Some consider duck farming to be a rewarding hobby, while for others, it‘s a way to earn a lucrative income. Whatever your reasons may be in raising ducks, it’s important that you know the proper way to go about it, before you get started on the endeavor. If you’re thinking of raising ducks in your home, here are 4 starter tips to get you on the right track.
1. Have the proper equipment
The first thing that you need to do if you seriously want to get into duck farming is have the basic equipment on hand. Look for sturdy feeders that you can use to feed the ducks. If possible, try to find feeders that have a water drip so that your coop won’t get wet. Ducks have a tendency to splash around open water sources so if you want to avoid unnecessary mess, make sure to choose the best feeders available. You should also have the right cleaning equipment within reach for easy and regular cleanup.
2. Build strong housing
You also need to provide strong housing for your ducks. Even though ducks seem to like wandering around open spaces, they still need shelter that will protect them from the elements. If you live in an area that experiences different seasons, you need to provide an adequate heating source for the colder months. Use wood shavings in the coop and don’t forget to replace these daily to avoid disease from spreading. Although ducks may not be as susceptible to disease as other birds, you still need to provide suitable shelter to ensure your ducks’ healthy growth.
3. Know your breed
Next, choose a duck breed that will ultimately serve your purpose. If you’re thinking of raising ducks for business for example, you should choose a breed that is known for its eggs or its meat. Different duck breeds require different levels of care so it’s important that you get the right care information for the breed you want to raise. Familiarize yourself with the different duck breeds before you get started so that you know what to expect from your chosen breed.
4. Pick a feed
Lastly, don’t forget to provide your ducks with the right feeds. While some duck breeders feel that chicken feed is enough for adult ducks, you need to provide ducklings and special duck breeds with more appropriate feed. Set a regular feeding schedule to make sure that the ducks have enough to eat throughout the day. Don’t hesitate to try out different grains and poultry grit to see which feed will yield the best results. If you want to add more nutrition to your duck feed, try mixing greens and tender vegetables with your grain. Stick to organic alternatives if you’re particular about subjecting your ducks to commercial or medicated feeds.
With the right information and proper caring techniques, duck farming can be a truly rewarding experience. Whether you’re raising ducks as a hobby, or for profit, proper planning should be done. Get a head start on your new venture by turning to the experts for tips and guidelines.
Courtesy Raising Ducks Guide
0 comments:
Post a Comment