Most animal lovers find ducks to be entertaining and loving creatures.
But, many still aren’t aware that ducks can do much more than just quack.
So, if you recently heard some purring come from a duck and found it unbelievable, know that ducks can and do purr.
In this article, you will learn of the various sounds ducks make and how you, as a pet parent, can be sure that your feathered friend is happy.
What Sounds Does A Duck Make?
Now, for those who think that ducks are simple-minded animals, you will be glad to learn that your pet is a very intelligent being.
Ducks make many different kinds of noises, and most have separate meanings.
Quacking
All ducks quack.
If you’ve seen a duck, cared for a duck as a pet, or even seen a cartoon or movie with a duck in it, you must have heard it quack.
Also, ducks love to quack as often and as loudly as possible.
In general, avian experts claim quacking is communication between ducks.
In most instances, ducks quack to alert others of imminent danger or to let others know their whereabouts.
But female ducks quack before laying eggs to claim nesting territory too.
Purring
Ducks only tend to purr when it feels completely safe and happy.
Usually, duck pet parents state that their ducks start to purr when they pet their ducks.
Your duck may continue to purr to encourage you to continue purring.
Honking
In most cases, female ducks are the only ones who honk.
When a female duck honks, it implies that she has found a mate and is ready to build a nest with it.
Groaning
As you can imagine, when a duck groans, it indicates it is stressed, frustrated, or in pain.
Sometimes, angry ducks also revert to groaning.
Whistling And Grunting
Male ducks whistle or grunt when they come across a female duck that has captured their interest.
However, you will also witness the behavior of whistling and grunting from a large group of ducks.
It is quite a strange sight to behold.
Growling
A growling duck is either famished or is feeling threatened.
In such circumstances, it is best to offer your pet duck a tasty treat as a peace offering and allow your duck to calm down before trying to pet it.
Barking
Ducks can sometimes bark too.
There is a possibility that your duck might have something stuck in its throat.
You can try giving your pet some water.
In other cases, ducks can bark when they are highly riled.
Ducks don’t shy away from attacking the offenders, so if you have a duck barking non-stop, you ought to place some water before it and get some distance between you.
Can Ducklings Purr?
Yes, ducklings purr.
These cute little fur balls make soft, shrill sounds when threatened.
When they feel secure and content in their environment, they will happily purr when you pet them.
How Can You Tell If A Duck Is Happy?
Many duck behaviors are a clear indication of a happy duck.
Let’s look at a few of these examples:
- Head Bobbing – Ducks often bob their heads up and down when excited about receiving a yummy snack.
- Tail Wagging – When you see a happy duck, you will see its head bobbing. But you will also see it wagging its tail furiously, much like a dog. And you can be sure that your duck is happy.
- Bubble Blowing – Ducks tend to lower their heads halfway into the water and breathe through their noses, causing bubbles to blow.
- Loud Incessant Quacking – Duck quack loudly to alert others of danger. But ducks quacking loudly with their heads bobbing and tails wagging is an evident sign of a delighted duck.
How Do Ducks Show Affection?
Ducks make lovely pets as these animals are considered very expressive by nature.
So, when your ducks want to show you affection, they’ll make strange sounds, behave in a certain way and exhibit obvious gestures of playfulness.
Also, depending on the breed of ducks you adopt, your duck’s level of connection with you and how much it expresses itself will vary.
Furthermore, ducks practice imprinting.
If a duck imprints on its human, it will bond much more.
It will also show more love.
But, it is usually ducklings who imprint on their humans.
Adult ducks don’t commonly imprint on their humans.
But a happy duck will project definite hints of attachment.
Let’s look at some behaviors that ducks adopt when showing love.
Cuddling
Ducks that are comfortable with their humans don’t hesitate to climb into their humans’ laps.
They even snuggle deep and take naps on their human’s lap.
Sleeping
Sleeping is a state of vulnerability.
A duck will only sleep in the presence of a human with which it completely trusts and has bonded.
So, if your duck snuggles up close to you and catches a few zzz, your duck is telling you it loves you.
Playing
Ducks are fond of play.
It is the consensus that ducks seem attracted to shiny or colorful objects.
Therefore, when you find your duck bringing you a shiny object, your duck might be trying to include you in its playtime.
That is a classic show of affection.
Vocalizations
When they are happy or excited, most ducks use one particular vocalization, known as honking.
Once again, honking is an indication of attachment.
Many duck keepers vouch that when their ducks receive a favored treat or see their human after a long time, they revert to honking.
Gnawing/Nibbling At Fingers
Many avian experts claim that ducks that are accustomed to being hand-fed will sometimes resort to nibbling at the fingers of their owners.
It is not an attempt to bite your fingers off or an overstepping of a hungry bird.
Instead, it is a way to show you love.
Before I wrap up, here’s some articles about ducks which may interest you
Why do ducks stand on one leg?
How to stop a duck from quacking?
Wrapping Up
Ducks are incredibly affectionate animals and make great pets.
People looking to have loyal yet caring animals as pets ought to consider keeping ducks.
Many people, however, fail to recognize their duck’s show affection.
So, if you find your duck purring at you, sleeping in your lap, or bobbing its head and vigorously wagging its tails, you ought to know without a doubt that your bird has bonded with you.
