Housing:

A small pen 5 feet by 5 feet will be fine to start 10 to 15 ducklings. Remember, the pen may have to stay the same size, but the ducklings surely will grow, so be sure you have enough room to begin with. The house, or pen, may be very simple, but it must be vermin proof, reasonably tight from drafts, and dry. Weather permitting, ducklings can go out on grass at 7-9 days old.

Equipment:

Chick feeders and waterers will work well for young ducklings (available in our store). Ducklings play in and spill water making the litter wet. This is undesirable. Water fountains or pans should be put on a water stand as soon as the ducklings can climb up on it. This is a low stand 2 feet by 2 feet covered by a quarter to half inch screen or hardware cloth. Put the waterer on it and the drippings and splashings will be down below the screen and not all over the litter. Provide and fresh water in clean waterers at all times.

Heat:

Ducklings need heat for the first few weeks. A 250-watt heat lamp bulb will provide heat for up to 250 ducklings. A 100-150 watt incandescent bulb will provide enough heat for only a few ducklings. The lamp should be hung 2 feet above the backs of the ducklings. The temperature should be warm at floor level under the lamps and cooler 2 to 3 feet away from the point directly under the bulb. If it is comfortable for your hand (for 3 to 5 minutes) directly under the lamp, it will probably be comfortable for the ducklings. (90-95 degrees for the first week). A corral will help the ducklings locate the heat. It can be removed in 5-7 days. As the ducklings begin to feather, they will need less and less heat. You can raise the heat lamp gradually. In a matter of a few weeks, in warm weather, the ducks will not need any heat. (Lamps available in our store)

Litter:

Straw is difficult for younger birds to get around in for the first week or two. Shavings make a good litter, however, they have a tendency to get wet and packed. It is very important to provide fresh shavings daily. (Shavings available in our store)

Water:

The waterer should be big and deep enough to allow the birds to immerse their beaks and eyes. This will help clean the beak, nostrils and eyes. (Waterers available in our store)

Feeding:

Ducklings can eat from a poultry food tray to start off (available in our store). The ducks can eat well from a hanging feeder when older. The height of the feeder depends on the size of the bird. Ducklings from day old to 2-3 weeks should have a 22-24% starter ration available at all times. Chick starter can be used as a substitute. Feed must not contain any drugs that may be harmful to the ducklings. Feed should be crumbled or in small pellets. At 2-3 weeks, the feed can be changed to an 19-20% duck grower feed. This feed can be used until market (8-10 weeks for Pekin Ducks). Chicken grower mash can be used if duck feed is not available. Again, the feed must not contain any drugs that may be harmful to ducks.

Diseases:

Ducks are not susceptible to many of the diseases of poultry. Sanitation, good nutrition, brooding, ventilation and general management will prevent most diseases. Wet litter and mud are areas where diseases may develop.

Note:

The above is only a guide. For more indepth information on raising ducks, please check your local library or the internet.