![]() With the exception of those of the Muscovy strain, duck eggs require 28 days to hatch Muscovy eggs require 35 days.Ĭollect eggs several times daily. If chickens are used for hatching water fowl, the eggs must be sprinkled daily with lukewarm water. Do not use Pekins, Khaki-Campbells or Indian Runners for hatching. ![]() Chickens and some duck breeds are quite adequate for hatching duck eggs. Approximately 1 month before the ducks start to lay, give them a breeding ration which is pelleted and fed free choice.ĭuck eggs may be incubated naturally or artificially. Overweight can be avoided by maintaining ducks selected for breeders on a holding ration. Otherwise, the water will become filthy and a potential health hazard.īreeding ducks should not be too fat when they commence to lay. Water troughs should be designed to keep birds out. Provide one nest box for every five ducks.Īny feed or water equipment that is satisfactory for chickens can be used for ducks. Provide nest boxes and place them on the floor where the ducks have easy access to them. Since ducks lay most of their eggs in the morning, confine them in the breeder house until noon, so that all eggs will be laid in the house. Provide 0.46m2 (5 sq ft) of floor space per bird in the house.ĭirt floors may be used in buildings if the soil is light and sandy, but concrete floors are recommended as they are easily cleaned and more sanitary. For farm flocks, a shed or colony brooder hose is satisfactory. In handling ducks, pick them up by the neck rather than by the legs, which are easily broken.īreeder ducks require very little equipment for their care. Ducks have a distinct "quack" drakes do not "quack". In warmer weather increase it to eight.ĭrakes may be determined by their larger size, higher pitched voices and more erect carriage than ducks. In colder weather, limit the number of ducks per drake to five. In backyard flocks it would be more desirable to keep ducks for several years.įive to eight ducks can be mated to each drake. However, they can be used successfully for 4 to 5 years. Eliminate those that have difficulty walking at a reasonable speed.īreeder ducks are most profitable during their first laying year. In marketing the selection, it is good idea to walk the birds for several hundred yards (metres). Breeders should be uniform in size and the approximate weight range for the breed used, having a full breast, deep keel, long back with good width between the legs. A final selection is made before they are placed in the breeder pens. Breeders are selected from the earliest hatches of the year, with the initial selection being made when the birds are about 8 weeks old. The selection of vigorous breeding stock is essential. Besides the meat and egg producers, there are a number of ornamental breeds that also make good eating. These ducks will lay as well as a good strain of White Leghorn. ![]() The breeds for egg production include the Indian Runner and Khaki-Compbell. Other good meat strains are the Aylesbury and the Muscovy. Rapid growth combined with good egg production make the Pekin the most popular breed of duck for meat. Before going into production, make sure a market is available and then seek sound advice on the development of a duck enterprise.ĭucks are primarily kept for meat because of their rapid growth, hardiness and ease of handling. Ducks are most popular with people of Far Eastern or European backgrounds. ![]() If you are thinking of raising ducks commercially, bear in mind that the market is usually limited to large cities and the demand is not as broad as that for chicken. Managing a Small Duck Flock - By Agri Canada - This publication is presented as a guide for the hobbyist or backyard farmer on the management of small duck flocks it is not intended as a guide for a large-scale commercial operation.
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