How to Raise Ducks
Backyard chickens have long been a popular choice among homesteaders, hipsters, foodies, and those who seek connection with the natural world, but backyard ducks have remained an oddball choice. Most people don’t even consider the option of raising ducks, though many find ducks to be cute, friendly, and delightful animals. This article focuses on how to raise ducks and the basics of setting up your own duck paradise.
We’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of raising ducks, the how’s and why’s of duck raising, and what you’ll need to get started.
The Love and Brains of a Duck
When it comes to abstract intelligence in animals, we usually associate this with primates. But, a study in 2016 by Oxford University researchers, shows us that intelligence appears to extend deeply to other animals. Many birds are proving to have a natural ability of abstract thoughts, without even having a teacher. That gaggle of cute fluffy ducklings is a lot more clever than we gave them credit for in the past.
Ducks make amazing pets. They learn quickly, love to play with toys and will bond with a human, proving to be as loyal as any dog. Each individual duck has their own little character, with distinguishable traits. While they can happily tolerate human company, they must also have other ducks for company. This is because they are social creatures by nature. They will mix with chickens, and but you should plan to keep your dogs and cats away from the ducks.
Are Ducks Easy to Raise?
Generally, yes! They are typically easier to raise than chickens and are a bit more autonomous. As they are quite social, you’ll need to plan on having a brood of ducks.
Now that we’ve established how ducks make great pets, there are other reasons you may want to keep them. Ducks need less maintenance than chickens, but you still need to support your brood the best you can. They can supply you with a constant food chain of delicious eggs and even meat. Whatever the reason you keep them, make sure you’re doing it right.
Do Backyard Ducks Fly Away?
Most backyard duck breeds do not fly, or do not fly much at all. Some need to have their wings clipped, but most are typically non-flyers, so there’s not much worry about your ducks taking off to Panama while you’re on the phone.
Are Backyard Ducks Noisy?
Well, certainly some breeds of ducks can be noisy, though the general volume and frequency of the ducks quacking does relate at least somewhat to the mating times and circumstances.
Some breeds of ducks have been bred to be a bit on the quieter side, and if you’re bothered by noise, you may want to aim for these types of breeds (see below)
Are Ducks Friendly?
Some breeds of ducks are quite friendly, though others can be a little cranky, especially around mating time. The more wild the duck breed, the more likely the duck will be a bit on the ornery side. If you stick to the popular breeds, chances are your ducks will be friendly and ridiculously cute.
Raising Ducks vs. Chickens
Ducks are typically a bit easier to raise than chickens, due to the fact that they’re a little bit clean, and they are slightly more disease-resistant. Of course, you can always choose to raise both! Just be careful that your ducks don’t try to mate with the hens, as this can cause prolapse in the hen, and potentially kill it.
- Ducks need more water, and that’s just for drinking.
- Ducks poop more and it is a runnier content, so it’s a bit messier to clean up.
- Ducks need more space to move around in.
It’s not all bad, because:
- On the whole, ducks are quieter than your average chicken.
- Ducks are much more sociable and friendlier with humans.
- Ducks will eat up all those pesky snails and slugs. Maybe even the worms too if they find them popping up.
- Ducks are far more hardened to most weather conditions.
- This means they have a stronger immune system than chickens.
Let’s look at a few of the considerations when it comes to eggs and meats.
Duck Eggs vs. Chicken Eggs
- Duck eggs are much bigger than chicken eggs.
- Not only in size but they also have a bigger yolk. Don’t worry though because it has less fat content than the yolk of a chicken egg.
- The whites of a duck egg contain more protein than a chicken egg.
- Because the duck egg shells are thicker than chicken eggs, the shelf life is longer.
Duck Meat and Chicken Meat
Of course, duck meat has a completely different flavor to that of a chicken. As it is fattier, it will not dry out so easy during the cooking process, as chicken sometimes does.
Let’s look at the nutrition that a 100-gram piece of duck, with skin and bone removed and broiled, will give you:
- Around 140 calories. *Daily averages are around 1500-2000.
- The total fat content is 2.5g of which 0.6 g is saturated. *Daily averages are around 60-grams with no more than 13-grams of saturated fats.
- It will provide you with 28 grams of protein. *Daily averages are around 45-50-grams.
- It will also give you 4.5mg of your daily iron intake. *Daily averages are around 18-milligrams.
- It has 100-milligrams of sodium (salt). *Daily averages are around 2300-milligrams, which is only around 1-teaspoon.
- Finally, it has 100-milligrams of cholesterol. *Daily averages are around 300-milligrams.
*Please note that daily averages differ between men and women, and old and young.
What are the Downsides of Raising Ducks?
Unquestionably the biggest downside to rearing ducks is… the mess. Ducks are not the cleanest animals around, and their poop is more of a pain to clean up than many other animals.
As mentioned elsewhere, they aren’t the cleanest eaters, and if you keep your food near your water, you’ll quickly get a nasty mess. They will also make your pool a mess, as well!
Now let’s dig into some of the different breeds and options for backyard ducks.
Common Breeds of Backyard Ducks
When it comes to deciding on which breed of duck is better for your backyard, the answer is dependent on the reason you are raising them. Some breeds are better at laying eggs, others will give you a better quality of meat. Let’s take a look at a few differences.
Egg Laying Ducks
An excellent example of a duck primarily focused around egg production is the Khaki Campbell breed.
Khaki Campbell
The Khaki Campbell duck was bred and introduced in the 1800s in England. It was designed to be raised as a domestic variety through a combination of various breeds. Its major characteristics are:
- Eggs: up to 350 large eggs per year
- Weight: between 3.5-4lbs, depending on sex.
- Color: Khaki
- Temperament: Gentle
- Noise: Quiet
- Lifespan: 5-7 years
All of these traits make this one a powerhouse for those who want regular duck eggs on the menu. These animals are friendly, relatively quiet, and egg-producing machines.
Meat-Producing Duck
If you’re looking primarily to raise ducks for meat, you’ll likely want to stick to the larger ducks. These will produce a good deal more usable meat per animal. The top choice is likely the Muscovy, also known as the Barbary duck.
Muscovy. Also known as the Barbary duck
The Muscovy duck is a sizable animal, large enough in presence that they can often resemble the look of a goose rather than a duck. Even more confusing is their crest that almost resembles that of a turkey. They certainly have a unique look!
The meat on a Muscovy duck is lean, being 98% fat-free. It is highly nutritious and also very tasty. Some even liken it to a sirloin steak. You will need to clip their wings as they are natural flyers.
- Eggs: up to 200 large eggs per year
- Weight: between 8-11lbs, depending on sex.
- Color: Various, from black and white (pied) to purple and blue, and even brown
- Temperament: Calm, though the drake can be territorial
- Noise: Very quiet with no quack
- Lifespan: Up to 20 years if not reared for meat
Because they are flying birds in the wild, they usually nest in trees. If you can, it is better to raise their nesting boxes off the ground.
Ducks for Pets
If you’re looking primarily for a pet duck, look no further than the beautiful Pekin duck.
Pekin Duck
If ever there was a cute duck, it has to be the Pekin. These are the fluffy yellow ducklings that capture our hearts in images. Very popular as a backyard duck in the US. Not a flyer so no need to clip the wings.
- Eggs: up to 200 white eggs per year
- Weight: between 8-15lbs, depending on sex
- Color: usually white with bright yellow legs
- Temperament: Calm and relaxed
- Noise: Can be a little loud as they are easily excitable, but love to interact with humans.
- Lifespan: 9-12 years.
Unusual Ducks
There are many odd breeds of ducks out there. One of our favorites is the Indian Runner.
Indian Runner
Stand tall and upright, similar to penguins, which is why they’re sometimes called “Penguin Ducks.” They run everywhere, instead of waddling their bottoms as other ducks tend to do as they walk. They can be amusing to watch as a flock run around at speed together. Not a flying bird so no wing clipping needed.
- Eggs: up to 300-350 white and greenish-blue eggs per year
- Weight: between 2-5lbs, depending on sex.
- Color: Wide variety including, black, white, blue or brown.
- Temperament: Like to follow you around, but don’t much care for being picked up.
- Noise: Can be noisy when drakes are in the flock. If kept separate the drakes are quiet. Females make the most noise.
- Lifespan: up to 10 years.
Duck Breeding and Gender Ratios
Generally, the males are good for meat and the females good for eggs. It’s best though to keep the right balance of the sexes.
If you want to breed to grow your flock bigger, then use younger ducks as they are best for this purpose. The ratio of male to female will depend on the breed:
- Larger ducks, such as the Muscovy, are best with 1 male to every 5 females.
- Smaller ducks, such as the Khaki Campbell, are best with 1 male to every 10 females.
If you keep too many males it could cause fighting among them and lead to injury, so it’s important to get the right ratio.
Breeding seasons vary according to breed. Some will breed all year round with means will produce eggs all the time. Those who can only breed in the mating season will do so between late Fall, through Spring, and into early Summer. They will not produce eggs all year round either.
You will know when it’s breeding season by the general behavior of the ducks. As the drakes attempt to mount the females, the flock will become noisy. The whole brood will be more excitable, thanks to the behavior of the male.
If you are wanting to become a serious breeder, then you will need to understand a few important facts, such as:
- How to tell when an egg is fertilized.
- When to remove the eggs so you can incubate them.
- How to set up an incubator for the eggs.
- How long to incubate and how often to turn the eggs.
- How to build and run a brooder for the hatchlings.
Bear in mind that these processes will vary for different breeds.
Duck Houses and Coops
You still need a safe refuge for the ducks to go as the night draws in. It should be a place where natural predators, such as foxes, can’t get to the ducks because they will try.
Some ducks, like Wood ducks and Muscovy ducks, prefer to nest up off the ground in boxes, such as this one from Woodlink.
Woodlink WD1 Cedar Duck House
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Such boxes are ideal for hanging on trees, above ponds or simply putting in a higher place in your duck run.
Duck Coops
If you want your ducks to stay in one area of your backyard, then you need to build a coop or run. A 2-3-ft barrier around it should stop any ducks with clipped wings or non-flyers from escaping.
Of course, that will not stop predators from getting in though. Consider a mobile barrier so you can move them around in your open space and not overuse any one area.
Here’s an example of a wire mesh run, but unless you fit a roof it means predators can still get in there. Even with a roof, foxes are known to dig their way under the wire mesh.
Ideally, you need a duck house that predators cannot enter.
How Much Space Per Duck
On average, if kept in a permanent indoor space, each duck should have around 8sq ft of space. Though ducks will not be happy kept solely indoors! The outdoor space should be around 15sq ft per duck. By using this generous ratio, you ensure that your ducks have a healthy area to move around in, and feel content.
If it’s the duck house for sleeping in, you can get away with less space. Around 2sq ft per duck is adequate for the few hours they will be in there.
Training the Ducks to Enter the Coop
You may have to train the ducks to go indoors at night, but be persistent because it is for their own protection.
When you first put their new protective building into their outdoor space, leave the doors open and let them get used to the new structure.
Start training them by laying a trail of food on the ramp so they begin to go in and out of the new duck house. Eventually, that’s how you’ll get them in there for the night, safely locked away from predators.
The ground nesters will need a ramp to get indoors. It’s doubtful they’ll be willing to use their wings like a chicken would, to get into a shelter that’s raised from the ground.
Duck Houses For Sale
Duck houses and chicken coops are generally interchangeable, though there are a few that specify that they are for ducks. Here are a few ideas for duck houses.
Trixie Products Natura Duck Coop
- Size 26.5 x 29.5 x 27.5 inches
- Weight around 30-pounds
- Warranty 1-year
- Made from glazed pine and composite asphalt shingles with metal parts
- Rainproof
Here’s an example of a duck house that can hold up to 4 smaller bantam type ducks, or 2 larger ducks, quite comfortably. The lid opens up for access to collect the egg and toe easily facilitate cleaning.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Omnitree Duck House
- Size 69″ x 32″ x 32″
- Includes 4 nesting boxes
- Made from beautiful fir wood
This unit by Omnitree is quite nice. It has four nesting spots, and room for up to 5. Just keep in mind that the ventilation in this unit isn’t ideal. You may want to consider cutting additional ventilation holes in order to get the air flowing inside.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Merax Wooden Pet House
No products found.- Size 67″ X 32″ X 43″
- Weight: 65 lbs
- Made of fir, with an asphalt roof
- Capable of holding two ducks
This pet house by Merax isn’t primarily focused on ducks, but it will work fine for ducks. You may want to raise it off the ground a bit more by putting it up on a couple of blocks, but otherwise, it should function pretty well.
No products found.
Duck Foods: What Do Ducks Eat?
One important factor to remember when it comes to feeding your ducks, or any duck for that matter, DO NOT give them bread. The nutritional value, for a duck, is very low (it seems to be the same for humans, as well, unfortunately!)
It also tends to make them feel full, which means they will not forage for other food that is more nutritious.
When feeding the ducks in the river or ponds with bread, much of it remains uneaten. Soggy bread sinks to the bottom and leads to a build up algae. It is the type of algae that is detrimental to the river’s ecosystem and leads to a build-up of pests. Much better to throw birdseed into the river, which is healthier for the ducks and the fish.
Drakes need to eat more protein than females. While egg-laying, adult female duck needs lots of calcium.
Here are a few common foods and ingredients that ducks enjoy:
- Corn or peas, even from a tin or frozen.
- Lettuce or any green vegetable, but don’t give them a whole cabbage. It needs breaking down to smaller pieces.
- Seeds, including the standard mix of bird seed one can buy for garden birds.
- Grapes, but don’t throw them in whole, cut them in half.
The not so common ingredients:
- Grains such as wheat or barley.
- Any type of oats.
- Specialist pellets for ducks that contain plenty of proteins, calcium, oils, wheat, and seeds. The oils help the pellets to float on the water for a while if you’re feeding the ducks in a pond.
Ducks also love to forage so you may see them munching on the odd weed or two. You can even grow certain plants for them, such as smartweed (knotweed), or millet. They like their greens and roots so keep your kitchen scraps as a treat for the ducks. Don’t be surprised if you catch them eating snails, slugs and wriggly worms, along with the odd insect or two.
Plants that are Poisonous to Ducks
Some plants and flowers are poisonous for ducks, such as the beautiful daffodil and even certain lilies. Best to keep them away from the pretty garden area of your back yard.
Citrus fruits, whilst not poisonous, can give the duck’s digestive system a bit of a tummy ache.
Food and Water for Ducks
Do your best to keep duck food away from their water, so that it doesn’t spoil and create potential disease. They aren’t the cleanest eaters and often tend to make a big mess with their food, especially if multiple ducks are eating at once.
Keep their water area in a wholly-separate space from their food, and everyone will be happier!
Here are a few good choices for duck foods:
Mr Johnson’s Wild Life Swan and Duck Food
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Floating kibble
- Specially made for wild fowl
- 1.5kg bag
Even fish like to eat these pellets should you happen to take a bag with you on a river stroll. Many users of this product find that swans, ducks, and geese thrive on this food product. It’s also good for the chicks too.
It contains wheat, maize, oils and fish meal along with added vitamins, so you know it’s good for your flock.
Manna Pro All Flock with Probiotic Crumble
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Great choice for a wide variety of birds such as ducks, chickens, turkeys, and geese
- Crumble format, easily digestible
- Includes probiotics to help digestion
- Three size options available
The Manna Pro isn’t specifically made for ducks, but it works well with ducks and is a nutritionally-balanced crumble. The added probiotics strengthen the animals, and the crumble format makes this an easy-to-dispense option.
Do you need a pond to raise ducks?
While it’s really nice if you have an outdoor water feature or a koi pond for your ducks to enjoy, a pond is not strictly required when it comes to ducks! Note: if you have a koi pond, be sure your koi are at least 5″ or so long, or the ducks may feast on them!
To keep ducks it is not necessary to have a pond, lake, stream or river. Ducks do not suffer from parasites or tics like other domestic fowl, such as chickens, nor do they tend to smell bad. The ideal solution, on a daily basis, is to provide enough water so they can duck their heads in and out of it.
They like to keep their eyes and nostrils clean.
That’s not to say that they don’t like enough water to swim in. They love to swim. Plus, it helps to keep their feathers naturally oiled.
Water Features for Ducks
In warmer weather, you should consider providing your ducks with a blow-up pool or an old bath. A kiddie pool or similar is a fine option in most cases.
- Escape the summer heat with the Intex Crystal Blue...
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The pool does not have to be a large, or even deep. It only needs to be big enough so they can spend time in the water to help them feel the bliss of contentment.
Don’t allow the water to stagnate though, even ducks need fresh clean water changes. They will poop and muddy the water, so think carefully about where you are going to throw that dirty water. And also keep in mind that this water can be used as fertilizer.
Also, they need water to drink, so always have a few buckets with fresh water in so they can access it easily.
There are some waterfowl that need water to mate in. This is a topic you will need to consider if you raise a different type of wild waterfowl.
Summary: Raising Backyard Ducks
Raising ducks can be a rewarding and relaxing pastime as you learn the character of each of your new wildlife companions. They can be as much fun as keeping dogs, and almost certainly therapeutic.
When you start rearing a few of your own, from the egg stage, that bond will grow even stronger.
And the addition of fresh duck eggs and duck meat (should you be so inclined) can be a huge benefit.
I don’t know about you, but for me, it seems that ducks are the clear winners when it comes to taste in eggs and meat, plus that ever-loving need of companionship.
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