Caring for ducks as pets can be a memorable experience. In general, ducks are more difficult to raise and care for than other animals, such as dogs or cats, because the environment in which they live needs to be closely monitored. Ducks are also animals that like to socialize and prefer to be kept in pairs or groups. There are many types of ducks with different sizes, shapes, and coat colors. However, all types of ducks have the same basic needs. You need to feed it well, protect it from predators and bad weather, and keep the environment in which it lives clean.
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Part 1 of 3: Feeding the Ducks
Step 1. Provide food containing 18-20% protein for ducklings and young ducks
Because young ducks develop quickly, they need a type of food that is rich in protein and high in calories. In the first three weeks after the ducks hatch, give the ducks the initial type of food in the form of small pellets (about 0.3 centimeters in diameter) containing 18-20% protein content.
- Duck feed can be purchased at the nearest pet store. Some well-known companies that produce duck feed, among others, are Purina, Mazuri, or Gunter.
- Although chicken feed can be used as a substitute for duck feed, ducklings should not be given chicken feed as food.
- After the ducklings reach 20 weeks of age, you can replace the duck feed with chicken feed (as long as the protein content is the same).
Step 2. Provide food containing 14% protein when the ducks reach 3 weeks of age
Male and female ducks need the same protein intake. Check the back of the duck feed for nutritional information.
Step 3. Provide food containing 16-17% protein and 3-4% calcium for laying ducks
Calcium intake is needed so that laying ducks can produce quality eggs. You can start feeding the female ducks with a higher protein feed at certain seasons (eg dry season when the ducks start laying eggs).
Step 4. Occasional snacks such as corn, carrots, and green vegetables such as cucumbers or broccoli
The portion of snacks provided should not exceed 15-20% of the main meal portion. Cut the treats into smaller pieces for easier eating. You can also allow ducks to forage on their own outdoors as long as the area allowed for foraging is free of pesticides or toxic materials.
- Do not season or cook food items that are used as snacks; give them raw.
- Some types of food such as bread, chocolate, onions, garlic, popcorn, avocados, and citrus fruits should not be given to ducks.
Step 5. Have food available at all times
Make sure you let the ducks eat their food freely. However, throw away the food at night to prevent it from rotting or attracting ants and mice. Usually, ducks consume about 150-200 grams of food every day. However, larger ducks may consume more food.
Step 6. Try to buy fresh food more often (in small quantities)
For large groups of ducks, purchasing large quantities of duck food will certainly facilitate the feeding process. However, for small groups, it's a good idea to buy food in small quantities more often so that fresh food is always available for your pet ducks. Keep in mind that moldy food can make ducks seriously ill. Store leftover duck food in a dry place.
Step 7. Provide clean drinking water with an ambient temperature of 10-21°C
You can provide drinking water for the ducks in a trough, outdoor pond, or small bucket. Basically, a large, open container that allows the duck to insert its beak is sufficient. If you want to use a drinking water line (eg one used on a chicken or turkey farm), make sure your ducks can reach the drain.
- Make sure the drinking water for ducks is always clean because ducks are susceptible to botulism (food poisoning caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum).
- Change the drinking water every day.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing the Cage for Ducks
Step 1. Keep newborn ducks in a heated cage for 4-6 weeks
Ducks are not yet able to regulate their body temperature so it is important for you to maintain and care for them in a heated cage or brooder. In the first week after hatching, the ducklings must live in an environment with a temperature of 30°C. After one week, you can set the ambient temperature to 27°C.
- After 4-6 weeks, ducks are able to regulate their own body temperature and no longer need to be kept in a heated cage.
- Heated cages can be purchased online or at pet stores.
- If the duckling appears to be gasping for air (as if it feels hot), lower the heating temperature just a few degrees.
Step 2. Maintain the optimal temperature for adult ducks
Ducks that are 35 days old (or older) and ducks that lay eggs need to be kept in cages at 13°C. If the ducks gather together and close together, there is a possibility that the ducks will feel cold. On the other hand, if the ducks seem to be panting, chances are the ducks are feeling hot. Pay attention to these signs and adjust the heating temperature according to the conditions.
- If the weather is very hot, try providing a pool of cold water so the ducks can swim.
- Keep or care for ducks in a place with an air temperature that can be easily regulated or controlled.
Step 3. Provide a cage large enough for the ducks to walk around the cage
Newly hatched ducklings only need about 300 square centimeters of space to move around. However, the area of the space will increase with physical development. Ducks that are 3 days old need about 1 square meter of space to move around. Meanwhile, 1 week old ducks need 2.3 square meters of space to move around and for laying ducks, 2.5 to 2.8 square meters of space are needed.
Step 4. Place the ducks in a cage with protection and a good floor
If the cage used has a wire floor, for ducks under 3 weeks of age, make sure the floor is made of 1.9 centimeters of gauze and 2 mm of welding wire. Floors need to be attached to a framework designed to keep the wires level and reduce dirt build-up. For ducks that are over 3 weeks old, use 2.5 centimeters of gauze. Vinyl-coated wire mesh or galvanized wire may be a better choice.
- Make sure the cage is strong enough so the ducks can't escape.
- The cage should protect the ducks from predators, such as raccoons or bobcats, especially if the cage is placed outdoors.
- You can also use floors that are not made of wire, as long as there are not too many areas where there is a risk of scraping or injuring the duck's feet.
Step 5. Ensure that the cage is clean and ventilated
Ducks are irregular animals with liquid feces. Therefore, you need to clean the cage using a non-toxic disinfectant product, at least 3 times a week. The cage should also have good ventilation (eg open windows). If ducks are kept indoors, make sure they can get fresh air.
Step 6. Light the ducks for 14-17 hours every day
In some seasons (eg rainy season), sunlight does not shine that long. Therefore, try turning on lights (especially artificial sunlight) after sunset to give your ducks 14-17 hours of light exposure.
Step 7. Let the nesting ducks incubate the eggs
In certain seasons, female ducks will start laying eggs so you need to provide a quiet environment, food and water sources nearby. If you don't want to raise more ducklings, you only need to collect the eggs after the mother has finished laying. Ducks love to hide their eggs so you may find them in the most unlikely of places.
- It's natural when the mother duck leaves her eggs. Other times, he will return to incubating the eggs.
- Depending on the condition of the duck itself, the duck can produce one to fourteen eggs.
- After the mother duck lays about a dozen eggs, the eggs will hatch within a month. However, not all ducklings can hatch and survive.
- Place the newly hatched ducklings in a heated cage.
Part 3 of 3: Interacting with Ducks
Step 1. Talk to your duck
Like humans, ducks can also hear and respond to the sounds they hear. Try talking to him so you can get closer to him. You can also give it a name.
Step 2. Play carefully with the ducks
Ducks are known as animals that can do tricks and show love. You can buy some bird toys to play with your ducks, or simply take them to the soaking tub so they can swim. Each duck has a different "personality". Ducks can also play with string or twine, or even try to dig a hole.
Step 3. Take your duck to the vet if he seems sick
When feeding, watch for signs of health problems in the ducks. If your duck looks lethargic, is losing hair, or has no appetite, you should take him to the vet's office immediately. There, doctors can provide the care and medications needed.
Warning
- Ducks are prey animals. Therefore, as much as possible protect your pet duck from predatory animals such as raccoons or forest lions.
- Don't give pets to children if they can't take good care of them. Keep in mind that ducks need a lot of attention and care.
Tips
- Spend a lot of time with your duck to keep him happy and more docile.
- Read various references or information about the care and maintenance of ducks. You can also buy magazines dealing with ducks with useful articles.
- Ducks can live happily with other birds, including geese.
- Make sure the cage used has a roof or cover on top; Do not allow predators to enter the cage through the top of the cage that is left open.
- If possible, bring your ducks indoors when it's rainy, hot, or at night.
