The call ducks finally rubbed off on me enough to go out and buy some thanks to my good friend Terra. We got our black calls from Diamond Waterfowl, thanks Donna and Rick. I just love these guys. I hope to also be adding some blue fawns soon!!
Call Duck History
Story has been told that this mini duck is primarily raised for exhibition and pets. A direct descendant of the wild mallard, the call probably originated in Holland where it still goes by the name of Decoy Duck. Originally employed as live decoys, calls were used to entice wild ducks to enter funnel traps. Later market hunters tethered calls near their gunning stations to lure wild ducks to fly within shooting range.
Since the middle of the twentieth century, calls have made impressive strides in both popularity and quality. In North America today this little charmer is a favorite among hobbyists. At poultry shows, calls win more duck championships than any other breed.
Modern calls look like toy ducks - a tiny plump bowl shaped body short, broad bill, not much larger than a thumbnail, stubby neck, large round head that is wide across the skull and short legs positioned near the center of the body, these are desirable characteristics.
Day old calls are often more delicate than ducklings of other breeds. It is also very challenging to hatch call ducklings. Special care should be taken to ensure that they are sufficiently warm and do not get wet. Once they are well started, call ducks are typically quite hardy. When they are old enough to take a short dip in a kiddy pool, always let them swim supervised, they can and will drown if they are left alone and can not get to a place where they are out of the water. Supervise them as you would your children, that's the way we look at it!
