How to Raise Ducklings as Pets
Raising ducklings as pets is an enjoyable hobby, partly because they are incredibly cute when they line up behind their mothers. But before you begin, first check your local and state laws. For instance, the laws in Illinois make it illegal to raise live chicks and ducklings as pets. If it is legal to raise ducklings in your state, a proper habitat and a supply of food are needed to keep the ducklings healthy and safe. They may enjoy access to a pond, but this increases the exposure to predators.
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Things You'll Need
- Wood stakes
- Hammer
- Thin wire mesh
- Heavy staples or U-nails
- Wooden flower container
- Small rocks
- Duckling pellets, 1/8 inch
- Plastic bucket
Instructions
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Make a living area by placing wood stakes around the yard in a rectangular shape. Ducklings each require one square foot of space. Drive the wood stakes in the ground using a hammer, then wrap the thin wire mesh around the stakes. Affix the mesh to the wood with heavy staples or U-nails.
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2
Place the wooden flower container, to be used as a feeder, at a 20-degree angle from the ground. Position small rocks under the feeder to hold it up. The front of the feeder should match the height of the duck's back. Seal the feeder at night to prevent ducklings from choking.
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3
Feed ducklings pellets eighth-inch in diameter for the first two weeks. After two weeks, larger pellets can be used if desired.
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4
Place a plastic bucket into the duck's living area. The plastic bucket should have sides no taller than two inches. Pour water into the bucket by hand three times a day to make sure the ducks have a steady supply of water.
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Clean the water bucket three times a week. Remove the bucket from the pen and pour the dirty water out in a different location. Wash the silt off the bottom and replace the bucket into the pen. Fill the bucket with clean water.
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Take the ducklings to the pond or open water source once a day. Wetting the feathers is not only a good bath, but also helps the ducks develop oil on their feathers.
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Tips & Warnings
Place a cover over the living area if you see natural predators.
References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
