Little yellow peeping Puddles, Biscuit, Sunny, Waddles and Donald arrived at their permanent home recently.  

Eleven-year-old Polson resident Johnny Lapotka received two orders of his baby ducks by mail earlier this month after convincing the Polson City Commission to change the domestic chicken ordinance to include ducks.  

He calls it his first big responsibility and has a temporary home for them in his living room to keep them safe and warm before an outdoor hutch is built. 

Lapotka learned last summer that ducks were not allowed within the city limits and approached the commission with his duck folder in hand to persuade officials that ducks could be good neighbors. Lapotka’s interest in having a pet duck was sparked after learning that his mom, Carol Lynn, had one as a kid.  

He did his research and explained to the commission in June of 2025 that ducks are similar in size and behavior to chickens. He added that they have healthier eggs, make less noise and are more docile than their fellow fowl.  

The previous ordinance banned hogs, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, turkeys, ducks and geese. During a November 2025 meeting, the commission passed an amendment to the ordinance.  

Now that Lapotka has received his Call Ducks, he has drawn up plans for their permanent outdoor home, the Duck Hutch. However, while they are inside, Lapotka gives them playtime and assesses their best qualities.  

Biscuit has already been determined to be the smartest, as he was the first to drink water. Puddles was deemed the fastest, and Donald is the fattest. The fluffy yellow babies will turn pure white as adults and soon be running around outside and splashing in their miniature outdoor swimming pool. 

   At 10 years old, Johnny Lapotka asked the Polson City Commission to include ducks in the chicken ordinance, and almost a year later, he’s finally received his ducks. (Emily Messer/Leader)

 In total, Johnny Lapotka received 2 shipments of Call Ducks, and his next plan is to build a duck hutch for them to have an outdoor home. (Emily Messer/Leader)  Johnny Lapotka holds one of his five ducks. He’s already determined their best traits with some being the fastest, smartest and fattest baby ducks. (Emily Messer/Leader)