How To Raise Ducks

Basics of raising ducks

Here are the most important basics of raising ducks:

Feeding the ducks

The nutrition of the ducks depends mainly on wheat and fodder grains and it is advised that the fodder be provided so that it is completely dry, while it is preferable that the wheat grains be soaked with water; This would contribute to improving the digestion process in ducks, in addition to its work of expelling other birds and crows, preventing them from approaching their meal, and preventing the transmission of common diseases to ducks.

It is worth noting that ducks that lay eggs need grain more than wheat, because it contains calcium, which contributes to improving egg production.

Water saving

The importance of providing water for ducks lies in their need to drink, and to preserve their body, starting from the eyes to the feathers and even the feet.

In addition to the need to pay attention to the fact that the water basin has a shallow edge that enables the ducks to easily enter and exit the water, and to achieve this, you can use a basin with a height of 20 cm that suffices for the purpose, and it is worth noting that providing this is a necessity, as it may drown in water despite Being a skilled swimmer.

Housing provision

Ducks need a dwelling that contains them at night and prevents them from being predated by other animals, and despite their nature that makes them active even at night, they must be accustomed to sleeping at night and organized in a daily routine to facilitate the process.

When constructing a dwelling for ducks, it must be taken into account that it includes a wide entrance. Since groups of ducks act and move as one body, it is possible that entering them once through a narrow door leads to stampinge and crushing each other.

build the fence

It is necessary to provide safe housing for the ducks, especially at night time, to protect them from attacks of predators, and good ventilation must be provided to prevent the formation of moisture, odors, and the spread of mold and fungus, and at the same time the place must be warm, especially in the winter.

It is necessary to provide straw in the barn, especially in the corners, to provide a place for laying eggs, and around the barn there must be a slightly high fence to protect the ducks from other animals, and a wire fence can be placed, and it is preferable to put a fence from the top as well to prevent the arrival of birds of prey to the ducks.

When there are ducklings, they must be taken care of with special care , so they must be placed in a place with a suitable temperature between 32 to 35 degrees Celsius, especially in the first week, then it will be reduced slightly during the subsequent weeks, and lamps can be used to warm the incubator, provided that it is placed in a suitable place to prevent a fire. .

Ducks health care

Health care for raised ducks requires taking the necessary measures that help prevent diseases in the first place, followed by an attempt to apply appropriate treatment in the event of a disease.

Prevention measures depend first on preventing any suspicious source of disease from reaching the place where the ducks are located, such as poultry and other animals, and ensuring that the necessary vaccinations and vaccinations are given at the appropriate times, in addition to paying attention to the place where the ducks are raised in terms of sterilization, ventilation, feeding, etc. till then.

Important tips for raising ducks

To raise ducks in a suitable environment and achieve the goals of raising them, duck breeders usually advise these tips:

Caring for duck eggs in an incubator that contains a heat lamp so that the eggs can hatch, and ducklings often grow quickly.
Allowing the ducks to move outdoors, so they can allocate a place for them in the garden of the house, where the ducks can catch some insects such as worms and slugs, in addition to weeds.
Avoid feeding bread to ducks, and focus on feeding them herbs and plants. Relying on bread means disease and weakness, such as; Lameness, problems with the development of bones and wings, and thus would be an easy meal for predators.
Provide sufficient water for ducks to swim, bathe and enjoy as well, Ducks also like to wet their food with water before eating it sometimes, but attention must be paid to the water temperature as the water must be warm, and ducklings should not swim without the presence of the mother.
Avoid serving wet food and be aware of the presence of mold, as it causes diseases in ducks, and ducks can be poisoned by infected fly larvae.
Keeping the place where the ducks are kept clean, and keeping the drinking water bowls clean.
Selecting ducks from good breeds that suit the needs of the breeder. If his goal is production and sale, he must choose high-fertile breeds.