Waterfowl (Ducks, Swans and Geese) and Conclusion
WATERFOWL
The beginning...
Ducks and geese are common in the poultry hobby, while swans are relatively rare. Ducks are cheap, costing $30 or more. Geese are a bit expensive, costing $70 or more. Swans are the most expensive, costing hundreds or thousands of dollars to purchase. A pond depends on its size and cost. It may cost thousands of dollars to build, including plumbing.
Housing
Ducks, geese and swans are waterfowl, so a pond is always required for them to swim onto. You can let them free-range in the mornings and afternoons, but move them into a waterfowl house (coop) in nighttime. The pond must be large and fit the waterfowl's body. A large acreage is needed to keep these birds (ducks, swans and geese). These birds graze on grassy areas, so provide grass on your farm for them to graze. The waterfowl house also must be large as well. The bigger the better in terms of keeping them in the waterfowl house.
Enrichment
Waterfowl are intelligent and curious, so provide enrichment into their waterfowl house or pond. Offer a diverse and balanced diet that mimics their natural foraging habits. Include aquatic plants, insects, small fish, and grains. Avoid feeding them processed or unhealthy foods. Place floating platforms or rafts in the water. These provide resting areas and encourage natural behaviours like preening. Plant native aquatic vegetation around their habitat to encourage foraging and provide shelter. This also helps improve water quality. Provide floating or submerged toys and foraging devices, such as floating feeders, to stimulate their hunting instincts. Hide food inside these items to encourage problem-solving and exploration. Create artificial nesting sites or provide nest boxes for those species that use them. Ensure they have access to shelter from the elements. Waterfowl are social birds. Keep them in compatible groups to encourage social interactions. However, be cautious about overcrowding. Change the layout and arrangement of their habitat from time to time. Ducks, swans, and geese are curious creatures and enjoy exploring new environments. Set up floating or submerged obstacles and challenges in the water to encourage them to navigate and exercise. A variety of water depths can provide opportunities for swimming and foraging. Ducks, swans and geese prefer different water depths for various activities. Provide shallow areas for dabbling, deeper areas for swimming, and mudflats for foraging. Ensure their safety by protecting them from potential predators, such as cats, foxes, and birds of prey, with fencing or netting. Provide viewing areas for people to observe the waterfowl without causing stress. This can be accomplished through strategically placed blinds or observation decks. Mimic natural sounds and lighting conditions as closely as possible. This can include providing shade or shelter from direct sunlight and introducing natural sounds like waterfalls or wind chimes.
Breeding
Waterfowl are great to breed, especially ducks and geese, because of their popularity of the poultry industry. First, decide which species of waterfowl you want to breed. Some common options include ducks like Pekin, Indian runner or muscovy, swans like mute and black, and geese like Embden, Chinese or Toulouse. Most waterfowl are monogamous during the breeding season. Pair males and females, ensuring there is only one male per female to prevent aggression. Ducks, swans and geese need a suitable place to lay their eggs. Provide nesting boxes or platforms for them. Ensure the nesting area is safe and comfortable. Waterfowl have a natural breeding season, which varies depending on the species and location. Make sure you know when the breeding season occurs for your chosen species. If you want to incubate the eggs yourself, collect them as soon as possible after they are laid to prevent chilling. Use an incubator with the appropriate temperature and humidity settings for the species you are breeding. This varies among species, so research specific requirements. Turn the eggs regularly during incubation. You can let the female waterfowl brood her eggs in her nest. Duck eggs typically take about 28 days to hatch, swan eggs take 35-41 days, while goose eggs can take around 30-35 days. Monitor the eggs closely during this period. After hatching, the mother will care for the ducklings, cygnets or goslings.
Young waterfowl care
Waterfowl baby care is specialised, and may be more difficult to care than, you say, a pheasant chick or a finch hatchling. But it can be easy by following these guides. Prepare a safe and warm brooder area before bringing them home. A large cardboard box, plastic storage bin, or a specially designed brooder will work. Line the brooder with a layer of straw or pine shavings for bedding. Avoid using cedar shavings, as they can be toxic. Use a heat brooder to maintain the temperature between 29-32°C for the first week, reducing it by about 2-3°C each week until they are fully feathered at around 5-6 weeks old. Provide a cooler side in the brooder for them to escape the heat if needed. Feed them with commercial waterfowl starter or chick feed that contains around 18-20% protein. Provide fresh, clean water in a shallow dish or waterer that they can easily access. Make sure they can't fall into the water and drown. Baby waterfowl are social animals, so ensure they have company or at least a mirror to prevent loneliness and stress. Offer them a shallow pan or container of clean water for swimming as soon as they are ready (usually after the first week). Supervise their water activities to prevent drowning. Provide some simple toys or objects for them to peck at or explore, like floating lettuce or a small mirror. Keep their brooder clean and dry by changing the bedding regularly and removing any waste. Waterfowl can be messy, so frequent cleaning is essential to prevent illness. As they grow, transition them to waterfowl grower feed, and later, a layer feed when they are adults. You can also supplement their diet with vegetables and fruits. When the weather is suitable and they are old enough (usually around 4-6 weeks), introduce them to the outdoors gradually. Ensure they have access to a safe and secure outdoor enclosure or pond. Protect them from potential predators like cats, foxes and birds of prey by providing secure housing and fencing. Regularly monitor their health and consult a veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness, injury or even abnormalities. Spend time with them, handle them gently and carefully and encourage being social. This helps to ensure they are comfortable around people.
Diseases
Waterfowl can be susceptible to diseases, of which they are sometimes fatal to them. Here are some diseases for waterfowl:
Conclusion
These eleven birds are great to care, but there are many challenges mentioned into these care guides. Do your proper research before purchasing any of these birds in your backyard or farmyard. I hope you enjoyed reading this article and I hope you will review it. If you have any questions regarding poultry and caged birds, ask the friendly BYC team if you want to get some tips and answers.
Links to other good articles in BYC:
Pheasants and peafowl:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/peafowl-101-basic-care-genetics-and-answers.67744/ (@Kedreeva)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/how-to-raise-peafowl-information-on-the-basics.67208/ (@Mountain Peeps)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-pheasant-pic-heavy-with-mutation-pics.67510/ (@birdman55)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/lady-amhersts-pheasant-facts-breeding.78673/ (@Gigachad poultry)
Turkeys, guinea-fowl and quail:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/brooding-and-raising-turkey-poults.67484/ (@sumi)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/raising-turkeys-for-meat-vs-keeping-as-pets.78530/ (@BYC Project Manager)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...beginners-guide-to-raising-guinea-fowl.74737/ (@Brahmachicken240)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...and-how-to-pick-the-right-bird-for-you.67350/ (@TwoCrows)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/housing-and-feeding-your-quail.67371/ (@TwoCrows)
Pigeons, finches and parrots:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/caring-for-pigeons-in-an-aviary-or-indoors.78312/ (@RoostersAreAwesome)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-history-and-mating-behavior-of-pigeons.67709/ (@Blackberry18)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/what-you-need-to-know-before-you-get-your-parrot.75448/ (@Quailobsessed)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ra-finch-taeniopygia-castanotis-remake.78846/ (@Gigachad poultry)
Waterfowl:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ing-ducks-the-complete-essential-guide.76260/ (@Corbdee)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...lection-incubation-brooding-and-sexing.67707/ (@Blackberry18)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ising-geese-and-are-they-right-for-you.78377/ (@ColtHandorf)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/things-to-know-before-raising-geese.77623/ (@BYC Project Manager)
The beginning...
Ducks and geese are common in the poultry hobby, while swans are relatively rare. Ducks are cheap, costing $30 or more. Geese are a bit expensive, costing $70 or more. Swans are the most expensive, costing hundreds or thousands of dollars to purchase. A pond depends on its size and cost. It may cost thousands of dollars to build, including plumbing.
Housing
Ducks, geese and swans are waterfowl, so a pond is always required for them to swim onto. You can let them free-range in the mornings and afternoons, but move them into a waterfowl house (coop) in nighttime. The pond must be large and fit the waterfowl's body. A large acreage is needed to keep these birds (ducks, swans and geese). These birds graze on grassy areas, so provide grass on your farm for them to graze. The waterfowl house also must be large as well. The bigger the better in terms of keeping them in the waterfowl house.
Enrichment
Waterfowl are intelligent and curious, so provide enrichment into their waterfowl house or pond. Offer a diverse and balanced diet that mimics their natural foraging habits. Include aquatic plants, insects, small fish, and grains. Avoid feeding them processed or unhealthy foods. Place floating platforms or rafts in the water. These provide resting areas and encourage natural behaviours like preening. Plant native aquatic vegetation around their habitat to encourage foraging and provide shelter. This also helps improve water quality. Provide floating or submerged toys and foraging devices, such as floating feeders, to stimulate their hunting instincts. Hide food inside these items to encourage problem-solving and exploration. Create artificial nesting sites or provide nest boxes for those species that use them. Ensure they have access to shelter from the elements. Waterfowl are social birds. Keep them in compatible groups to encourage social interactions. However, be cautious about overcrowding. Change the layout and arrangement of their habitat from time to time. Ducks, swans, and geese are curious creatures and enjoy exploring new environments. Set up floating or submerged obstacles and challenges in the water to encourage them to navigate and exercise. A variety of water depths can provide opportunities for swimming and foraging. Ducks, swans and geese prefer different water depths for various activities. Provide shallow areas for dabbling, deeper areas for swimming, and mudflats for foraging. Ensure their safety by protecting them from potential predators, such as cats, foxes, and birds of prey, with fencing or netting. Provide viewing areas for people to observe the waterfowl without causing stress. This can be accomplished through strategically placed blinds or observation decks. Mimic natural sounds and lighting conditions as closely as possible. This can include providing shade or shelter from direct sunlight and introducing natural sounds like waterfalls or wind chimes.
Breeding
Waterfowl are great to breed, especially ducks and geese, because of their popularity of the poultry industry. First, decide which species of waterfowl you want to breed. Some common options include ducks like Pekin, Indian runner or muscovy, swans like mute and black, and geese like Embden, Chinese or Toulouse. Most waterfowl are monogamous during the breeding season. Pair males and females, ensuring there is only one male per female to prevent aggression. Ducks, swans and geese need a suitable place to lay their eggs. Provide nesting boxes or platforms for them. Ensure the nesting area is safe and comfortable. Waterfowl have a natural breeding season, which varies depending on the species and location. Make sure you know when the breeding season occurs for your chosen species. If you want to incubate the eggs yourself, collect them as soon as possible after they are laid to prevent chilling. Use an incubator with the appropriate temperature and humidity settings for the species you are breeding. This varies among species, so research specific requirements. Turn the eggs regularly during incubation. You can let the female waterfowl brood her eggs in her nest. Duck eggs typically take about 28 days to hatch, swan eggs take 35-41 days, while goose eggs can take around 30-35 days. Monitor the eggs closely during this period. After hatching, the mother will care for the ducklings, cygnets or goslings.
Young waterfowl care
Waterfowl baby care is specialised, and may be more difficult to care than, you say, a pheasant chick or a finch hatchling. But it can be easy by following these guides. Prepare a safe and warm brooder area before bringing them home. A large cardboard box, plastic storage bin, or a specially designed brooder will work. Line the brooder with a layer of straw or pine shavings for bedding. Avoid using cedar shavings, as they can be toxic. Use a heat brooder to maintain the temperature between 29-32°C for the first week, reducing it by about 2-3°C each week until they are fully feathered at around 5-6 weeks old. Provide a cooler side in the brooder for them to escape the heat if needed. Feed them with commercial waterfowl starter or chick feed that contains around 18-20% protein. Provide fresh, clean water in a shallow dish or waterer that they can easily access. Make sure they can't fall into the water and drown. Baby waterfowl are social animals, so ensure they have company or at least a mirror to prevent loneliness and stress. Offer them a shallow pan or container of clean water for swimming as soon as they are ready (usually after the first week). Supervise their water activities to prevent drowning. Provide some simple toys or objects for them to peck at or explore, like floating lettuce or a small mirror. Keep their brooder clean and dry by changing the bedding regularly and removing any waste. Waterfowl can be messy, so frequent cleaning is essential to prevent illness. As they grow, transition them to waterfowl grower feed, and later, a layer feed when they are adults. You can also supplement their diet with vegetables and fruits. When the weather is suitable and they are old enough (usually around 4-6 weeks), introduce them to the outdoors gradually. Ensure they have access to a safe and secure outdoor enclosure or pond. Protect them from potential predators like cats, foxes and birds of prey by providing secure housing and fencing. Regularly monitor their health and consult a veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness, injury or even abnormalities. Spend time with them, handle them gently and carefully and encourage being social. This helps to ensure they are comfortable around people.
Diseases
Waterfowl can be susceptible to diseases, of which they are sometimes fatal to them. Here are some diseases for waterfowl:
- Avian influenza (Bird-flu): Avian influenza viruses can infect waterfowl and can occasionally jump to domestic poultry and even humans. Waterfowl are natural reservoirs for these viruses and can carry them without showing symptoms.
- Botulism: Botulism is caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Birds can ingest the toxin when they consume contaminated food or water. It can lead to paralysis and death in affected waterfowl.
- Duck plague: Also known as duck viral enteritis, this disease is caused by the duck plague virus (DPV). It can cause significant mortality in waterfowl, especially ducks, and can also affect swans and geese.
- Avian cholera: This is a bacterial disease caused by Pasteurella multocida. It can affect various bird species, including waterfowl, and can result in sudden outbreaks and high mortality rates.
- Aspergillosis: This is a fungal disease caused by Aspergillus species. Waterfowl can inhale or ingest the spores of this fungus, leading to respiratory and digestive issues.
- Duck viral enteritis (DVE): This is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects ducks and geese, causing enteric problems and often leading to high mortality.
- Avian pox: Avian pox is a viral disease caused by the avian poxvirus. It can result in the development of skin lesions and can affect waterfowl.
- Lead poisoning: Waterfowl are susceptible to lead poisoning when they ingest lead pellets or fragments from spent lead shot used in hunting. Lead poisoning can have severe health effects.
- Salmonellosis: Waterfowl, especially waterfowl in close contact with humans, can carry Salmonella bacteria. It can cause gastrointestinal disease in birds and can be transmitted to humans if proper hygiene is not maintained.
- Mycoplasmosis: This bacterial disease, caused by Mycoplasma species, can affect the respiratory and reproductive systems of waterfowl.
Conclusion
These eleven birds are great to care, but there are many challenges mentioned into these care guides. Do your proper research before purchasing any of these birds in your backyard or farmyard. I hope you enjoyed reading this article and I hope you will review it. If you have any questions regarding poultry and caged birds, ask the friendly BYC team if you want to get some tips and answers.
Links to other good articles in BYC:
Pheasants and peafowl:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/peafowl-101-basic-care-genetics-and-answers.67744/ (@Kedreeva)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/how-to-raise-peafowl-information-on-the-basics.67208/ (@Mountain Peeps)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-pheasant-pic-heavy-with-mutation-pics.67510/ (@birdman55)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/lady-amhersts-pheasant-facts-breeding.78673/ (@Gigachad poultry)
Turkeys, guinea-fowl and quail:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/brooding-and-raising-turkey-poults.67484/ (@sumi)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/raising-turkeys-for-meat-vs-keeping-as-pets.78530/ (@BYC Project Manager)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...beginners-guide-to-raising-guinea-fowl.74737/ (@Brahmachicken240)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...and-how-to-pick-the-right-bird-for-you.67350/ (@TwoCrows)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/housing-and-feeding-your-quail.67371/ (@TwoCrows)
Pigeons, finches and parrots:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/caring-for-pigeons-in-an-aviary-or-indoors.78312/ (@RoostersAreAwesome)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-history-and-mating-behavior-of-pigeons.67709/ (@Blackberry18)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/what-you-need-to-know-before-you-get-your-parrot.75448/ (@Quailobsessed)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ra-finch-taeniopygia-castanotis-remake.78846/ (@Gigachad poultry)
Waterfowl:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ing-ducks-the-complete-essential-guide.76260/ (@Corbdee)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...lection-incubation-brooding-and-sexing.67707/ (@Blackberry18)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ising-geese-and-are-they-right-for-you.78377/ (@ColtHandorf)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/things-to-know-before-raising-geese.77623/ (@BYC Project Manager)
