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Ducks are a great addition to the garden. They roam around eating grass and bugs and are fun to watch. Unless you already have adult ducks, you will probably buy your ducklings through one of the mail order poultry catalogs. Here is how to care for them once they arrive.
Materials needed for care of ducklings:
Water/ poultry waterer.
Duck food
Newspaper
Thermometer
Heat Lamp
Brooder box
Directions
1. The ducklings are going to be shipped in a card box. These boxes are designed to provide ventilation while also keeping the ducklings warm during the trip. Inspect the birds to make sure they are healthy. Dip their beaks in a little water to help get them hydrated. It is best to have the brooding area set up ahead of time with the correct temperature of 98F.
2. It's important to provide your ducklings with a safe place for a brooding area away from other pets and predators, such as a corner in the garage or shed. A large cardboard box will work if you are only raising a few ducks. Line the bottom of the brooder with straw or newspapers and keep it dry. Shavings and sawdust can be mistaken for food but make a fine bedding once the ducks are a little older. The challenge is keeping the brooder dry, as ducks love to play with water.
3. Provide water by using poultry waterers when they are young as the young ducklings are not very coordinated and could easily drown in a bowl of water. The waterers are easy to set up and provide a safe and clean source of water. Soon enough they will be able to navigate water dishes, kiddy pools, puddles and ponds.
4. Use a non-medicated chick starter or crumble as a food source. They won't eat much at first but soon they will be eating a lot and putting on weight. They will also eat bugs, grass and other vegetation once they get older.
5. After about 10days, you want to raise the heat lamp to start decreasing the temperature of the brooder. If the ducklings are all spread out trying to get away from the heat, you can raise the lamp up a bit to lower the temperature. If they are all piled on top of each other trying to stay warm, then lower it down to warm them up. After about 6 weeks, they shouldn't need any supplemental heat.
As they get older, you can also start introducing them to the outdoors. A little time on the grass or playing in a shallow puddle will make them stronger and healthier. They are just so fun to watch.
About the duck breeds discussed on the show:
Pekins- A large breed raised for their meat. Pekins are more popular than all the other breeds combined.
Magpies- A dual purpose breed raised for meat, eggs and plumage.
Cayuga- A unique medium sized breed with greenish / black feathers. Very hardy.
Crested Khakis- A prolific layer of eggs. Khakis need room to fly, as they are very active.
Crested Buff- A show breed with fawn buff plumage.
Special thanks:
Ideal Poultry Breeding Farms
Cameron, TX
www.idealpoultry.com