How to Care for Grown Ducks

Ducks are sociable, lovable creatures that provide companionship as pets and provide eggs as farm animals. Looking after fully grown ducks is a worthwhile task for those with the space and inclination, but for those in colder climates, there are special precautions for caring for ducks in the winter.

Instructions

1. Make a comfortable home for your ducks. Put down a layer of fresh straw, wood chips or dried leaves to make the ducks' pen a little cozier. These biodegradable layers break down easily and with little mess while providing the ducks with a soft sleeping surface.

2. Give your ducks a place to swim. Of course, ducks love the water, and they're likely to be unhappy if they have nowhere to swim. If you don't have a pond near your ducks, use a small wading pool and keep the water fresh and clean.

3. Keep an eye on the ducks' drinking water. They need clean water to drink and wash, so check at least daily to make sure that their water source is fresh.

4. Build a wind breaker for the ducks' shelter. Add a layer of plastic--like you would use to insulate large windows in your home--or a pile of hay bales to provide additional insulation for the ducks and protect them from nasty weather like wind, rain and snow.

5. Clean the ducks' pen regularly. That means clearing any debris from the area, refreshing the flooring material and making any necessary repairs. Keeping the ducks' living space clean and safe makes for healthier, happier ducks.

6. Provide high quality food. Check with your veterinarian to ensure that you're giving your ducks a nutritionally balanced diet to keep them healthy and producing eggs.

7. Watch for any unusual activities or behavioral changes. Keep an eye out for anything that seems odd and check in regularly with your veterinarian.