Ducks
KEEPING DUCKS
Water
Ducks need water at all times but not as much as you may think. You can use a 10
litre bucket which needs to be filled with clean water daily. As long as the ducks
can clean out the nostrils at the top of their beak they will be happy. Having a
pond or water-
Feeding
Ducks feed well should out lay most hens. A diet of grains such as wheat, maize, peas and barley as well as a chicken pellet or damp mash is the best diet for your ducks. Letting your ducks free range during the day is the best way for them to get all the vitamins and minerals they need. You can’t beat a varied diet for them.
Housing
Ducks don’t need housing like hens. All they require is shelter from the hot sun in the form of a man made hut or even planted shrubs. They need somewhere to lay such as a 200 litre drum with one end cut out or a dog kennel. Anything they can make a nest in. The nesting area should be dark and filled with hay or straw to make them feel comfortable.
Pests
Ducks really only have one main pest which is head lice. This little guy can be seen by running your fingers against the feathers from the middle of the neck to the top of the head. The lice are a brown colour and very small. The best way to treat the lice is to use a flea powder and massage it into the head of the duck being careful of their eyes.
Marcus Albrecht.
Champion Waterfowl and Champion Poultry -
