FARMS: Learn about the breeding of ducks for various purposes

The ducks are notable for their high level of socialization, and that in nature they usually live in large groups or in pairs; In fact, for their affable nature and talent to live together they have conquered the affection of many people, who choose to adopt them as a pet. But they are also a very nutritious meat, so I suggest you know how to raise ducks.

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Duck: physical characteristics

We call 'duck' generically various species of birds belonging to the family Anatidae.

In its morphology include the rounded body, with flat and wide beak, short legs and webbed. The average longevity is 10 to 15 years, varying according to the species and the animal's habitat.

They are birds adapted to aquatic life, so they are excellent swimmers by nature. In the water, they usually show their elegance and exhibit a safe and serene behavior. On land, his walk is irregular and "awkward" because of his legs.

The ducks also stand out for their high level of socialization, and in nature they usually live in large groups or in pairs. In fact, because of their affable nature and their ability to live together they have conquered the affection of many people, who choose to adopt them as pets.

Basic care of the ducks: adequate nutrition

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The basic care of the ducks should include a proper diet for the optimal development of their species.

Ducks are omnivorous animals that prefer a varied diet. More than 70% of your diet is made up of fruits, vegetables, seeds, legumes and various grains. In addition, they have the contribution of animal protein: they consume small fish and insects.

An adult duck consumes between 150 and 200 grams of food per day; It depends on your species, sex, age and habitat. The type of suitable food also varies according to the purpose of its aging.
Feed for fattening

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A large number of ducks are raised for the commercialization of their meat. The protein of duck meat -mainly its liver- is historically appreciated by haute cuisine. In addition, their beneficial nutritional properties are increasingly recognized by nutritionists and doctors.

The growing demand of the local and international market makes its breeding very attractive for farmers and entrepreneurs.

The breeding of ducks for human consumption usually uses fattening techniques to optimize the profits of the producers. For this, commercial feeds with a high concentration of carbohydrates, about 25% protein and very little fiber are used.

Feeding for a domestic duck

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It is 'fashionable' to raise ducks as pets. In these cases, the fattening of the animal and a balanced diet are not sought.

Ideally, do not give your pet commercial feed for farm ducks. The intake of these products can lead to obesity and diseases associated with it.

When adopting a duck as a pet, it is essential to respect their nutritional needs. It is important to have a natural diet and pay special attention to keep your food fresh and in good condition.

Many owners resort to the help of supplements and concentrated vitamins. The intention is to supplement your diet and strengthen your immune system.

Adequate hydration

It is essential to leave fresh and clean water at your disposal, both for the productive breeding of ducks, as in the domestic one. In addition, it is advisable to clean the food and water containers of your animals daily.

Hygiene

When they live in freedom, the ducks usually clean themselves every day, whether it is their own body or their nest. It is quite usual to see them as they devote themselves for hours to grooming their beautiful plumage and cleaning their home.

Ducks are clean by nature and can easily become ill in a poor toilet environment. Therefore, hygiene is the key to the basic care of ducks. It is recommended to clean your shelter once or twice a week. We must also clean the trough and drinking fountain every day.

Conditioning the environment of your ducks

The raising of ducks mainly needs outdoor spaces, with a source of clean water (lake, pool, etc). They enjoy while they swim freely, clean and refresh themselves daily. In addition, they need to swim and walk to exercise their muscles regularly.

It is recommended to buy a rabbit or chicken coop to provide a shelter for the animal, where it can be protected and rest. The dimensions will depend on the number of ducks and your available space.

The duck is usually very resistant when it receives a good diet and lives in optimal conditions for its development. Likewise, preventive medicine and periodic visits to the specialized veterinarian are fundamental in the basic care of ducks.

A common mistake that is made with ducks is to raise them as if they were chickens, when, unlike these, they prefer to stay most of the time out in the open. In temperate climates they are raised without artificial shelters. The majority of the breeders own a corral with defense where they enclose to the animals at night, or in continuous form if the space is limited.

Opposite to what is generally believed, ducks can be bred perfectly without a swimming pond. On the contrary, many times the existence of pools of stagnant water leads to health problems. However, a constant supply of clean water to drink and wash the beak is necessary. It is essential to design drinking fountains at least ten centimeters deep; To prevent mud puddles from forming, they should be placed on platforms built with wire cloth.

Domestic ducks produce eggs of good size and flavor, they taste good, they can clean your garden of slugs and snails and are relatively easy to care for. Whether you decide to raise them as a hobby or to have a small business, the best way to start is by getting information about raising ducks. Although they are easier to care for than other poultry, you must meet some basic breeding requirements to have a healthy flock.

If you want ducks for meat production, consider the races Peking, Creole, Rouen or Aylesbury. You will want a race that grows fast, that produces delicious and heavier meat. Many people prefer ducks with white plumage, since their shell is more likely to have a clean appearance.

1-Peking ducks are one of the most popular breeds for meat production because they are ready to be slaughtered at 7 weeks, they have a large amount of meat and their plumage is white. They also put a significant number of eggs during the year (varies by location, in the UK, for example, they are not good layers), so they are a good multipurpose breed. You can cross them with the Aylesbury breed to have babies that give a lot of meat.

2-Creole ducks produce delicious dark meat with lower fat content. This is because they have less developed sebaceous glands. They are not good layers and the eggs they put take 35 days to hatch instead of 28. However, they are very good mothers, so you will not need an incubator. You can cross them with the Peking race to have ducks that produce a lot of meat, but their offspring will be sterile. Also, you must sacrifice them at 16 weeks of age or your meat will become very hard.

3-Rouen ducks are good meat producers but you must wait between 12 and 15 weeks to sacrifice them. They are also good layers (100 eggs per season). However, the barrels of their feathers are colored and their carcasses are more difficult to clean.

4-Aylesbury ducks are prized for meat production due to their large size and white plumage, however, authentic Aylesbury ducks are very rare and most are Aylesbury and Beijing crosses, which are also good for meat production . It is said that white crested ducks are a cross between Aylesbury and Peking ducks. They are not good layers.

If you want ducks that help you control pests, consider Indian Racer races, Campbell kaki or mignon. All ducks eat slugs, snails or other insects that are pests in the gardens, but some breeds are better at finding their own food and traveling large areas. The ducks also clean the algae slime and the lentils from the ponds.

Tips

Ducklings need a rough surface to stand when they are young, so do not use soft paper, but wood shavings or other type of substrate.

Thoroughly investigate the breed of ducks you chose to learn about their specific care and breeding.

The ducklings will need a shelter against long and heavy rainfall until they have their feathers complete.