New to raising ducks

[jnicholes]

Hi everyone,

I want to try raising ducks. I have raised 10 gold sex link chickens no problem, but now I want to try Pekin Ducks. I heard they were easy to raise.

I know you need something for them to swim in that's not too deep, I know you need to shelter them, but I don't know much else.

Can anyone help me learn how to raise ducks? I want ducks for meat and eggs by the way.

Any help will be appreciated,

Jared

 

[rjohns39]

A good child's swimming pool is fine for their water needs. They'll need a shelter at night and they generally prefer something short (mine is 2 1/2 foot tall). They like fresh, dry straw in the floor and they love to free range but need protection from something like an electric fence. They'll also need good feed and plenty of attention from you. They'll love the occasional treat and gladly eat it from your hand. I keep mine in until 9:00 am because once they start laying, they'll lay anywhere. by 9, they've generally gotten all their laying done. One simply has to find the nest.

 

[jnicholes]

Hi there,

Thank you so much for that information! I really appreciate it!

Jared

 

[chickens really]

Hello...
Breeding Ducks is pretty easy....You might want to look into other breeds that are known to be Broody plus good layers with great meat....Silver Appleyard is one breed...
You should have a few pens set up for the Hens, and Drakes if you plan to breed?...Then have a safe place for Mommas to raise the Ducklings...One Drake to 5 Hens is a good ratio...
It depends though, Do you just want to buy every spring and butcher in the fall?....
Many options....
Quality feed, water to dunk their heads into...Kiddie pool to swim in..Coop and predator proof run...Ducks are messy and drill holes in the ground...They poop lots, attract flies, can make mud in pens quickly...
I love Ducks.....I have 19 Ducks that are all pets...6 are for sale....

It all depends on what you decide to do?
Best wishes!