Can you keep pet ducks in Ohio?
Ohio's poultry exhibition rule (Ohio Administrative Code 901:1-18-05, effective May 23, 2024) sets disease-testing conditions for turkeys, chickens and gamebirds shown at Ohio fairs and shows: the birds must come from a flock or hatchery enrolled in the National Poultry Improvement Plan, or have a negative pullorum/fowl typhoid test within set time windows, or be tested on arrival by an ODA-approved tester. The rule explicitly exempts waterfowl, along with doves and pigeons, so ducks are not covered by these show-entry testing requirements. The rule does not address keeping ducks at home; local zoning or township rules may still apply, so check with your city or county before getting a flock.
Checked 2026-10-27 · codes.ohio.gov