Cost of adult breeding Calls? |
Our Calls sell for approx $50 - $100 per bird depending on type.
All prices on this web site are inclusive of GST. Payment is to be made by direct credit to our nominated bank account prior to delivery of birds.
Do you ship birds anywhere in Australia? |
We have reliable transport contacts who can deliver adult birds up and down the East Coast. For any great distance, adult birds can be sent by air very successfully. We can provide details of transport options and contacts should you require them.
Do you sell fertile eggs? |
We have had a lot of requests for fertile eggs. When available, we can send fertile eggs in your colour and breed choice by express post only. We ask that you register your interest BEFORE the laying season so we can fill orders promptly with fresh eggs. Posting fragile duck eggs can be tricky and they must be very fresh to improve the chances of hatching. Even with eggs produced by healthy Call stock, generally the hatch rate will only be around 60% (and possibly lower with posted eggs). This is one of the reasons why Calls are reasonably rare along with the fact that a Call hen at her most productive may only lay 30 eggs per year. To some degree, also, the smaller the bird, the more difficult they are to hatch out successfully.
The Call Duck eggs will be mixed dozens excluding white. White Call Duck eggs will be offered in limited numbers. Initial eggs from these pens will be fertility tested. All eggs are collected, stored, turned and posted (Tuesdays only) with great care and attention. Eggs will not be posted without prior payment by direct credit to our nominated bank account and no guarantee can be offered re hatch rates of any fertile chicken or duck eggs posted.
Standard Laced Wyandotte eggs are $100 per dozen, Standard Orpington eggs are $85 per dozen and Call Duck eggs are $120 per dozen. These prices include express postage Australia wide. Mixed dozens are available if enough prior notice is received.
Are Call Ducks noisy? |
The female Call has a loud "quack"
The Calls originally were named Dutch Decoys. Many years ago, some of these small, loud ducks were discovered in Holland. British duck hunters were quick to import them as these light weight birds were easier to carry in their crates through the marshes to their hunting grounds. The females' call effectively attracted large flocks of native ducks . Hence the name "Call".
The female Call still has a loud voice, however, unless she is alarmed or in want of something, generally she is a very quiet little pet in the garden. Sometimes those keeping Calls in suburban situations prefer to keep a "bachelor pen" which are very ornamental yet don't bother the neighbours. Calls in larger groups also seem more settled than a few in the backyard.
In our opinion, the sound of a passing car or barking dog would have to be far more unpleasant!
Do you pinion the Calls' wings? |
No!
We trim one wing after each moult. This prevents them flying over the garden fence. They are good flyers but are generally not inclined to wander far from home. Simply trim the outer section of about eight flight feathers - but only on one side to unbalance them.