How to Raise a Duckling

Having a duck as a pet is far more interesting than one of the more traditional animals. But ducklings do require specialized care. For instance, feeding your new duckling the wrong things could disfigure or even kill him. And, failing to provide a safe environment also puts his life and health at risk. However, with the right instruction, most people can successfully raise a duckling as a pet.

Things You'll Need

• Heat lamp
• Cage or playpen
• Water dish
• Game bird feed
• Fresh greens
• Children's pool
• Terracotta planters

Instructions

1. Keep your duckling inside for the first four to five weeks of its life. It can be kept in a cage or playpen, provided the mesh is strong enough not to get pecked. Provide an artificial heat source, such as a heat lamp, if you do not have the mother duck. Clean duck droppings from the enclosure daily.

2. Move your duckling outdoors after five weeks if the weather is warm. Provide it with a shelter from the elements, such as a lean-to or a small dog house.

3. Provide your duck with plenty of fresh water. They are messy drinkers, so clean the water dish daily. Always provide water at meal times, as ducklings need it to wash down their food and can choke without a water source.

4. Feed ducklings prepared feed that has 20 to 22 percent protein for the first five weeks. Game bird starter feed works well for young ducklings. Change the feed to one with 16 percent protein after that time. Game bird grower feed works well for older ducklings.

5. Provide your ducklings with fresh chopped vegetable greens, such as mixed greens or weeds out of your garden, after they have reached five weeks of age.

6. Prepare a water source for your ducklings to swim in after they are four weeks old. A small children's pool works well. Place terracotta planters upside down in the water source to provide a place for the ducklings to rest while swimming.

7. Handle your duckling regularly to get it used to human contact. This will make the adult duck a far more pleasant pet.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the ducklings can move far enough away from the heat source to cool off if they get too hot.

• Ducklings enjoy live insects as occasional treats.

• Do not feed your ducklings bread, popcorn, or other "treats." These provide no nutrients for your ducks and can be a choking hazard. Provide the duckling with a ramp to get in and out of the pool.

• Never feed ducklings chick starter. It will cause deformities.