How to Keep Wild Ducks
Most wild duck fanciers keep various species of dabbling ducks. These ducks have broad and short bills, which contain tiny rows of plates that allow them to filter edible food from the water. These species of ducks feed on vegetation, such as seeds, grass and aquatic plants, as well as insects. Dabbling ducks upend in the water while searching for food. Wild ducks require a pond or dam and will be most comfortable if offered shrubs in which to shelter. Wild ducks need to have their wings clipped or pinioned, unless they are housed in covered enclosures.
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Things You'll Need
- Pond, at least 6 feet square
- Enclosure around pond
- Shrubs
- Wooden nest boxes or barrels
- Commercial duck food
- Vegetables
- Plastic bowl
- Various insects
Instructions
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1
Dig out a small pond in a suitable area. This pond should be at least 6 square feet for the smaller species, such as wood ducks, and larger for the bigger varieties. Evergreen trees near the pond will provide shade over part of the water, but trees that lose their leaves will make pond maintenance more difficult. Confirm with a horticulturist that the roots of the specific trees will not damage the sides or floor of the pond.
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Erect a fence around the pond. Provide an area where the ducks can rest and roost on land, as they choose.
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3
Plant a number of shrubs near the pond for the ducks to use as shelter.
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4
Secure a number of wooden boxes or barrels between low-lying branches of trees near the pond. Many species of wild ducks prefer to nest off the ground. Nesting boxes should be at least 2 feet deep, and barrels or logs must have a diameter of 9 to12 inches.
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Purchase a commercial pellet mash for domestic ducks. Supplement the commercial diet with vegetables and diced boiled eggs.
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Offer meals in more than one location to prevent competition for the food. Place a percentage of the pellets into a plastic bowl and float this bowl on the pond. Secure the bowl to a peg or tree near the pond.
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Take your young wild ducks to a veterinarian to have their wings clipped.
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Prevent dogs or wild animals from gaining access to your duck enclosure.
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Tips & Warnings
It is against the law to keep migratory wildfowl species that are native to the U.S. or its territories without state and federal permits. Wild duck species that are native to other countries are sometimes bred in captivity in the U.S. and are available for purchase. Ask your local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for advice on the required permits to keep waterfowl native to the U.S.
References
Resources
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