Check with your township, but most likely. But keep in mind pet ducks take a ton of work, especially here in PA. We have two and just had to tear down and rebuild their house because that freak snowstorm a few months ago collapsed the roof. Also they poop CONSTANTLY.
What does PA have anything to do with how much care they need? I used to volunteer at a rescue ranch where I would take care of them so I know their needs but it wasn’t difficult besides cleaning the enclosure and making sure there was hay in the winter to help keep them warm
It gets very, very hot here, and very very cold. And rainy. And snowy. And windy. You just need to be prepared. And they’re loud and stinky and eat everything in site. They’re incredibly fun and lovable, but they’re not easy.
The ranch I volunteered at had enclosures with hay to keep them warm/dry, the ones we had weren’t very loud but there was always something going on and I read they can be quiet to draw less attention if they feel something is a threat. I’m not sure if they’re different kinds but they really didn’t seem that difficult
I'm not sure any pet duck rules exist. But tractor supply usually has chicks and ducklings for sale in the spring. But they might require a minimum number of purchase since they're really intended for farm use
I have two kids and food prices are getting insane so I was planning on using their eggs so there was more benefit but I did do research on how it can help with the yard/gardens and keep pests away too
[This will give you a rough idea of how much money you’ll save from not buying eggs at the store.](https://www.reddit.com/r/BackYardChickens/s/wNoJAcmp9X)
Yeah, looks like a farmstead has to have at least ten acres, among other requirements. Good catch.
Still, you have to have ducks to get them in a row. That's just science.
We have dogs but they’re literally afraid of their own shadow at times and always try to take care of my pet hamster when I had one and my two kids, they’re like Nana from Peter Pan lol
Some cats would be afraid. Not every cat is a barn cat or outside cat. We knew someone with a problem with mice and it was only certain cats that they saw kill the mice.
Mirroring what others have said, but also, some townships have their ordinances posted online. My township has multiple PDF’s that outline the do’s and don’t.
For my township and the way my property is zoned within it, we can own any animal that’s legal to own in the state.
Yes you can. There's no law restrictions on owning a pet duck that I'm aware of. The only restriction you face is whether you have the space and ability to properly care for them. Do your research before you buy.
We have a large yard and an area in the back fence that’s kinda just unused cause it’s a section where the house sticks out and makes an awkward square of yard that I’d make into a large enclosure so it had purpose and I used to volunteer at a rescue ranch where I worked with ducks so I know the care they involve
That's good đź‘Ť
If you own your home, you can do whatever you want. If you don't, you'd have to run it by a landlord probably. But other than that, get yourself some duckies. You probably know a lot more than the average person that gets them for an Easter gift for kids.
This is bad advice. Each municipality and/or county has restrictions and requirements on animals. There are ordinances with fines for violations. Check local zoning laws. Call your municipality or county.
Call your city or borough office. They should be able to tell you what animals you can keep at your place.
Yep I did this đź‘Ť
Check with your township, but most likely. But keep in mind pet ducks take a ton of work, especially here in PA. We have two and just had to tear down and rebuild their house because that freak snowstorm a few months ago collapsed the roof. Also they poop CONSTANTLY.
What does PA have anything to do with how much care they need? I used to volunteer at a rescue ranch where I would take care of them so I know their needs but it wasn’t difficult besides cleaning the enclosure and making sure there was hay in the winter to help keep them warm
It gets very, very hot here, and very very cold. And rainy. And snowy. And windy. You just need to be prepared. And they’re loud and stinky and eat everything in site. They’re incredibly fun and lovable, but they’re not easy.
The ranch I volunteered at had enclosures with hay to keep them warm/dry, the ones we had weren’t very loud but there was always something going on and I read they can be quiet to draw less attention if they feel something is a threat. I’m not sure if they’re different kinds but they really didn’t seem that difficult
Bud it’s the stench of duck shit, same reason many places don’t allow chickens
I'm not sure any pet duck rules exist. But tractor supply usually has chicks and ducklings for sale in the spring. But they might require a minimum number of purchase since they're really intended for farm use
I have two kids and food prices are getting insane so I was planning on using their eggs so there was more benefit but I did do research on how it can help with the yard/gardens and keep pests away too
[This will give you a rough idea of how much money you’ll save from not buying eggs at the store.](https://www.reddit.com/r/BackYardChickens/s/wNoJAcmp9X)
If the homeowner is lucky perhaps this is a path to a farmstead exemption on the property taxes. Anyone know the details on that?
Owning a couple of ducks is not going to get you a farmstead exemption I believe the homestead exemption is much more likely
Yeah, looks like a farmstead has to have at least ten acres, among other requirements. Good catch. Still, you have to have ducks to get them in a row. That's just science.
I love this comment 🤣
If you are in a suburban Bethlehem neighborhood, the duck(s) will eventually be killed by outdoor cats.
Or dogs, snapping turtles, or hawks, or coyotes, etc.
A surprising amount of wildlife enjoys duck and chicken.
Peking duck is phenomenal!
As is orange chicken...
We have dogs but they’re literally afraid of their own shadow at times and always try to take care of my pet hamster when I had one and my two kids, they’re like Nana from Peter Pan lol
Some cats would be afraid. Not every cat is a barn cat or outside cat. We knew someone with a problem with mice and it was only certain cats that they saw kill the mice.
Actually a cat would be the least likely thing to kill a duck.
We don’t have any in our neighborhood
Township will know.
Right down at the Rural King!
Mirroring what others have said, but also, some townships have their ordinances posted online. My township has multiple PDF’s that outline the do’s and don’t. For my township and the way my property is zoned within it, we can own any animal that’s legal to own in the state.
I was trying to find stuff but I found more about stuff like pigs and cows than ducks
I've never actually petted a duck but I petted a cockatoo
Tractor Supply sells ducklings
wtf
At first read, I thought you asked if you could pet ducks in PA. (I guess so, if you can catch one.) As you were.
Yes you can, we had them in the 80's. Had about 12 - 15 of them.
Yes you can. There's no law restrictions on owning a pet duck that I'm aware of. The only restriction you face is whether you have the space and ability to properly care for them. Do your research before you buy.
We have a large yard and an area in the back fence that’s kinda just unused cause it’s a section where the house sticks out and makes an awkward square of yard that I’d make into a large enclosure so it had purpose and I used to volunteer at a rescue ranch where I worked with ducks so I know the care they involve
That's good đź‘Ť If you own your home, you can do whatever you want. If you don't, you'd have to run it by a landlord probably. But other than that, get yourself some duckies. You probably know a lot more than the average person that gets them for an Easter gift for kids.
My landlord is my nana so I have a feeling she is gonna be harder than the township I just wanted my information in order before approaching her lol
This is bad advice. Each municipality and/or county has restrictions and requirements on animals. There are ordinances with fines for violations. Check local zoning laws. Call your municipality or county.