Raising Ducks - 3 Important Tips To Raise Ducks Like An Experienced Owner

Duck eggs are rich and are found to contain more
vitamins, calcium and iron than chicken eggs.
Every year, more than 20 million ducks are being
raised in the United States alone, be it for
fresh duck eggs or duck meat. 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
learning how to raise 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.

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Are you looking for other important tips on
raising ducks? If you think you still require
guidance on where to start, consulting existing
duck owners and farmers will certainly be a big
help. If you would like to learn more about
rearing ducks correctly, click here:
http://www.howtoraiseducks.com

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