How to Raise Ducks (6 Important Things You Need to Know)

Raising ducks can be a rewarding experience, whether you want fresh eggs, homegrown meat, or natural pest control for your garden.

Ducks are hardy, low-maintenance birds that adapt well to various environments, but they do have specific care requirements.

Before bringing ducks home, it’s important to understand their housing, feeding, and health needs to keep them happy and thriving.

In this article, I'll share everything you need to know about raising ducks, from selecting the right breed to setting up their brooder, feeding them properly, and managing their long-term care.

Raising chickens for meat is another great option, and looking at both can help you decide which fits your needs better.

So by the end, you’ll have all the knowledge required to raise healthy ducks with confidence.

1. Choosing the Right Duck Breed

The best duck breed for you depends on whether you’re raising ducks for eggs, meat, or both. Some breeds are also more social and adaptable, making them better suited for small farms or backyard flocks.

Dual-Purpose Breeds (Eggs & Meat)

If you want ducks that provide both eggs and meat, Welsh Harlequins are a top choice.

They are calm, friendly, and excellent foragers, laying between 240 and 330 eggs per year while growing to a good size for meat production. Their adaptable nature makes them ideal for both small and large flocks.

Best Egg-Laying Breeds

For those focused on egg production, Indian Runner and Khaki Campbell ducks are among the best layers.

Indian Runners can produce up to 300 eggs per year and are highly active, making them excellent at foraging.

Khaki Campbells lay 250 to 340 eggs annually and thrive in free-range environments, supplementing their diet with natural food sources.

Best Meat Breeds

If your goal is meat production, Pekin ducks are the most common breed, reaching market weight in just 7 to 9 weeks.

They have a mild temperament and are easy to raise. Aylesbury ducks are another excellent choice, known for their tender, flavorful meat and fast growth.

If you prefer leaner meat, Muscovy ducks are a great option. They grow larger than most domestic breeds and are quieter, as they do not quack like other ducks.

Choosing a breed that matches your goals will set the foundation for a productive and enjoyable duck-raising experience.

2. Setting Up a Brooder for Ducklings

A well-prepared brooder is essential for keeping ducklings warm, safe, and comfortable in their first few weeks. It should be spacious, easy to clean, and secure from predators.

Using a Bathtub as a Brooder

Many duck owners use large plastic bins, livestock troughs, or wooden enclosures, but a spare bathtub can work surprisingly well.

Bathtubs are easy to clean, provide good containment, and have a built-in drain for water management.

No matter what type of brooder you choose, ensure it has high enough walls to prevent ducklings from escaping and proper ventilation for fresh airflow.

Managing Water in the Brooder

Unlike chicks, ducklings love water but tend to splash and spill it everywhere. This can quickly lead to wet bedding and unsanitary conditions.

One way to reduce mess is to limit their access to water by using a small trough for drinking and removing water sources for a few hours at night.

Another effective method is using alternative waterers, such as plastic jugs with small holes cut into the sides.

This allows ducklings to dip their bills in without tipping the water over. Placing a shallow dish inside a larger one can also help contain spills and keep the brooder drier.

Choosing the Right Bedding

Since ducklings create a lot of moisture, selecting highly absorbent bedding is crucial. Pelleted bedding is a better choice than pine shavings because it absorbs more moisture and reduces odors.

Wet bedding can lead to bacterial growth and increase the risk of respiratory infections, so checking and replacing soiled bedding regularly is essential.

Adding a layer of absorbent material underneath the bedding can further control moisture and make cleanup easier.

A well-maintained brooder ensures ducklings stay warm, dry, and comfortable. By using the right setup, limiting water spills, and keeping bedding fresh, you can provide them with the best start in life.

3. Feeding Ducks at Different Life Stages

Your ducks' diet plays a huge role in their health, growth, and egg production.

Since ducks have different nutritional needs than chickens, it’s important to provide the right food at each stage of their life.

Paying attention to protein levels, niacin intake, and access to fresh water will help your ducks thrive.

What to Feed Ducklings

Ducklings grow fast, so they need a nutrient-rich diet from day one. Unlike chicks, they require more niacin (vitamin B3) to develop strong bones and prevent leg issues.

Most chick starter feeds don’t have enough niacin, so you’ll need to supplement with brewer’s yeast. A good rule of thumb is 1.5 tablespoons of brewer’s yeast per cup of feed.

Protein levels also matter. For the first two weeks, ducklings should eat feed with 18–20% protein.

After that, you’ll need to gradually reduce the protein to prevent wing deformities like angel wing. Here’s a simple guideline:

• Weeks 3–18: 15–16% protein
• After 18 weeks (laying ducks): 16% layer feed

If you’re using a high-protein chick starter, you can mix in rolled oats to dilute the protein content.

Adding 20% organic old-fashioned oats when ducklings reach three weeks old helps bring protein levels down to a safe range.

Adding Greens and Grit

Ducks love to forage, and their diet should include fresh greens like kale, Swiss chard, dandelion greens, grass, and peas.

If your ducks are free-ranging, they’ll naturally find some of their food, but if they’re in a pen, you should supplement their diet. Ducks can get up to 30–40% of their nutrition from greens if given enough variety.

Unlike chickens, ducks don’t have teeth, so they need grit to digest food properly. If they’re not foraging outside, provide commercial chick grit or coarse dirt to help break down food in their gizzard.

Water and Food Placement

Ducks need constant access to fresh water, especially when eating. They use water to help swallow and digest their food, so always keep it next to their feed.

Wetting their feed slightly or turning it into a mash can also aid digestion, but make sure to discard any uneaten wet feed at the end of the day to prevent mold.

Providing the right diet at every stage will keep your ducks healthy, active, and productive.

With balanced protein levels, proper niacin intake, and plenty of fresh greens, your ducks will grow strong and lay nutritious eggs.

4. Housing Ducks for Safety and Comfort

Your ducks need a secure and well-ventilated shelter to stay safe, dry, and comfortable.

Unlike chickens, they don’t roost or need nesting boxes, but they do require enough space, proper flooring, and protection from predators.

A well-designed duck house will keep them happy and healthy year-round.

How Much Space Do Ducks Need?

Ducks are active birds, so they need room to move around. Each duck should have at least 4 square feet of indoor space and 10 square feet of outdoor space.

If ducks are too crowded, they’ll get stressed, and their living area will become messy. If you’re raising them in a free-range setup, they’ll still need a secure shelter at night to protect them from predators.

Keeping the Duck House Safe

Predators like raccoons, foxes, and stray dogs can be a serious threat, especially at night.

To keep your ducks safe, their housing should have sturdy walls, a secure roof, and predator-proof latches on doors.

Instead of chicken wire, use hardware cloth, which is much stronger and prevents small predators from squeezing through.

Raising the duck house slightly off the ground helps keep out rodents and moisture.

Ducks can handle cold weather better than extreme heat, but their shelter should have good ventilation to prevent humidity buildup. Fresh airflow reduces the risk of respiratory illnesses and keeps bedding dry.

What to Use for Bedding

Since ducks sleep on the ground, they don’t need roosts like chickens. A soft, dry bedding layer will keep them comfortable. Straw, pelleted bedding, or dry sand are good options.

Ducks naturally produce a lot of moisture, so regularly changing bedding is important to prevent ammonia buildup.

If you’re raising ducklings in fall or winter, they’ll need a heat source until their feathers come in. A heat lamp or brooder plate can be used, but always follow fire safety precautions.

A secure, spacious, and well-ventilated duck house will keep your flock safe from predators, harsh weather, and health issues.

With proper housing, your ducks will have a comfortable place to rest, lay eggs, and stay protected year-round.

5. Maintaining Duck Health and Well-Being

Keeping your ducks healthy goes beyond just feeding and housing them. They need clean water, social interaction, and regular observation to stay in top shape.

Sure ducks are hardy animals, but small problems can turn into bigger issues if they’re not caught early. With good daily care and attention, you can prevent most common health concerns.

Clean Water and Hygiene

Ducks rely on water for more than just drinking – it helps keep their bills, nostrils, and eyes clean. If they can’t submerge their heads, they may develop respiratory issues and eye infections.

That’s why it’s essential to provide water containers at least 4–6 inches deep, allowing them to dunk their heads completely.

Since ducks splash water everywhere, you’ll need to change their drinking water frequently to keep it fresh and free from bacteria.

Placing water dishes on an elevated surface or using a shallow dish inside a larger one can help reduce muddy conditions.

Socialization and Handling

Ducks are social animals and should never be kept alone.

They thrive in small groups and will be much happier with at least one companion. If you want your ducks to be friendly, handle them often from a young age.

Talking to your ducklings early on (even while they’re still in the egg) can help them recognize your voice.

Dave Holderread’s experiment showed that ducklings respond better to voices they heard before hatching.

If you’re raising ducklings, spend time with them daily, and offer treats like freeze-dried mealworms, peas, lettuce, or kale to build trust.

Recognizing Signs of Illness

Healthy ducks are active, social, and alert. If you notice lethargy, limping, droopy wings, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing, something may be wrong.

Since ducks tend to hide symptoms, catching problems early is key.

A good habit is to observe your ducks daily – watch how they move, eat, and interact with each other.

If something seems off, separate the sick duck from the rest of the flock and monitor its condition. Keeping their environment clean and providing a well-balanced diet will help prevent most common illnesses.

By maintaining clean water, regular social interaction, and daily health checks, you’ll keep your ducks happy and thriving for years to come.

6. Managing a Flock of Ducks

Raising ducks successfully goes beyond feeding and housing them. Managing a flock requires careful attention to group size, breeding practices, and long-term care.

Keeping a Manageable Flock Size

If you’re raising ducks for eggs or meat, keeping flock sizes under 250 birds helps prevent stress and aggressive behavior. In backyard flocks, a group of 3 to 10 ducks is ideal for easy management.

If your flock is too large, ducks may struggle to establish a pecking order, leading to fights and unnecessary stress.

When keeping ducks in a small space, make sure they have enough room to move freely—this reduces bullying and keeps the living area cleaner.

Breeding and Hatching Ducklings

If you’re planning to hatch ducklings, you should select eggs from ducks that are at least 7 months old. Younger ducks lay eggs with lower fertility rates, which can reduce hatch success.

To give hens a break, separate drakes (males) from females except during mating season. This helps reduce aggression and ensures the females aren’t over-mated.

When incubating eggs, talking to them (as I mentioned earlier) before they hatch can help ducklings get used to your voice, making them friendlier from the start.

Long-Term Responsibilities

Ducks are a long-term commitment, living 10–15 years with proper care. Over time, egg production will slow down, but they’ll still need the same level of attention.

Older ducks may require softer food and extra protection from extreme weather.

Since ducks are social, they should never be kept alone. If one duck passes away, introducing a new companion can help prevent loneliness.

Ducks are also great at natural pest control, eating slugs, snails, and insects that can damage your garden.

Managing Ducks’ Natural Messiness

Ducks love water, which means they will make a mess. Their drinking water should be placed on well-draining surfaces to avoid muddy conditions.

If you’re keeping ducks in a pen, adding gravel or straw in wet areas will help reduce standing water.

Start Raising Ducks Today!

Raising ducks doesn’t have to be complicated. If you provide good food, clean water, and a safe home, your ducks will thrive.

Whether you’re raising them for eggs, meat, or just for fun, these birds are a wonderful addition to any backyard or farm.

With the right setup and care, your ducks will reward you with delicious eggs, high-quality meat, and a natural way to keep pests out of your garden.

Most importantly, they’ll bring joy and personality to your backyard or farm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much space do ducks need?

Each duck requires at least 4 square feet of indoor space and 10 square feet of outdoor space. More space is always better, as it helps reduce stress and keeps their living area cleaner.

Can ducks live with chickens?

Yes, but with some adjustments. Ducks and chickens have different needs, especially when it comes to water. Ducks need deeper water sources to clean their bills, which can make the coop wet and messy for chickens. If you’re keeping them together, make sure to separate their water and sleeping areas to prevent hygiene issues.

What is the best feed for ducklings?

Ducklings need 18–20% protein feed for the first two weeks, then 15–16% protein until they reach 18 weeks old. Since ducklings require more niacin than chicks, you’ll need to add brewer’s yeast to their feed—1.5 tablespoons per cup works well. This helps prevent leg and bone issues.

Do ducks need a pond to be happy?

While ducks love swimming, a pond isn’t required. A small kiddie pool or deep water container is enough for them to clean themselves and stay entertained. However, access to water deep enough for them to submerge their heads is essential for their health.

How do I keep my duck house predator-proof?

To protect ducks from predators, their housing should have secure walls, a solid roof, and hardware cloth instead of chicken wire. Doors should have predator-proof latches, and the shelter should be elevated slightly off the ground to prevent burrowing animals from getting inside.