Raising Ducks For Meat - What Duck Breeds To Buy?

In the United States, more than twenty million
ducks are raised annually for meat production.
Well, ducks are great animals which do not
require much attention and are inexpensive to
rear. They do not need expensive housing, and
they can come through almost any climate. They
can eat various foods, including small toads and
snails. They even help fertilizing the soil and
getting rid of bugs and weeds. They are also
better than chickens when it comes to health and
lifespan. Ducks do not get easily affected by
avian diseases, and they tend to live longer.
So, there is no reason why people should not
consider raising ducks for meat.

Anyway, those who are veterans in keeping ducks
for meat know that Rouen, Pekin, and Muscovy
ducks are the finest. These are actually three
of the most popular breeds of ducks. They grow
larger than the other breeds. Most of them also
lay fewer eggs to build bigger body frames. The
Pekin, specifically, provides scrumptious white
meat that is good for maintaining a healthy
diet. Its feathers are white, and it grows fast.
It can grow from six to seven pounds in just
seven weeks if it is fed properly. It doesn't
fly, though. So, it does not waste energy on
flying. Hence, it is able to build a larger
frame. However, you must protect it from foxes,
dogs, and other predators.

Another good duck breed is the Rouen. People
raising ducks for meat often refer to it as the
bigger Mallard. These ducks were originally bred
in France. Unlike Pekin ducks, Rouen ducks are
good layers. In fact, they can lay up to one
hundred and fifty duck eggs each year.
Nonetheless, breeders only choose the Rouen
ducks that lay fewer eggs; because these are the
ones that produce better meat. Furthermore,
breeders who are raising ducks for meat keep
Muscovy ducks, as well.

Muscovy ducks are self-sufficient and fuss-free
ducks to have. They do not quack but they make
hissing sounds. They are semi-wild, and they
make great foragers when grown. They also fly
strongly, yet they do not leave home. Unlike the
Pekin ducks, they grow rather slowly.
Nonetheless, Muscovy ducks also provide good
meat.

Certain ducks are more suited for particular
purposes such as providing meat or giving eggs.
Others are more ornamental in nature while there
are self-sufficient breeds that can help
free-range your breeding. Doing a little
research will help familiarize you with the
different breeds that you may want to consider
for yourself.

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

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