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Keeping Ducks: The Essential Guide to Keeping Ducks in Your Backyard

Mitch Foster

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Published in Keeping Ducks Tony Herman

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Keeping Ducks is the definitive guide to raising ducks for eggs, meat, and companionship. This comprehensive book covers everything you need to know about choosing the right breed of duck, housing and feeding your ducks, and keeping them healthy and happy. With over 200 pages of information and advice, Keeping Ducks is the perfect resource for both experienced and aspiring duck keepers.

Keeping Ducks

by Tony Herman

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1569 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	16 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Chapter 1: Choosing the Right Breed of Duck

There are many different breeds of ducks, each with its own unique characteristics. Some breeds are better suited for laying eggs, while others are better for meat production. Some breeds are more docile and make good pets, while others are more flighty and independent. When choosing a breed of duck, it is important to consider your own needs and preferences.

Some of the most popular breeds of ducks for backyard keeping include:

Pekin ducks: Pekin ducks are a large breed of duck that is known for its egg production. Pekin ducks can lay up to 300 eggs per year.
Khaki Campbell ducks: Khaki Campbell ducks are a medium-sized breed of duck that is known for its meat production. Khaki Campbell ducks can reach a weight of up to 5 pounds.
Indian Runner ducks: Indian Runner ducks are a small breed of duck that is known for its egg production. Indian Runner ducks can lay up to 200 eggs per year.
Muscovy ducks: Muscovy ducks are a large breed of duck that is known for its meat production. Muscovy ducks can reach a weight of up to 12 pounds.

Chapter 2: Housing Your Ducks

Ducks need a clean, dry, and well-ventilated place to live. The size of your duck house will depend on the number of ducks you have. A good rule of thumb is to provide 4 square feet of space per duck.

Your duck house should be protected from the elements and should have a door that can be closed at night to keep predators out.

In addition to a duck house, you will also need to provide your ducks with a run. The run should be large enough for your ducks to move around freely and should be fenced in to keep them from wandering off.

Chapter 3: Feeding Your Ducks

Ducks are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods. A good commercial duck feed will provide your ducks with all the nutrients they need. You can also supplement your ducks' diet with fruits, vegetables, and table scraps.

It is important to make sure that your ducks have access to fresh water at all times.

Chapter 4: Keeping Your Ducks Healthy

Ducks are generally healthy animals, but there are a few common health problems that you should be aware of.

Some of the most common health problems in ducks include:

Duck virus enteritis (DVE): DVE is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting in ducks. DVE can be fatal, especially in young ducks.
Duck hepatitis: Duck hepatitis is a liver disease that can cause jaundice, lethargy, and weight loss in ducks. Duck hepatitis can be fatal, especially in young ducks.
Avian influenza: Avian influenza is a respiratory disease that can cause coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge in ducks. Avian influenza can be fatal, especially in young ducks.

It is important to vaccinate your ducks against these common health problems. You should also take your ducks to the vet for regular checkups.

Chapter 5: Raising Ducks for Eggs

Ducks are prolific egg layers. Some breeds of ducks can lay up to 300 eggs per year. Ducks will start laying eggs when they are about 6 months old.

To collect duck eggs, simply reach into the duck house and gather the eggs from the nests. Duck eggs are typically larger and richer than chicken eggs.

Chapter 6: Raising Ducks for Meat

Ducks can also be raised for meat. Ducks reach their slaughter weight at about 16 weeks of age. Ducks can be processed at home or at a commercial slaughterhouse.

Duck meat is a healthy and delicious alternative to chicken. Duck meat is high in protein and low in fat.

Chapter 7: Raising Ducks for Companionship

Ducks can also be raised for companionship. Ducks are social animals and make great pets. Ducks are friendly and curious and will enjoy spending time with you.

If you are looking for a fun and rewarding pet, then a duck may be the perfect choice for you.

Keeping ducks is a great way to enjoy the benefits of fresh eggs, meat, and companionship. Ducks are easy to care for and can be raised in a variety of settings. With the information provided in this book, you can be sure that you have all the knowledge you need to raise healthy and happy ducks.

Keeping Ducks

by Tony Herman

5 out of 5