Every year, more than twenty million ducks are being raised in the United States alone, be it for fresh duck eggs or duck meat. Duck eggs are rich and are found to contain more vitamins, calcium and iron than chicken eggs. Meanwhile, some get involved in raising ducks for fun, these fine-feathered friends being naturally adorable creatures.
Raising ducks can be fun and easy. Here are a 4 easy tips to fast track your learning:
1. The first thing to consider is the reason for raising ducks. Is it for the duck eggs and meat? Is it for raising pretty ducks for show? Once the purpose for raising ducks is known, you may then select the best appropriate breed. For example, the Peking Duck is best for eggs and meat. On the other hand, if your plan is to showcase your ducks in poultry shows, then the Call Duck is a good choice. Another breed which is good for egg-laying is the Khaki Campbell Duck.
2. Next, set up a duckling brooder. A large cardboard box can be used, with 3 to 4 inches of dry absorbent litter. Normally used for this purpose are peat moss and dry wood shavings. To keep the ducklings warm, you may use a 250 watt brooder lamp or a commercial brooder heater. This should be adequate enough for about 25 ducklings. During the warmer months of June and July, the ducklings will spend a shorter time in the brooder.
3. Be sure to install duck feeders and waterers. Ducks do not have teeth so they need the water to wash down what they eat. Please make sure though that they cannot fall into the waterer. The litter must also be kept dry to avoid mold which can lead to disease. With regards to feeding, they need non-medicated starter mash, crumbles or pellets, to be supplemented with vegetable greens, worms, snails, or insects. Foods to be avoided are breads, chocolates, and nuts. Please consult your veterinarian regarding the level of protein needed by your ducks because it varies from age to age.
Most ducks are social animals and like to be played with and petted. These make them ideal as pets. Then, they normally lay eggs around the sixth month, one egg a day, usually in the morning. Considering their average life span is about twelve years, think of all the eggs produced in that period! Raising ducks can therefore be both enjoyable and profitable. You get both fresh eggs, and a pet to play with. Hopefully, you will forget all about the duck meat.
