So you’re thinking about raising ducks. They’re adorable, right? But before you jump in, you need to know the truth: there are plenty of reasons not to raise ducks.
My story started when my daughter came home with orphaned ducklings. Their mama had been hit by a car, and she begged, “Can I keep them?”
That one decision started my duck-keeping journey. I’ve loved it—but I’ve also learned the hard way that ducks are not for everyone.
Here are some of the biggest cons of raising ducks you’ll want to think about before bringing home a flock.
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Before You Buy That Duckling…
Ducklings are irresistibly cute. But don’t let that be the reason you bring one home.
One of the top reasons not to raise ducks is getting them on impulse because they look sweet in the feed store. Raising ducklings takes time, money, and commitment—far more than most people realize.
1. Ducklings Grow Up Fast
Falling for a fuzzy baby duck is easy, but within six weeks that tiny ball of fluff will be a nearly full-sized adult. The question isn’t whether you want a duckling—it’s whether you want a duck. That difference is one of the overlooked downsides of keeping ducks.
Related>> How Long Do Ducks Live? How To Extend Their Life.
2. Ducks Are A Long-Term Commitment
A duck can live 10–20 years. They’ll lay eggs for maybe 5–7 of those years. After that, you’ll either keep them as pets or process them for meat. The lifespan is one of the major disadvantages of raising ducks, especially if you aren’t prepared for the long haul.
Related>> Raising Ducks 101 – How To Take Care Of Baby Ducklings
Also See>> How Long Do Ducks Live? How To Extend Their Life.
3. Daily Care Never Stops
Ducks need attention seven days a week. I get up early every morning, weekends included, to take care of mine. Vacations become tricky, and sleep-ins are rare.
For busy people, the constant responsibility is one of the clearest reasons not to raise ducks.
4. Ducks Don’t Lay Cheap Eggs
If you think duck eggs will save money, think again. Feed, bedding, housing, waterers, fencing, and occasional vet bills all add up.
The “cheap food” myth is one of the biggest problems with backyard ducks—those eggs usually cost more than store-bought.
Related Post>> Do Ducks Need a Pond?
5. Local Rules Might Not Allow Ducks
Not every neighborhood allows poultry. Deed restrictions, zoning laws, and HOAs often forbid them.
Even if it’s legal, being a good neighbor matters. Conflict with neighbors is one of those downsides of keeping ducks you don’t want to overlook.
6. Ducks Attract Flies
Any animal attracts flies, but ducks—with their wet habits and messy poop—bring more than their share. You can minimize it with good coop management, but you’ll never eliminate it completely. If flies gross you out, that’s a strong reason not to raise ducks.
Related>> How To Get Rid Of Flies In Your Chicken Coop, Naturally!
7. Ducks Need More Space Than You Think
Each duck requires at least 10 square feet of outdoor space, and honestly, more is better. Crowded ducks fight, soil their bedding faster, and get stressed. Limited space is one of the disadvantages of raising ducks that many beginners don’t plan for.
8. Feed Storage Is Tricky
Duck feed attracts rodents, and not just a few. Mice and rats will chew through plastic bins, sheds, and anything else between them and the grain. Keeping food secure, dry, and clean is one of the ongoing problems with backyard ducks.
Related>> Fast Ways To Get Rid Of Mice And Rats In Your Coop.
Related>> What To Feed Ducklings.
9. Ducks Aren’t Cheap Pets
That $5 duckling is just the beginning. Housing, fencing, bedding, feeders, pools, and ongoing feed quickly add up. If money is tight, this is one of the most practical reasons not to raise ducks—they’re far from budget-friendly pets.
10. Ducks Are Messy and Smelly
Let’s be honest: if you don’t spend a lot of time cleaning their coop, ducks can stink. They splash, poop everywhere (including in their water), and create mud holes in your yard.
If you want a neat, clean backyard, the mess alone is one of the most convincing cons of raising ducks.
And they need regular maintenance to keep their coop from stinking.
Related>> 30 Gift Ideas For Duck Lovers
Should You Raise Ducks?
There you have it—10 honest reasons not to raise ducks. These are the real-life downsides of keeping ducks that every potential owner needs to know, because I don’t want anyone going into raising ducks without knowing the facts.
But here’s the twist: I’ve faced every one of these challenges, and I still love my ducks. They’ve brought joy, laughter, and life to our homestead. For me, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages of raising ducks.
My life wouldn’t be complete without them.
So if you’ve read this list and still want them—you might just be ready.
👉 Next read>> 10 Best Reasons to Raise Ducks!
Related>> Is Raising Ducks Right For You? Take The Quiz.
Related>> 10 Necessities To A Perfect Duck House.
More You May Enjoy
The Simple Start Raising Ducks System.
Setting Up A Brooder Box For Baby Ducks.
A Well Designed Duck Coop To Make Your Life Easier.
Duck Eggs vs. Chicken Eggs, Why Duck Eggs Are Better.
Raising Ducks 101 – How To Take Care Of Baby Ducklings.
How To Get Clean Water For My Ducks.
Happy Backyard Homesteading!
I believe everyone can grow at least part of their own food! Let me show you how.
Mary is a gardener, backyard homesteader, and duck wrangler. She is also the owner and writer of LifeIsJustDucky.com and AGoodWordADay.com. (for daily devotions) Mary is passionate about helping others expand their backyard homesteading skills and learn to be more self-sufficient, no matter where they live.
Ducks actually don’t have odors, the only odors they have are from their feces, which is a normal part of life, everyone and everything can stink, that’s how it works. Not only that, you NEED two or more ducks, else it’ll be depressed because of their natural flocking instinct, and chickens or other animals won’t cut it!
You are right that a duck itself doesn’t stink, but they poop a lot, and that does stink. That’s why I like the deep litter method of bedding. That helps tremendously keep the odor down.
So I’ve had ducks in the city I had up to 8 had a big yard
Had to move gave them up sadly
Moved to a home small back yard clean it up got 3 ducks I kept it clean lavender plants for flies
I try to do all the right things
I had rat service
Rats were there before me
First group sadly killed I think a visiting dog
I got 3 hens
Neighbors told me they didn’t like me or the ducks or the pups
I said would you like some eggs
I ended up giving them to a woman who had a duck house in the country
Now update
I’m in the country
I have a coop
I have a bunny barn
A lady has to or wants to rehome 5 ducks I love to take them but
I’m on the fence
I already get up early for my animals
And spend a hour when I’m home from work .
3 chickens are messy too
With poop
Not sure if my duck fun has passed .
I’m sorry you had problems. It can be a real challenge in the city/burbs. There is no shame in not raising ducks and chickens if you don’t want to. For everything there is a season.
This is kinda true, I have a duckling right now but is already a little big. It poops EVERYWHERE ALL THE TIME. But doesn’t stink, I keep it inside my house which is worse. It’s a pekin duck and it’s name is olive. SO far I like it but it makes a lot of noise, poops a lot, isn’t fun like a dog, is messy, and annoys my dog a lot because it follows him but my dog doesn’t harm it. I don’t really recommend it unless you just want a cool pet.
If you are going to keep it inside it needs a diaper. I love my ducks, but think they belong outside.
i’m 14 and wanting a duck, i love to sleep (sleep loss is one of the things on the list), where would i put my baby duck? in my room? in my garage?, what’s the best advice i need to hear, what kind of cage do i use? etc, please help!!
There are some people who keep a pet duck in the house, but I don’t recommend it. They can be noisy (wake you up), messy (do you like to change diapers?), and need a lot of attention.
I would recommend that you keep more than one duck, (ducks like company) and keep it outside in a small coop with an attached run. You will be taking care of it every day and visiting as much as you want, but it will not be lonely while you are not there to pay attention to it. Here is a list of things you will want to think about when you design your duck house. https://www.lifeisjustducky.com/10-necessities-to-a-perfect-duck-house/.
Let me know if you have other questions.
Good luck with your ducks.
Especially stinky!!! So much more so than chickens! Love the new logo!
Actually they are probably about the same. The key is the space they have to run in. The more space the less smell. What wonderful personalities though. Worth all the work.
Thanks for noticing the new logo. Glad you like it.