How to Raise Ducks at Home

Ducks are the second most popular poultry species to raise in urban and rural backyards, behind raising chickens but in front of raising geese. Individuals typically raise ducks for their large eggs, though some individuals raise ducks at home for meat or just for fun. Ducks require specialized care due to their nature as waterfowl.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ducklings or adult ducks
• Water trough
• Duck or chicken feed
• Duck coop
• Pasture or yard (optional)

1. Obtain your ducklings (baby ducks). Ducklings can be bought through your local feed store during the spring and summer months. If your local feed store or farm supply store does not sell ducklings, you may purchase ducks from a hatchery such as Murray McMurray Hatchery or Ideal Poultry.

2. Place the ducklings in a brooder until they are fully feathered. A brooder uses an artificial heat lamp to keep the baby ducks warm. Feed the ducklings chick starter feed that is high in protein, and always provide the ducklings with fresh water.

3. Put the ducklings in an outdoor enclosure once they are fully feathered. Depending on your duck breed, this may be at 1-2 months of age. Ducks enjoy fresh grass and pasture, and most duck breeds are capable of supporting themselves on foraging in grass. If you do not have a pasture or yard in which your ducks may wander, place them in a safe enclosure and feed them chicken or duck feed.

4. Collect the duck eggs when they start laying. The age of lay of each duck depends largely on its breed. Individuals interested in raising ducks at home strictly for egg purposes may wish to keep their ducks in a fenced enclosure in order to find the duck eggs easier.

Tips & Warnings

• Always give your ducks fresh water in a water trough or container that allows them to submerge their heads up to their necks.
• Ducks do not need a pond or lake to swim in.
• Be careful when raising ducks with chickens.

Resources

• Read Free Articles About Raising Ducks at Home
• Duck Message Board
• Buy Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks

[justbob325]

on 10/31/2009 I need to know how i know if an egg is fertile. my female is laying and she just walks away from them after laying.

[ayrazzeliasmom]

on 8/30/2009 does anyone know how I can tell how old this baby duck is? she is still "furry" but you can see where her feathers are starting to coming in on her tail.

[w1127]

on 7/26/2009 This is great advice that I could use, thanks! 5*

[jayduve]

on 7/26/2009 Great recommendation, Linda! If anyone wants to buy the book that Linda recommended, you can get it on sale with free shipping from Amazon using this link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158017258X?ie=UTF8&tag=poultryone-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=158017258X

[linda454]

on 7/26/2009 I live in FL & have some pretty wonderful Muscovy's. Two of my females layed & had babies only to have them eaten by an Egret & an alligator! So no babies this year! It was awful. And folks around here complain there's too many ducks! Anyway, katsback,I recently got the book Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks & it's very useful. I don't remember the part about chickens because it did pertain to me, sorry. But check it out,I got my online for around $10.00 (plus s&h) so shop a little. Good luck to you!