How to Raise Ducks - What You Need to Know

It's quite easy to learn how to raise ducks. Raising ducks, of course, is another matter entirely. However, there are countless resources that are available for those who are planning to establish their own duck farming operations. Below are a few of the things one should consider when learning to start keeping ducks.

One important thing is to learn about the different breeds of ducks that one can raise or breed. Learning how to raise ducks can be easy if you know your purpose for breeding them. There are ducks that are bred only for decorative purposes and that are entered in duck or poultry contests, for instance. There are also those that are to be fattened because their meat sells well in the commercial market. There are also those that are prized for their eggs. Still, other breeds are more self-sufficient than others, allowing their owners to expand operations more easily. How to raise ducks can also depend on the type of environment that you have. You need to have a backyard big enough to accommodate duck coops and also safe enough so that you don't constantly have to be on the lookout for predators.

Knowing how to raise ducks can best be learned by raising ducklings. This is because it is still relatively easy for you to take care of them, albeit, a little bit more work is required. However, you can start learning what types of food to feed them, what temperatures they will be more comfortable in, and also how you should clean their coops and water fences. It may be a bit hard to start learning how to raise ducks if you already get them as adults or as adolescents. At about six months, your ducks should already begin laying eggs. If you have a duck that is good at egg laying, then this may be good news. They are said to lay at least one egg a day -- a good return for your investment.

Another important aspect on how to raise ducks is brooding. As soon as the ducklings hatch, they should be placed in a brooder. If you are using the chicken brooding method, however, the hen will do the job. Put a soft litter and make sure that the duck brooder is clean and dry. You can use wood shavings or corncob for your litter. Put a 250-watt lamp to ensure that your ducklings are getting adequate heat. About 90 degrees Fahrenheit temperature should be maintained; it should be decreased by 5 degrees on the succeeding weeks.

Learning how to raise ducks can also best be started while they are young as -- you also may discover -- ducks also have their own personality.

This means that you can also treat them as pets. In fact, lots of people raise ducks not just for what they can earn but also for the fulfillment and entertainment that they get out from doing so. If you would like to learn more about duck farming and raising ducks and avoid costly mistakes, please visit: www.howtoraiseducks.com