What Are The Best Practices For Duck Care?

“I’ve just started my backyard farm here in Peterborough, UK, and I’m excited to add ducks to the mix. I’ve read a bit about raising chickens, but I’m not sure where to begin with ducks. I know they’re a bit different than chickens regarding their needs and care. Could you give me some guidance on what the best practices are for taking care of ducks, especially for someone just starting out? I want to make sure I give them the best environment possible.” Thanks, Robert, Peterborough, UK.

What Are The Best Practices For Duck Care?

Adding ducks to your backyard farm is a fantastic idea, Robert! Ducks are charming, relatively easy to care for, and can be highly beneficial to your garden. However, as you’ve rightly pointed out, they do have slightly different needs compared to chickens. Caring for them properly will ensure they remain happy and healthy while they help you keep your garden pest-free and perhaps even supply you with delicious eggs.

Choosing the Right Breed

The first decision you’ll make, Robert, is selecting the right breed for your backyard farm. Not all duck breeds are suitable for small spaces or beginner keepers. Some breeds are specifically bred for egg production, while others might be more ornamental or suited for meat.

• Khaki Campbell: If you’re looking for excellent egg layers, the Khaki Campbell is a solid choice. These ducks can produce up to 300 eggs per year and are moderately friendly.
• Pekin: The Pekin is a popular dual-purpose breed, great for both eggs and meat. They’re also known for being calm and friendly, making them a great choice for families.
• Indian Runner: If you want a breed that’s great with pest control, Indian Runners are fantastic foragers and can help keep your backyard free of insects and slugs.
• Muscovy: Muscovies are unique due to their quieter nature—more about hissing than quacking. They’re also proficient at eating flies, which can be a significant benefit in a backyard setting.

It’s worth considering the climate in Peterborough when choosing your breed since some ducks handle cold or wet weather better than others. Fortunately, most ducks are quite hardy, especially if they have proper shelter and care.

Setting Up the Right Housing

Ducks need different housing compared to chickens, mainly because they don’t roost like chickens do, and they tend to be more vulnerable to predators due to their ground-dwelling nature. Here are some key points to consider when setting up your duck housing:

• Shelter: Ducks require a coop or house that offers protection from the elements. It doesn’t have to be particularly high, but it should be secure and draught-free. Ensure you have plenty of straw or pine shavings inside, as ducks like to nestle down flat on the ground when they sleep.
• Predator Proofing: Ducks are easy targets for predators, especially at night. The housing should be entirely predator-proof, meaning you should check for any gaps or weaknesses in the structure where something could squeeze in.
• Ventilation: Proper airflow is crucial. A build-up of moisture in the coop can lead to respiratory problems for ducks. Ensure there is adequate ventilation without causing draughts that could chill your ducks during colder months.
• Space: Ducks need space but not as much as chickens for sleeping. A good rule of thumb is around 2 to 3 square feet per duck inside the house. Outside, more space is better, especially a large, secure area where they can forage and explore during the day.

Remember, Robert, they don’t need perching poles or nesting boxes like chickens. They’ll lay their eggs right on the floor, so make sure you check often during the laying season to collect those precious eggs before they get dirty or broken.

Water: A Duck’s Best Friend

Ducks and water go hand in hand, but you might be surprised to learn they don’t technically need a pond, especially in a smaller backyard farm setting like yours. Here’s what they do need:

• Drinking Water: Ducks need constant access to clean, fresh water. They’ll drink a lot more than chickens, so provide a large enough container that doesn’t tip over easily.
• Bathing Water: While a small pond isn’t required, having a kiddie pool or similar shallow water source for them to bathe in is a great idea. Ducks use water to clean themselves, and it’s vital for their health. Just be sure to change the water frequently as they tend to make it dirty quickly.
• Niacin in Water: One unique aspect of duck physiology is their higher requirement for niacin (vitamin B3) than chickens. Consider adding a small amount of brewer’s yeast to their water or feed to ensure they’re meeting their nutritional needs.

So, while you don’t need a full-blown pond, providing some sort of water feature will go a long way in keeping your ducks happy and healthy, Robert. Plus, watching ducks splash around is always a delight!

Feeding Your Ducks for Optimal Health

Ducks have slightly different nutritional needs than chickens, requiring a feed that’s higher in protein, especially during their growing and laying stages. Here’s what you need to know:

• Starter Feed: For young ducklings, you’ll want to start them on a non-medicated waterfowl or chick starter feed with around 20-22% protein. Unlike chickens, ducklings grow rapidly, so they need ample nutrition from the start.
• Grower Feed: As they grow, usually around 3 weeks of age, you can switch them to a grower feed with around 16-18% protein. This diet will sustain them until they begin laying.
• Layer Feed: Once your ducks start laying, a layer feed with about 16% protein should be given. Ensure it has enough calcium, as laying ducks need more than non-laying birds.
• Snacks and Forage: Ducks love a range of snacks, and best of all, they’ll forage on their own! Encourage them to forage by letting them into your garden. They’ll happily eat slugs, snails, and other pests. You can supplement their diet with greens like peas, lettuce, or dandelion leaves. However, avoid giving ducks bread—it’s not nutritious and can fill them up without providing the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Having a proper feeding schedule and monitoring your duck’s condition will help you avoid common issues like obesity or malnutrition. It’s a good idea to weigh your ducks periodically, especially in the beginning, to ensure they’re growing as they should.

Egg Laying Tips

Ducks are prolific layers, and unlike chickens, they don’t care much about having a cozy little nesting box. That’s great news for a backyard farmer like yourself, Robert! Here’s what to focus on:

• Nesting Area: Even though ducks will lay on the ground, you can still encourage them to lay in a specific, clean area by providing plenty of fresh bedding. Avoid having their nesting area too close to water sources, as ducks tend to make a mess.
• Egg Collection: Ducks usually lay in the early morning, so you’ll want to collect the eggs soon after to keep them clean and reduce the risk of breakage.
• Egg Storage: Duck eggs have thicker shells than chicken eggs, so they’ll store well. You can keep them in a cool, dry place or pop them in the fridge. They’re excellent for baking, as the higher fat content makes for richer cakes and pastries.

Another perk? Ducks tend to lay eggs consistently across the year, even during the colder months when some chicken breeds may slack off. Make sure to monitor their diet during the laying period to ensure they’re getting enough calcium and nutrients to sustain production.

Common Health Issues and Troubleshooting

Just like any animal, ducks can face health challenges. Here are some of the more common issues and how you can address them:

• Bumblefoot: This is a common issue where an infection occurs in the foot pad, usually due to a minor cut. You can prevent it by ensuring their living area is free of sharp objects and their bedding is clean and dry. If you notice any limping or swelling, it’s important to treat it right away with antiseptics and possibly antibiotics from a vet.
• Wet Feather: This condition occurs when a duck’s feathers lose their waterproofing, typically due to oil gland issues or exposure to chemicals. Ensuring your ducks have fresh, clean water for bathing and avoiding harsh detergents or chemicals in their environment can help prevent this. If it occurs, keeping the duck dry and providing access to a balanced diet will usually help them regain their waterproofing.
• Niacin Deficiency: As mentioned earlier, ducks need more niacin than chickens. Symptoms include bowed legs or difficulty walking. The solution is usually to supplement their diet with brewer’s yeast or another niacin-rich food.
• Prolapse: This occurs when part of the reproductive tract protrudes from the vent, often due to laying oversized eggs. Ensuring your ducks have enough calcium and are not overweight can help prevent this condition.

It’s always a good idea to keep a close eye on your ducks’ behavior and appearance. Any signs of lethargy, changes in eating habits, or unusual feather loss should prompt a closer look and possibly a call to a vet, especially if you’re not sure what’s going on.

Environmental Enrichment and Social Needs

Robert, ducks are highly social creatures, and they do best in small groups. They love exploring, foraging, and playing. Here are a few tips to keep them entertained and happy:

• Companionship: Never keep a duck alone. At least two ducks will keep each other company, but three or more is even better. Unlike chickens, ducks don’t typically fight amongst themselves, making them easy to keep in groups.
• Foraging Time: Ducks love to forage, so providing plenty of opportunities to do so in your backyard will keep them active. You can scatter leafy greens, such as kale or lettuce, around their pen, or even hide some treats in their bedding to encourage them to dig around.
• Toys and Challenges: Simple toys like floating balls in their water, a shallow pool to splash in, or even windy days where they can chase leaves can provide hours of entertainment. Some duck owners even build small tunnels or obstacle courses for their ducks to investigate.

Keeping them mentally stimulated not only makes for happier birds but also reduces stress-related behaviors like feather pecking or excessive quacking.

Final Thoughts…

Robert, you’re on the right track by asking these questions before diving into duck keeping. Ducks are wonderful additions to a backyard farm, providing not just eggs but also entertainment and pest control. Remember to give them a secure, well-ventilated shelter, plenty of water for drinking and bathing, and a proper diet rich in niacin. Keep an eye out for any signs of health problems, and most importantly, spend time enjoying these incredible creatures. Thanks for reaching out with your questions—best of luck with your duck adventure in Peterborough!