oldest pair of domestic ducks belonged to Gladys Blackbeard in South Africa. They were 49 years old back in 1966.
If you are looking for what type of duck lives the longest, consider Muscovy ducks. However, before deciding on a pet duck for your home, you should look at a variety of breeds for a general guide. On average, a pet duck will live ten years or less, but many breeds can live a healthy life beyond that timeframe.
Do you want a duck that will live for five years or one that will be around for up to 15 years? Larger breeds of ducks require more space than smaller types, so many external elements affect their quality of life.
The table goes over some of the popular duck breeds and their typical lifespan.
| BREED | LIFESPAN |
| Blue Swedish | 8 to 12 years |
| Call | 10 to 15 years |
| Cayuga | 8 to 12 years |
| Indian Runner | 10 to 12 years |
| Khaki Campbell | 8 to 10 years |
| Mallard | 5 to 10 years |
| Muscovy | 8 to 12 years |
| Pekin | 5 to 7 years |
| Rouen | 5 to 9 years |
Common Causes of Death in Domestic Ducks
There are many reasons why a duck will die, even when in a domestic setting. Pet owners will want to ensure that their ducks live a long and healthy life. Being aware of these factors can help prevent disastrous effects that could cut your duck’s life short.
Disease is a significant factor in causes of death in domestic ducks. Some common diseases that can plague your pet include:
- Aflatoxin poisoning
- Aspergillosis
- Avian cholera
- Botulism
- Colibacillosis
- Duck plague (or Duck virus enteritis)
- Duck virus hepatitis
- Insecticide or pesticide exposure
- Pasteurella anatipestifer infection
If you notice any symptoms of your pet experiencing illness or sudden weight loss, you should seek veterinary care immediately. The sooner your duck receives proper attention, the better chance they have at a full recovery and survival.
You can avoid many of these diseases in your pet by ensuring that they have fresh food and water daily, keeping them away from household chemicals or weed control substances, and providing them a clean place to live.
Other elements that can cause death in your pet duck include predators, insufficient diet, or old age. You want to ensure that the living quarters for your duck are entirely predator-proof for keeping out any animals that pose a threat, such as foxes, weasels, or even your neighbor’s pet dog.
Feed your duck a proper diet that guarantees they receive the vitamins and nutrients necessary for proper growth. Do not let your duck roam free in areas where you use insecticides or pesticides for weed or bug control. Ingestion of these substances can be lethal for your domestic duck.
The Takeaway
Having a duck as a domestic pet can be a wonderful experience. They are friendly and social animals that are relatively easy to care for during their lifetime. However, on average, your duck will live between five to ten years or longer, depending on the breed, so you should prepare for a long-term commitment when choosing a waterfowl pet.
One consideration to recognize is the number of birds you have. Obtaining a single duck is not ideal, as they are highly social birds. Opt for two or more, but take notice of how many drakes you have with your females to avoid any excessive breeding problems within your flock, causing harm or death. With proper care, your duck will live a long and healthy life.