Several birds can be kept as pets, but very few can’t fly. From our research, ducks and chickens are the best birds to keep as pets if you don’t want them to fly away. While these birds are usually kept for eggs or meat, they make remarkable pets. Many of the ducks and chickens discussed below are sweet and gentle and love being around people.
The 8 Pet Birds That Don’t Fly
1. Pekin Ducks
| Weight: | 7 to 9 pounds |
| Temperament: | Friendly, noisy |
| Lifespan: | 8 to 12 years |
Pekin Ducks weigh 7 to 9 pounds, grow to be around 20 inches tall, and have a lifespan of between 8 and 12 years, making them an excellent option for a pet. Pekin Ducks are docile and friendly and can lay 150 to 200 large white eggs a year to put on your breakfast table.
They have strong wings and hollow bones capable of flight, but their weight keeps them from getting off the ground. They are also called White Pekins, American Pekins, and Long Island Ducks. Instead of trying to fly, Pekin ducks are perfectly content to shuffle around in the backyard, swim in a pond, or splash in puddles, making them the perfect ducks to add to a backyard flock. They also like to make noise, so ensure you’re prepared.
2. Indian Runner Ducks
| Weight: | 3.5 to 5 pounds |
| Temperament: | Energetic |
| Lifespan: | 8 to 12 years |
Indian Runner Ducks can run very fast, but they can’t fly. They have a unique, erect posture, much like a penguin, that keeps it from being able to take flight. Although they can’t fly, their speed can become an issue if they don’t have enough room to run.
They are very quiet but, if startled, can jump a fence in fright, so make sure your fence is high enough to keep them in. Indian Runners are available in several colors, including brown and white, and are great for egg production. A hen can lay between 300 and 350 eggs a year.
Indian runners are happy scampering around and playing in the water for hours and make great pets. They grow 20 to 30 inches tall, weigh between 3.5 and 5 pounds, and live for 8 to 12 years.
3. Cayuga Ducks
| Weight: | 7 to 8 pounds |
| Temperament: | Calm |
| Lifespan: | 8 to 12 years |
Cayuga Ducks weigh between 7 and 8 pounds and, if properly cared for, live for 8 to 12 years. This lazy, calm bird doesn’t want to stray from the property, even if it could fly to do so. However, younger females might attempt to take flight if their environment is unsettling.
Once the birds are fully grown, they are too heavy to fly. They make excellent pets and are gorgeous with their black feathers and emerald-green sheen. Although they’re primarily raised for meat and eggs, they still make great pets. They can lay 100 to 150 eggs per year.
4. Rouen Ducks
| Weight: | 6 to 8 pounds |
| Temperament: | Calm and easy to tame |
| Lifespan: | 8 to 12 years |
Rouen Ducks weigh between 6 and 8 pounds, making them too heavy to fly, and they live 8 to 12 years. They are raised for show and meat but are docile and easy to tame, meaning they also make great pets. They have gorgeous plumage and come in a few shades of brown, with gray feet and bills.
The Rouen isn’t the best duck for egg production as it only lays between 140 to 180 eggs annually. It is often kept as a backyard bird and is good with kids. You don’t have to worry about the breed trying to run away or fly away, either.
5. Orpington Chickens
| Weight: | 8 to 10 pounds |
| Temperament: | Calm |
| Lifespan: | 5 to 10 years |
Orpington Chickens weigh 8 to 10 pounds at full growth and live for between 5 and 10 years. They are an incredibly docile and gentle breed that won’t be trying to escape over the fence. The Orpington is easy to care for, gets along well with children, and works great for first-time chicken owners.
From blue to brown, there are many colors to choose from when purchasing these chickens as pets. The type of Orpington Chicken you keep will determine how many eggs you get each year.
6. Silkie Chickens
| Weight: | 3 to 4 pounds |
| Temperament: | Docile |
| Lifespan: | 7 to 9 years |
Silkie chickens weigh 3 to 4 pounds, meaning they aren’t very heavy, but their tiny wings make it impossible to fly. They live 7 to 9 years on average but can live longer with the proper care. This docile, gentle, kid-friendly breed loves to be around people.
Silkies are available in white, black, partridge, buff, blue, splash, and gray colors. They lay small, cream-colored eggs but only produce an average egg yield of 100 eggs a year. They are also beginner-friendly and easy to care for.
If you’re looking for a pet chicken that can’t fly, is adorably tiny, and is family-friendly, you’ve found your pet with the Silkie chicken.
7. Plymouth Rock Chickens
| Weight: | 3 to 7.5 pounds |
| Temperament: | Docile |
| Lifespan: | 6 to 8 years |
One of the oldest breeds of chicken is the Plymouth Rock Chicken. It weighs 3 to 7.5 pounds, lives for 6 to 8 years, and is friendly, docile, and gentle. It can lay 200+ large eggs a year, and you can expect plenty of eggs on the table during the summer and winter. The Plymouth Rock is a gentle, sweet bird that gets along well with humans and other animals.
They can’t fly, so you don’t have to worry about them escaping your yard, and they love to be picked up, petted, and pampered. It’s important to note that they need quite a bit of tender loving care from their owners, so you can’t just drop them in the backyard and forget them. They become attached and demand attention if you’re not giving them the attention they think they need.
8. Australorp Chickens
| Weight: | 5 to 8 pounds |
| Temperament: | Docile |
| Lifespan: | 6 to 10 years |
Australorp Chickens are docile and can live between six and 10 years if cared for properly. They weigh 5 to 8 pounds when fully grown and make a great addition to any backyard. They produce large brown eggs, with an annual egg production of around 260, so you should have enough eggs all year. Since they are a heavier breed, they struggle to fly. Australorps are available in black, blue, and white colors.
It is a family-friendly breed that loves children and is comfortable with other pets. The bird has often been classified as dignified, lovable, and a delight to have around, so what could be better than that?
Summary
If you’re looking for a pet bird that doesn’t fly or is too heavy to fly, the ducks and chickens we’ve discussed could be the perfect choice for you. If you’re considering purchasing ducks or chickens for pets, remember that they take a lot of work, and many of the birds on our list need extra attention from their pet owners.
While keeping a duck or a chicken as a pet may seem odd to some, you’d be surprised how many people do it. Keeping a duck or chicken is ideal if you want a loyal pet and enjoy eating fresh eggs. Besides, they are adorable, colorful, and sweet.
Featured Image Credit: furbymama, Pixabay
