Ducks Breeding

Some people prefer to raise ducks of all kinds in their homes, although they know that this task is not an easy task, but in their view, raising ducks is an enjoyable experience that is worth the effort that is being made for it, and the project can start by buying eggs from pet selling places and incubating them using the incubator, or buying Chicks, adult ducks can also be bought.

Breeding ducklings

When choosing to start raising ducklings, it is preferable to start with a small number ranging between 2-4 chicks, and the following are the steps that must be followed to take care of the chicks after purchasing them:

Dip the duck’s beaks in a little water mixed with sugar (80 ml of sugar per 4 liters of water) to moisten them. The water should be at room temperature.
Provide a plastic basin containing warm water with a depth of no more than 6.35 mm to protect the chicks from drowning while swimming, taking into account the observation of chicks less than a month old while they are in the water, and that their presence in the water does not exceed 5 minutes each time, and then dry them after taking them out from the pelvis; Because the oil that protects its feathers is not produced before the chicks reach their first month, and after the first month, the chicks can be left in the water for at least an hour before and after eating; Because water makes it easier for ducks to swallow food and clean the beak openings.
Provide a cardboard box inside a plastic basin as an incubator for the chicks, put a water dish on one side, and put layers of newspapers under it to absorb the water that may fall from the dish, and so that the chicks can distinguish between what is eaten and what is not eaten, the basin can be lined with sawdust.
After the completion of the growth of its feathers, the ducks are transferred to an external shelter or a barn, provided that the shelter is protected from predators, and is wide enough to be able to spread its wings after it reaches puberty, which is between 7-9 weeks.
Provide the duck barn with a plastic basin filled with clean water so that they can swim, and brush the area around the basin with pebbles to reduce the formation of mud, while changing the pebbles once or twice every year.

Breeding adult ducks

Care and preservation of large ducks can be provided by following these steps:

It is preferable when raising adult ducks at the beginning to have a pair or two ducks available

It is indicated that when the number of ducks exceeds more than 4 ducks, they should not be placed within a small area.

Water supply

As adult ducks consume a lot of water in order to be able to swallow their food and clean their beak openings, water can be placed in plastic basins that are easy to clean and transport, in order to enable the ducks to swim, taking into account the placement of pebbles and sawdust around them and cleaning them constantly.

Ducks are fed by feeding them balanced fodder

With the aim of enabling her to obtain a balanced and healthy diet; It is recommended to use commercial feed for waterfowl, but in the absence of it, regular bird feed or untreated chicken feed can be used, in addition to the use of nutritional supplements such as calcium that contribute to digestion and strengthening bones.

Preparing a suitable home for the ducks

So that it protects it from any threat and constitutes a quiet and comfortable place for ducks, and it must be with good ventilation and a large area, and a guard dog can be provided in order to protect it from any danger.

Securing a protective fence around the ducks’ nesting area

So that the height of this fence is between 61-76 cm, and in the event that the ducks are of the flying breed, then their primary feathers must be clipped on one of their wings once a year.

Providing health care

Ensure that the ducks’ health needs are taken into account, and that signs of disease are noted, including the presence of ruffled feathers, a difference in their intake of food and water than usual, lethargy, and diarrhea, which requires immediate treatment.

Feeding the ducks

Ducklings need clean drinking water constantly, and care must be taken to change the water and clean the bowl daily. As for feeding them, do not eat the ducklings for the first 24 hours of the egg hatching ; Because it absorbs nutrients from the egg from which it was hatched, after that it can be fed granules for ducklings that are sold in stores, and a little water can be added to the granules to make them easier when swallowing, and a little sugar can be added to the water to get proper nutrition and gain some energy.

It is recommended to feed weak ducklings mashed duck egg yolks to become more powerful and start eating the food designated for them, and after 10 days the ducklings are ready to eat the larger food granules, and when the chicks reach the sixteenth week they can be fed the food intended for adult ducks, and it is not preferable to feed the ducks from food home even if he loves it; Because it is not suitable for him, but he can be given very small pieces of vegetables and fruits as a snack.

Ducks health care

Ducks generally do not need specific veterinary care, especially if they receive food and hygiene well. However, there are some symptoms that should be reviewed by the veterinarian when observed, including: