Thinking about raising ducks in your backyard?
I think you’re going to love them.
Ducks are entertaining, surprisingly personable, excellent egg layers, and wonderful additions to a backyard homestead. They are also messy, noisy, and have a few special needs that are different from chickens.
I’ve raised ducks for years, and I’ve learned that the secret to enjoying ducks is not trying to make them into chickens.
Ducks are ducks.
Once you understand what they need and set things up to work with their natural behavior, raising ducks becomes much easier.
This guide will walk you through the basics of raising ducks for beginners, from choosing your first ducks and setting up their home to feeding, watering, predator protection, free ranging and everyday care.
And if you’re just starting with ducklings, I’ve written a separate guide specifically for that stage:
Related>> How to Raise Ducklings: A Beginner’s Guide to Baby Duck Care
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Are Ducks Right for Your Backyard?
Before you buy ducks, there is one question you should ask yourself:
Do I really want ducks?
I know that sounds obvious, but ducks are not simply chickens that happen to lay eggs a little larger.
They have different housing needs, different water needs and different personalities.
And they are messy.
Very messy.
Ducks splash water everywhere. They make mud. They poop a lot. Their drinking water gets dirty quickly. If you give them a nice clean area, they will often find a way to turn it into a swamp.
But they also have some wonderful qualities.
Ducks are generally hardy, many breeds are excellent egg layers, and they are natural foragers. I love watching them search for bugs, explore the yard, and investigate anything new that catches their attention. And if you spend much time around ducks, you’ll quickly discover that each one has its own personality.
For me, the good far outweighs the mess.
What I Love About Raising Ducks
There is something about having ducks in the backyard that I really enjoy. They are productive, entertaining and full of personality. I love collecting their eggs, watching them forage and listening to all the different sounds they make as they go about their day.
They also make me laugh. Ducks have a way of turning ordinary things into an adventure, and watching a flock interact with each other is endlessly entertaining.
That’s why, despite the water, the mud and all the mess, I wouldn’t want my backyard to be without ducks.
And unlike some livestock, you don’t need a huge amount of land to enjoy them.
A well-designed backyard duck setup can work surprisingly well.
The key is setting up their housing, water and fencing before the ducks arrive.
How Many Ducks Should You Start With?
At least three.
Ducks are social animals and do best with other ducks. I don’t recommend keeping a single duck by itself.
Three ducks give you a small flock and provide companionship throughout the day.
You may eventually decide you want more, but three is a good minimum for someone just getting started.
And remember that ducks establish a social hierarchy. If you eventually add more ducks, introductions should be handled carefully rather than simply putting a new duck into the existing flock.
🌼 From Mary’s Backyard
I learned the importance of companionship the hard way.I once integrated a juvenile duck into an existing flock by itself. The other ducks never fully accepted it. It was picked on and remained an outsider.
Looking back, I wish I had given that young duck a companion.
There really is safety in numbers.
That experience is one reason I strongly recommend starting with at least three ducks rather than planning to keep one duck alone.
Choosing the Right Duck Breed
There are a lot of wonderful duck breeds, and the “best” breed depends on what you want from your ducks.
Are you primarily interested in eggs?
Do you want ducks for meat?
Are you looking for a calm backyard pet?
Do you want a breed that is a good forager?
Or maybe you simply have a particular breed you fell in love with.
Some popular breeds for backyard duck keepers include Pekins, Khaki Campbells, Welsh Harlequins, Indian Runners, Buffs and Cayugas.
Before choosing a breed, consider its adult size, egg production, temperament and whether it tends to be a good fit for your particular situation.
Related>> Best Ducks for Eggs: 7 Highly Productive Duck Breeds
Related>> Get A Free Duck Breeds Chart
Should You Get Ducklings or Adult Ducks?
There isn’t one right answer.
Ducklings are adorable and fun to raise, but they require a brooder, supplemental heat, special care and a lot of cleaning.
Adult ducks are more work-free in the beginning because they don’t need a brooder, but finding healthy adult ducks can sometimes be more difficult than finding ducklings.
If you have never raised ducks before, don’t assume ducklings are automatically easier.
They are babies.
Babies need care.
If you choose ducklings, have everything ready before they arrive.
Read: How to Raise Ducklings: A Beginner’s Guide to Baby Duck Care
Setting Up a Home for Your Ducks
Your ducks need a safe place to sleep, protection from weather, clean bedding and protection from predators.
Their house doesn’t have to be fancy.
In fact, I’d rather have a simple, well-designed duck house than an elaborate building that is difficult to clean.
Ducks need good ventilation without drafts blowing directly on them, especially while they sleep.
They also need enough space to move comfortably without being crowded.
One important difference between ducks and chickens is that ducks don’t naturally perch at night. They are perfectly happy sleeping on the floor.
That means their house can be designed differently from a chicken coop.
Related>> A Well Designed Duck Coop To Make Your Life Easier
Keep Their Bedding Dry
Ducks are messy. They splash water everywhere, and wet bedding can quickly become a problem. Good bedding needs to absorb moisture, control odors, and give your ducks a reasonably dry place to walk and rest.
There are several materials you can use for duck bedding, including pine shavings, straw, hay, shredded paper, chopped leaves, and other suitable materials. Each has advantages and disadvantages, so don’t feel like you have to use pine shavings just because that’s what you see most often.
Some people also change their bedding with the seasons. During the warmer months, you may prefer a material that is easy to manage, while in winter, straw can make a nice insulating layer that helps keep the ducks warmer.
If you plan to compost your used bedding and eventually use it in your garden, pay attention to how the material was grown. Straw and hay can sometimes contain herbicide residues, and most herbicides can remain active even after the plant material has been turned into bedding or compost. If you’re going to use your duck bedding in the garden, choosing hay or straw that you know hasn’t been treated with persistent herbicides is very important.
For a deep-litter system, you gradually build up the bedding rather than removing everything every day. Add fresh, dry material as needed to cover wet or soiled areas and keep the surface reasonably dry. The bedding eventually breaks down and can become useful compost material.
The important thing is not finding one “perfect” deep-litter material. The best bedding is usually the safe material you have available, can afford, and will actually use to keep the duck house dry and clean.
Whatever bedding you choose, avoid materials that are dusty, moldy, or otherwise unsuitable for animals. And remember that cedar shavings should not be used for ducks or ducklings.
🌼 From Mary’s Backyard
I often use inexpensive hay for deep litter because it is readily available to me and works well for my setup. I also prefer cheap hay because it is less likely to have been treated with herbicides than some of the other hay I could buy. If you’re planning to put your used bedding on your garden, this is something I would definitely think about before choosing your bedding.
Related>> Deep Litter – The Best Method For A Duck And Chicken Run
Do Ducks Need a Pond?
I believe ducks should have access to a pond or other suitable bathing water.
Ducks don’t just swim because they enjoy it—although they certainly do!
Bathing is an important part of normal duck behavior and hygiene. When ducks bathe and preen afterward, they spread the natural oils through their feathers, helping maintain their waterproofing. Bathing also gives them an opportunity to clean themselves and can help them deal with external parasites such as mites.
Water is also important for other natural duck behaviors, including mating. And on a hot summer day, there is nothing quite like watching a duck happily swim and splash around to cool itself off.
And let’s not forget enjoyment. Ducks absolutely love to swim, dive, splash and play in water. Watching a flock of ducks enjoying their pond is one of the pleasures of raising them.
A pond doesn’t have to mean a huge, permanent body of water. Depending on the size of your flock and your property, you can provide a suitable stock tank, livestock trough, construction tub or other bathing area. The important thing is that the ducks have enough water to fully bathe, dunk their heads and preen afterward, along with an easy way to get in and out.
Of course, bathing water is going to get dirty. That’s part of raising ducks. You’ll need to have a plan for keeping it reasonably clean and changing or refreshing the water when necessary.
Clean drinking water is still essential, and I prefer to keep drinking water separate from the water they bathe in whenever possible. A duck can turn perfectly clean drinking water into filthy bathwater in minutes!
🌼 From Mary’s Backyard
I think one of the biggest mistakes people make when they first learn about ducks is thinking that a little drinking water is all they need because “ducks don’t really need a pond.”Technically, you can keep a duck alive without giving it a pond. But that’s not the same thing as giving a duck everything it needs to live naturally and comfortably.
If you’re going to raise ducks, I think they deserve water where they can actually be ducks.
Realted>> Do Ducks Need A Pond To Be Happy And Healthy?
Feeding Ducks
Ducks need a good-quality feed appropriate for their age and stage of life. Ducklings need food formulated for growth, while adult ducks need food formulated for mature birds.
One of the biggest differences is calcium. Laying ducks need additional calcium because they are producing eggshells. That’s why layer feed contains more calcium than feed intended for growing birds.
Ducklings should not be fed layer food. Their nutritional needs are different, and the extra calcium in layer feed is not appropriate for growing ducklings.
Once your female ducks begin laying, they should be switched to an appropriate adult layer feed. That’s why it’s called layer food—it is formulated for birds that are producing eggs.
I also continue to give my ducks brewer’s yeast. I sprinkle approximately ¼ to ⅓ teaspoon per bird per day over their feed. I add it to the top of their feed each time I fill the feeder.
You can supplement your ducks’ diet with appropriate greens, vegetables, insects and other treats, especially when they have access to a yard where they can forage. Treats should supplement—not replace—a balanced diet.
If you’re starting with ducklings, see my complete guide:
Related>> How to Raise Ducklings: A Beginner’s Guide to Baby Duck Care
Related>> What To Feed Ducks In Your Backyard?
Ducks Need Grit
If your ducks are eating only commercial feed, they may not need additional grit because the feed is already processed.
But if they are eating grass, greens, vegetables, insects or other foods, they need access to grit to help grind their food.
Ducks don’t have teeth.
Instead, food is ground in the gizzard with the help of grit.
Think of grit as their teeth.
🌼 From Mary’s Backyard
I give ducks and ducklings grit from day one. I think they benefit from herbs and greens in their diet so I start feeding this to them right away.
The Waterer Is One of Your Biggest Challenges
If there is one thing that makes raising ducks different from raising chickens, it is the water.
Ducks need plenty of it.
And they are determined to get it everywhere.
A good duck waterer should make it possible for them to drink and dunk their bills without allowing them to climb into it and turn it into a bathtub.
The larger your ducks become, the more water they will move around.
You’ll eventually discover that the best duck watering system isn’t necessarily the prettiest one.
It’s the one that is easiest for you to keep clean.
Related>> How To Get Clean Water For My Ducks
Build a Secure Duck Run
Even if you plan to let your ducks free range, I strongly recommend having a secure run attached to their house.
There will be days when your ducks need to stay contained.
Maybe the weather is bad.
Maybe predators are active.
Maybe you’re working in the yard.
Maybe you simply need to keep the ducks out of your garden.
A secure run gives you somewhere safe to keep them, without them being penned up in the coop all day long.
Predator Protection Is Essential
A duck run needs to protect ducks from predators from above, through the fencing and from underneath.
Use sturdy fencing and make sure predators can’t reach through the openings.
Chain-link fencing is strong, but the openings can be large enough for a predator to reach through and grab a sleeping duck.
I learned this the hard way when a bobcat reached through fencing and killed some of my ducks.
If you’re using chain link, consider adding welded wire along the lower portion of the run to prevent predators from reaching through.
A skirt around the bottom of the fencing can also help prevent digging predators from getting underneath.
And don’t forget the top.
A covered run provides additional protection from climbing and flying predators.
Give Ducks Both Shade and Sunshine
Ducks need protection from the weather, especially during hot summer days.
In summer, make sure they have plenty of shade and access to clean water.
But don’t keep them permanently in darkness.
They benefit from sunshine too, especially on cool mornings. They will lay out in the sun just to soak up some rays.
A good duck run should provide both shade and sunshine, allowing your ducks to choose where they are most comfortable.
Can Ducks Free Range?
They can—but that doesn’t mean they should.
Free ranging can give ducks more room to forage and explore, but it also increases their exposure to predators and other dangers.
Before allowing your ducks to free range, make sure they know where home is.
I recommend keeping new ducks in their coop and run for about six weeks before allowing them to free range. They need time to learn that the coop is home.
A fence is also extremely important.
Even if you’re comfortable with your ducks wandering around your property, you don’t want them wandering into a neighbor’s yard or onto a road.
But a fence won’t protect them from hawks.
Bushes and other vegetation can give ducks places to hide from aerial predators.
Depending on where you live, predator pressure may make free ranging a poor choice altogether.
And if you decide to free range, understand that there is always some risk.
You may lose a bird to a predator.
That’s a difficult part of free ranging that you need to consider before deciding whether it is right for your flock.
Related: Free Range Chickens and Ducks: The Pros, Cons, and How to Do It Safely
Train Ducks to Come Home
Ducks are creatures of habit.
If you establish a routine, they quickly learn it.
Feed them at the same time each evening and use the same call or signal. Eventually, most ducks will come running when they hear you.
This makes getting them back into their coop much easier.
An automatic poultry door can also be incredibly helpful if your ducks are on a consistent schedule.
Can You Keep Ducks With Chickens?
Yes, many people successfully keep ducks and chickens together.
But there are some important considerations.
Ducks need more water than chickens, and they make much more mess.
Their housing needs are also different.
If you keep them together, make sure the chickens have access to appropriate roosting areas and that the ducks have enough floor space.
You also need to consider the needs of your particular flock.
Sometimes ducks and chickens get along beautifully.
Sometimes they don’t.
Related>> Can Ducks and Chickens Live Together? What You Need to Know
A Daily Duck-Care Routine
One of the best ways to make raising ducks easy is to establish a routine.
Every morning, I check that the ducks are healthy and active, refresh their drinking water and make sure they have food.
I also check their housing and bedding.
During the day, I keep an eye on their behavior and make sure they have access to shade and water, especially during hot weather.
In the evening, I make sure everyone is accounted for and safely inside their housing.
The routine itself isn’t complicated.
The important thing is doing it consistently.
A few minutes of checking your ducks every day can help you notice problems before they become serious.
How Much Work Are Ducks?
Ducks aren’t difficult to care for, but they are not maintenance-free.
The biggest daily job is usually water management.
You’ll also need to provide food, clean sleeping areas, collect eggs if you’re keeping laying ducks, check their health and make sure they are secure at night.
If you have a good setup, most of these things don’t take long.
The problem comes when the setup isn’t designed around ducks.
Trying to keep ducks’ water from making a mess is much easier when you’ve planned for the mess from the beginning.
Common Mistakes New Duck Owners Make
Keeping only one duck
Ducks need companionship. Start with at least three whenever possible.
Using a chicken coop without considering duck behavior
Ducks don’t roost like chickens and have different water and housing needs.
Not planning for the water mess
Ducks are waterfowl. Water is going to be part of your daily routine.
Providing a swimming pool but not a secure drinking setup
Clean drinking water is essential. A swimming pool is somewhat optional.
Underestimating predators
A duck can be surprisingly vulnerable, especially at night.
Letting new ducks free range immediately
Give them time to learn where home is.
Adding a single duck to an established flock
A lone newcomer may have difficulty being accepted. Introduce new ducks carefully and consider their need for companionship.
Assuming ducks don’t need shade
Ducks can struggle in hot weather. Provide shade and plenty of clean water.
Trying to keep everything perfectly clean
This is probably the biggest one.
Ducks are messy.
Work with that fact rather than fighting it every day.
Ducks vs. Chickens: Which Is Better?
I’m not sure there is a “better.”
There is simply the animal that fits your situation best.
Ducks
Pros:
- Excellent egg layers
- Entertaining personalities
- Hardy birds
- Excellent foragers
- Often quieter than a rooster
- Many breeds do well in backyard settings
Cons:
- Very messy around water
- Produce lots of wet bedding
- Need water deep enough to dunk their bills
- Can be difficult to keep their living area dry
- Vulnerable to predators
- Need secure housing
Chickens
Chickens tend to be easier to keep in a dry, tidy coop setup. They are also easier to find and there are countless resources available for chicken keepers.
But chickens have their own challenges.
For me, the choice isn’t really either/or.
I like having both.
What I Wish I Had Known Before Raising Ducks
I wish someone had told me just how much water ducks move around.
I wish I had understood how important a good run would be.
I wish I’d thought more carefully about predator protection from the very beginning.
And I wish I’d known that ducks have such distinct personalities.
They aren’t just livestock.
You get to know them.
You learn their sounds.
You learn who is always first to the food.
You learn which one is the troublemaker.
And before long, you find yourself talking to them.
At least I do.
Is Raising Ducks Worth It?
For me, absolutely.
Are they messy?
Yes.
Do they require more water management than chickens?
Definitely.
Will they occasionally frustrate you?
Of course.
But they are also entertaining, productive and full of personality.
If you have the space, can provide secure housing and are willing to embrace the mess, raising ducks can be a wonderful addition to a backyard homestead.
The trick is not trying to make ducks behave like chickens.
Set things up for ducks.
Give them what they need.
Expect the mess.
And enjoy them for what they are.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raising Ducks
How many ducks should I start with?
I recommend starting with at least three ducks. Ducks are social animals and do best with companionship.
Do Ducks Need a Pond?
Yes, I believe ducks should have access to a pond or another suitable area where they can bathe and swim. Bathing is an important part of keeping their feathers clean, preening and cooling off, especially in hot weather.
Are ducks harder to raise than chickens?
Not necessarily. Ducks have different needs, especially when it comes to water and housing. Once you set up your system to handle those differences, they can be quite easy to care for.
Can ducks live with chickens?
Yes, ducks and chickens can live together successfully, although they have different needs. Make sure both species have appropriate food, water, housing and enough space.
Do ducks need a coop?
Ducks need a secure place to sleep and get out of bad weather. It doesn’t have to be a traditional chicken-style coop.
Can ducks free range?
Yes, but free ranging increases their exposure to predators and other dangers. Make sure they know where home is, use secure fencing and understand that free ranging always carries some risk.
How long should new ducks stay in their coop before free ranging?
I recommend keeping new ducks in their coop and run for about six weeks so they learn that the coop is home. And train them to come home at night.
Do Ducks Need a Swimming Pool?
No specific type of water feature is required. A pond, stock tank, or other suitable bathing area can give ducks the water they need to swim and bathe.
What do adult ducks eat?
Adult ducks should receive a balanced diet appropriate for their age and purpose. Waterfowl feed is an easy way to provide balanced nutrition, with appropriate treats and forage added as desired.
Do ducks need grit?
Ducks eating processed commercial feed generally don’t need additional grit, but ducks eating greens, grass, vegetables and other foods should have access to appropriate grit to help grind those foods.
Do ducks need shade?
Yes. Ducks need access to shade, particularly during hot weather, along with plenty of clean drinking water.
How much work are ducks?
The daily routine is relatively simple: provide food and clean water, check their health, manage wet bedding and make sure they are safe from predators. The biggest difference from chickens is usually the amount of water and mess ducks create.
Ready to Raise Ducks?
If you’ve read this far, you’re probably either seriously considering ducks or already have them.
And if you’re ready to make raising ducks simpler, I’ve created a class to help.
The Simple Start Raising Ducks System
The Simple Start Raising Ducks System is my step-by-step class for people who want to raise ducks without having to figure everything out the hard way.
I’ll help you understand what ducks need, how to set up your systems and how to make everyday duck care manageable.
[Learn more about The Simple Start Raising Ducks System]
If you’re still deciding whether ducks are right for you, download my free Is Raising Ducklings Right for You? guide.
And if you’re preparing to bring home your first ducks, my ebook Everything You Need to Know Before Raising Ducks is another great resource.
Day Old Ducks!
More Duck Resources
Ready for more? Explore more articles about raising ducks.
- How to Raise Ducklings: A Beginner’s Guide to Baby Duck Care
- Best Ducks for Eggs: 7 Highly Productive Duck Breeds
- Can Ducks and Chickens Live Together? What You Need to Know
- Do Ducks Need A Pond To Be Happy And Healthy?
- Free Range Chickens and Ducks: The Pros, Cons, and How to Do It Safely
Happy Backyard Homesteading!
I believe everyone can grow at least part of their own food! Let me show you how.
Mary is a gardener, backyard homesteader, and duck wrangler. She is also the owner and writer of LifeIsJustDucky.com and AGoodWordADay.com. (for daily devotions) Mary is passionate about helping others expand their backyard homesteading skills and learn to be more self-sufficient, no matter where they live.
Hello Mary
Please give me your advise !
I rescued this baby duck from the street she was not able to walk toke it away from the mother so she can heal she had other six with her at the time .
Now the rescued ducky recovered she is fine after a day she is back to normal .
I was planing to bring back the ducky to her mom but she is gone something happened to her only 4 duckies hanging around with an other mama duck following her who had 10 now she has 1 only they are like 2.5 weeks old .
Maybe she would become a forest mother for them??
What should i do ?
I live in a condo in florida
If I bring her back to the siblings do you think they will recognize her?? ??
I have a pond in the back yard with other ducks.
it is a condominium not my own backyard .
How long should I have to keep her to grow until she can be released to the wiled and survive on her own ?
2 weeeks or more?
I don’t want her to die!!
I know this is not ideal for a duck to grow , live inside an apartment but maybe until she gets bigger it would be ok ???
Please give me your advice
Thank you soo much
John
You can try putting her back with the others, but who knows. The truth is most ducklings don’t make it in the wild. If one or two in a clutch makes it to adulthood, that is a lot. You can raise it to adulthood if you would like or try putting her back. As you noticed, even the mom didn’t make it. I’m sorry I can’t be more encouraging, but that’s nature I’m afraid.
yeah, I know but they are just babies and their chicken mom abounded the eggs in my barn so we got an incubator and incubated them, and they hachted. there were three but one died in the incubator.so I take care of them now and they are so freaking cute, one is a boy and the other one is a girl.
Taking care of them while they are young is called brooding, and yes, sometimes it is necessary to brood your ducklings and chickens inside. (though they do make a mess). My daughter use to brood her duckling and chicks in her spare bathtub. They are cute, aren’t they? Happy duck keeping.
i am 10 and im raising ducks they are so cute
They are cute, aren’t they? It’s so nice to hear you like them too. How many do you have?
I have two ducks and they live in my tube in my bathroom
Oh, what an adventure. I prefer mine outside. 🙂
I have a newly hatched duckling. He cant seem to walk well and he ends up on his back. What can I do to help him
Mandy, Unfortunately, when a duckling is sick from the start it doesn’t stand much of a chance. There are so many things that can be wrong. Deficiency, disease, or deformity. I once watched a video where someone wrapped up their duckling so It couldn’t stand or tip over for about 48 hours. (of course, changing it often) and it fixed the problem in his. That could have been an inner ear issue. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help.
Hello,
Just left for Home Depot around 8pm and while backing out of the driveway I saw a female duck sitting in our front yard out in the open. Came back around 10pm and she was still sitting there. I love animals so I went closer to her just to see if anything was wrong or if she was simply sleeping. There ended up being 5 baby ducklings underneath her! I went back inside and got her some rice and a bowl of water. I ended up convincing my husband to bring out an old extra large dog crate so the mama duck and ducklings could use it as shelter. I just didn’t want them to get eaten in the middle of the night, because we have so many cats roaming around in our neighborhood… both my dog and cat stare at outdoor cats from the front window all the time. We put them in the garage and they’re pecking away at all the grains of rice. Would bringing them to a nearby park and releasing them at the lake be good? I wasn’t sure if male ducks were supposed to be around too… or do they leave after mating season is done?
Julie,
Thank you for caring for the wildlife. Since I don’t know where you live or the regulation there, I can’t advise you on whether you are allowed to move them or not. But be sure there are predators at the park too. Check with a local wildlife organization, as they would be better able to advise you on local laws. Good luck.
Julie,
There is more information about finding an abandoned duck that you might find informative. https://www.lifeisjustducky.com/what-to-do-if-you-found-a-baby-duck/
I have my Ducks outside in a big pen but I need to know when I can turn them loose and let them roam.
They are 6 weeks old! I have 2 of them.
That doesn’t give me enough information to answer. I’m not a big fan of free-ranging, without a perimeter fence. They are at a big risk of preditors. If you are asking if they will come back, that all depends. If you have that fence, that would help. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help.
This information was very helpful and I’m definitely thinking to get a duck 100% more now, I absolutely enjoyed and absorbed this info to the point where I am positive of getting a duck 🦆
So happy you found it useful.
Remember! They get lonely so get 2 or more🐣🐤🐥personally I learned from experience unfortunately I lost one .I believe he drowned:( wasn’t aware that was a danger however I found its best to get at least 3 just in case one doesn’t make it for some reason so you don’t end up with one lonely duckling.
Exactly!
i purchased 2 ducks and now hat ive used your tips I think my littlle ducklings are going to be healhy as a horse there both boys ones name chase and sky.
I’m so happy for you. I love the names.
thank you for the tips 😁
I’m glad to help where I can.
hello i have ducks i want to put them in water but my dad says when you will put them in water they wll get cold and die i think they are almost a month big shoul i put them in water?
My ducks were in the water at one day old. That being said, before they are fully feathered, they can get chilled very easily. You need to make sure they are dried off right away and put under a heat lamp/plate to warm back up after a short swim. Also, make sure they can get out easily as young ducklings can drown easily. Enjoy your ducks.
Okay, recently I have purchased three ducks. They are two weeks old and they stay together constantly. Today one started almost panting like movements with its mouth but there was no sound or heavy breathing. All three of them were shaky like they were cold but they were sitting underneath the heat lamp so I don’t know why they would be shaky. They’re acting fine now but if you could explain to me what that is because I’m concerned that would be fantastic.
Satarah, I wish I could help. Since I didn’t see your ducklings do that and I’m not a veterinarian, I really would have no way of knowing. I’ve never experienced that myself. I hope they are doing well now.
What a great article
Thank you.
Thank you for all the wonderful information on raisiy ducklings. I had no idea!. Ruby
I’m glad you found it helpful. 🙂
i really want pet ducklings and am trying to do research before doing so, and just reading everyone elses comments and answers have helped me learn a lot!
also, how often should you clean out a ducklings box?
How often depends on your duckling’s box. If you are referring to a brooder box, once a day is a good rule of thumb. If you mean a coop and run, it depends on how much space you have and how many ducks. Also, if you are adding litter on top you can go longer. If it is messy, wet or smelly, change it.
I have two Rouen ducks that are 7 months old. They run free during the day because we have a pond and then go in their secured cage at night. Our ducks just hatched 8 eggs and its mid October. They all seem very healthy but I fear that they will get too cold. I have read that the Mother will always keep them warm. Today we put a heat lamp in the cage to help keep them warm. At night they go into a small dog house with bedding. Is all of this enough for the ducklings to survive? Or do we need to bring in the ducklings to keep warm? Thank you?
I think you are doing fantastic. Make sure they have plenty of food, especially in the evening as that helps them create warmth. Also, a thick layer of dry deep litter will help. They should be fully feathered in 6-8 weeks and then will be fine on their own. Please be careful of the heat lamp. Many have started fires. I’m so excited for you!
we have 9 chickens (3 adults, 3 teens, and 3 almost-teens). Do you think it would be okay to get 1 duckling, knowing that it will only be alone for a month or so?
They do better in a group. I would get at least two.
I also found 8 ducklings that have been abandoned by their mother (we don’t know what happened). They are Rouen ducks, the males have green heads. I tried to do as much research as I can. They are a few days old, I think, and live in an empty kitty pool during the day, and a large cardboard box in my room at night. I ordered a heat lamp, (only thing I could find) and while it’s arriving in a few days, I keep them warm at night with a rice sock. They adore the rice sock. When we found them, one looked beaten up and smaller. A few days ago he was trampled and passed away at night. We buried him. I ordered some non-medicated chick feed (it says for ducks and goslings too) and I just need to know. Am I doing anything wrong???
It sounds like you are doing everything right. You are on the adventure of a lifetime. 🙂
Hello I’m not sure how to ask a question without hitting reply
I have a lone Indian runner duckling I hatched (1 out if 4 hatched)I was told it couldn’t be alone so I got 2 ducklings from a farm as company only they died after 6 days so I’m back to my lone duckling of now 9 days old I don’t think I can put my children through losing again after the 2 dying together we are praying for our lone seemingly very healthy happy albeit needy duckling, but obviously if this is not ok to keep alone I’m not sure what to do to re home him if I really have to 😓and if it is ok to keep alone some advice of how many hours a day we need to spend keeping him company
I have seen people keep a single duck as a pet, in the house, with a diaper. (yes it is a thing) https://amzn.to/32Cs0lt I wouldn’t put it out in a coop by itself. All ducks are “herd” animals and find security in numbers. Runner ducks seem to be the most sensitive to that. (they can be a little spastic. I have one and love her) It can be done, but it will take a lot of time from you. Good luck.
hi, if you could help out with some advice that would be much appreciated. we have ducks and one of them laid eggs. we think they’re about 14 days in, but the mother duck was killed this morning. we have them in a box with things to keep them warm, including a heat lamp. so i was wondering what else could we do to help them live and hatch eventually?
Charlie, Without an incubator it will be very difficult, but it never hurts to try. They need to be turned about 4 times a day and sprinkled with water. The humidity needs to be kept at 55%. The reason for this is, the mother duck will get off the nest and swim/get wet and then go back to the nest. When she does she rotates the eggs. That way the yolk/baby stays in the center of the egg and doesn’t get stuck to the shell. But the temperature has to be kept very consistently at 99.5° F (37.5° C) for them to hatch. As you can see, it will be very difficult to achieve all this without an incubator or a surrogate duck or chicken. Duck eggs take 28 – to 35 days to hatch. Good luck.
hi i need some advice because i recently got a duckling with no supplies for it. so i used my own supplies at home. how do i keep my duckling warm? how do i feed it?
In a quick pinch, you can feed it cooked oatmeal. Then when stores open go to a feed store or tractor supply to buy food. Read https://www.lifeisjustducky.com/what-to-feed-ducklings/ for more information.
Hi Mary.
We have a duck and her eggs by our mailbox, and she’s been there for over three weeks. We first saw 9 eggs but we recently observed when she was out flying somewhere, that some eggs perhaps are missing but without any trace of egg shells. Anyway, we are concerned that the duck and her ducklings will get run over when they hatch and try to search for water. Everything we have read says that we should leave them be, and not interfere at all. We are concerned because there isn’t any pond or source of water near enough for them to walk. Our mailbox is located very close to the street and she’s sheltered somewhat by the mailbox and overgrown flowers, weeds, but things have been dying off and she’s becoming much more visible. We are Just hoping we are doing the right thing by doing nothing …as the time is probably very close to them hatching. We live in west Chester Ohio, FYI. There are raccoons, skunk, squirrels, deer, and of course many neighbors have dogs and cats nearby. Anyway any advice you have is appreciated! Thank you!
Julie,
Nature is not pretty. If you try to move them the mother will likely abandon the nest so leave it be. Yes, all those preditors will take the eggs or kill the babies (and sometimes the mothers too) And cars are a real threat. That is how I acquired my flock, the mother was killed by a car. Don’t worry about the pond. The mother knows what she needs. The incubation period is between 27 and 31 days, depending on the breed. I hope they do well, but the fact is if one or two make it to adulthood that’s about average. Nature is brutal.
Thank you so much, Mary, for your prompt response! Just hope and pray they survive and find a new home safely, inspite of many obstacles!
🙂
I had some ducklings hatch today there were seven that hatch this morning and then later this afternoon one more hatch but it was having troubles getting out of the egg when it got out the head had a big red lump and the mother is really not paying much attention to it so I took it to get it warmed up but it keeps rolling to one side it seems to favor and on foot looks like it can’t stand or it balance if off it’s peeping and breathing but I don’t really know what to do
You can just keep it comfortable. It will likely die. Nature knows when there is something wrong. That is why the mother ignored it. She knew it wasn’t normal and would not make it. I’m very sorry. It’s hard to lose something so small and precious. But it is nature.
Hello. I had got the last 3 ducks from tractors supply and had put them in with my other ducks and chicks I had gotten 2 weeks ago. One duck got bullied and I figured it was the chickens. So I moved the 3 new ducks to their own space. The one had all its fur removed around its wings. A few days later the neck on the one duck was now bald. I mo ed it to it’s own place and am caring for it separately. Now I am not sure if it was the ducks or chicks that is causing it. The poor little guy seems to be getting more bald. How do I help him?
First, he may be lonely. Ducks do not do well when they are alone. That being said, it could have been the ducks or chickens. Moving new animals into a pecking order is tricky, especially if they are younger. Two ways I’ve seen that has worked for some (and remember, nothing is perfect) is to move them in at night and give them plenty of room and hiding spots to get away from each other until they get used to each other. The second is to put the new arrivals into a cage inside the run or coop to let them get used to each other but still have them protected. After a week or 2 you can let them out when you are available to watch. When you put them together you do have to watch them for the first day or two as some animals can just be mean or territorial.
As far as the one you have now, it probably needs a buddy. But it could have other, unseen injuries.
Hi! We had 2 Cayuga hens that we raised from Ducklings. A few days ago a hawk killed one of them. I know they are social animals and should not live alone so we have ordered 3 ducklings to be her friends. The ducklings should arrive in a little over a week. Do you think our duck will be ok until then? Should we brood the ducklings or try to give them to her to raise? If we brood them ourselves what is the best way to introduce them? Thank you for any help you can give.
Most of the time an animal will not accept a baby that is not theirs unless they have just “given birth or hatch” themselves. There are exceptions to this of course. some animals are just better mothers than others. You can give it a try. Just make sure you have a backup.
Where did you order your ducklings from ?
I rescued all my ducks. They were all orphaned ducklings. But I have heard great things about Murray McMurray Hatchery. I’m sure there are many others that are good too. You might also look local so you don’t have to ship them. Ask the local feed stores or your local 4-H club. Good luck.
I also know of a hatchery called Mestzer Farms that is also really good. They have some of the cheapest prices I have seen and they don’t have a minimum amount of eggs but they have a $35 minimum price which is bad for people that only want less than 8 eggs. Other than that Metzer Farms is one of the best places to get your ducks from. Here is the homepage website: https://www.metzerfarms.com/index.cfm?affiliate=undef&CustID=25532830
Hi, we reseanlety got some ducks that came into my building inseted of takeing them out we took them in. Because around my building they are a
lot if cats and raccoons that eat them. We are planning on realizing them when they get a little bigger, now we have them for a week. They are with their momma but I want to know if after they are realesed they will be able to survive. Since they have been here for a couple of days. By the time we get them out we dont know if we are doing any good for them or not?
Please answer as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Valentina
Email for any suggestions:
Valentina201518@hotmail.com
I wish I could answer that question. Ducks are prey animals. You are at least giving them a chance.
Hello! Just found an abandoned baby duck at the side of the road this morning. No other ducks in sight. I went to the feed store and they said to use the chick starter and electrolytes/probiotic in the water as well. Not sure what else to be aware of…we have it in a large cardboard box with high walls, clean towels, red bulb heater lamp aimed at one corner away from the food and water. We have a bigger dish with just water and a smaller feeder bowl with the food and water combined (the feed store said to do this because of how their bill is shaped?). Anything else we can do? I have no idea how to tell how old it is or at what stage we can hope to get it back to the wild.
That same thing happened to us. The poor thing was so scared and cried all the time. Because they are flock animals they don’t like to be alone. So we went out and bought it a buddy and it calmed down a lot. However….after all the people interaction, I don’t know how well it will go back to the wild. You might find a farm that will take it as wild animals that are raised by people don’t learn the same skills as those raised in the wild. It sounds like you are doing all you can. Good luck.
Hi there! We are getting 4 little Cayugas from Metzer farms.. super excited! But also concerned.. we have a concrete slab and we’re building a pergola with a brooding box and fencing the entire thing in with chicken wire… I’m sure we will line the bottom with straw, but will that be ok? I suppose I’m just nervous… should I keep them inside our home for the first couple weeks?
Oh yes! Temperature is the big thing. They should start at around 95°F and be decreased by about 5° each week. They shouldn’t be “out in the cold” until they are fully feathered. Hope that helps. Let me know if you need anything else.
We found a duckling in our front yard, although there is no lake, pond, or man made pond near by. I read that sucks can sometimes carry salmonella in there feathers, feet, bills, or fecal matter. How can I get rid of it? I understand hygiene after handling bird but can it be removed? Will the mother take it back after we touched it? I appreciate your response
Any animal can have “germs” including your family cat and dog. Unless you are immune compromised, Just wash your hands. If the duckling is not with its mom, the mother is most likely dead. Momma ducks don’t leave their ducks like some other animals do. That’s how I acquired my first ducklings.
Hi Mary my Husband and I bought 6 duckling today and we both think that one of them is very sick what should we do? We both think that they are really cool and very fun to watch play around. Please help us!
Debra,
The most critical time for ducklings and chicks are the first two weeks. Any weak or unhealthy will usually succumb during this time. You can give all your babies a boost by mixing a probiotic into their water and make sure they are kept clean and warm, but I’m afraid that it is natures way to eliminate the weak to preserve the best genes. I’m so sorry. I hope the little one pulls through.
I work at a vet office (ironically for a poultry vet however she is out of the country at the moment) and our local wildlife shelter got in a baby duck that was having problems walking. Luckily I had a relief vet that also does poultry and he said that it was something that happened during incubation. His left eye is facing the wrong direction, left side of his head is shaped different, and left wing and leg are about half a cm shorter than the right. So he isn’t releasable and now he lives with me. I am trying to figure out the best way to care for him since he is eating and drinking well and seems to be happy. I don’t know if I should get him a duck friend and I’m really scared to let him try to swim. Any advice would be wonderful. Thank you
All prey animals do better with a friend. (safety in numbers). However, I have seen ducks do well if they have a person who pays a lot of attention to them. They can adopt them as a buddy. As far as swimming. Start them off in something like a paint rolling pan. It’s not very deep and they can get out easily and just see how he does. Good luck.
I have a question of my own , we recently got a baby duke due to my dad finding 2 eggs at his work that the mom left because she thought they were dead. It so happend that only one dies and the other one survived , we shave been googling information about baby ducks and what to feed then and all & I️ recently recived a call of my mom saying that the baby duck has stop quacking. And she thinks he might be dying but i think she’s exagerraging , could they be any other season?
I wish I could answer that. You are right that a healthy duckling is usually very noisy. Make sure it is warm and has plenty of water and food. The first week or two is the time a duckling is most vulnerable. Also, he may be very lonely. Ducks are prey animals and do not like to be alone. I wish you well.
We feed ducks around our neighborhood ! So they lay eggs at our front door , many generation succeeded , but a great mindful mother duck or 9 was killed in front of our home and the little guys where 3 days old so I took them in raised them in big box e s for 5 days till I got the secure pin built ,I feed them green peas cut up millworms chick starter and a little bird seed , but their favorite is mill worms ,dried , and they eat a plate full every day and I change there water 4 times a day ! Oh and by the way scratch the ground and teach them about worms and bugs there and a small pond put minnows to teach them to fish ! It is hilarious!
Perry,
What a wonderful story! That is how I started too. Orphaned day old ducklings. Make sure you get some non-medicated chick feed to give them a more balanced diet. Mealworms are a great supplement, but you wouldn’t feed your kids donuts all day every day. Check out https://www.lifeisjustducky.com/what-to-feed-ducklings/. Happy duck raising!
Thanks for all the great infornation!
I just got 3 runner ducklings and I am in love with them, even if they are messy and tons of work. I have a question about their water receptacle. How often should I wash it with soap and water. I’ve been doing so every night before I got to bed and then once the next morning, but I’m wondering if a hose down is enough. It doesn’t seem to smell and looks clean, but I know that mold and germs are invisible. What do you recommend?
I’m also wondering what I should do as the ducklings get much bigger. I currently have them in a rubbermaid storage tub inside the house, but they are growing fast, and I know that, even with only 3 of them, they’ll outgrow it soon. What’s a good option for when they start growing?
Thanks so much!
Sorry, this took so long. I just got electricity back. (hurricane) I love runner ducks. I had one. What a personality! They are always so scared of their own shadows though. They are not ones to pick up and walk around the yard. As far as their waterers go, there is no way to keep their waterer clean. Just NOT possible. A rinse out is sufficient. If it gets skuzzy, a scrubby works fine. A little apple cider vinegar is not only good for them but helps keep the dishes cleaner. You will find that ducks are VERY healthy and resilient. They will live thru things that will kill a chicken.
When they got big enough to jump out of their tub, we put them in their outside run and they did very well. Just make sure it is warm enough for them at night. Let me know if you need to know anything else.
I have been adopted by a female “Daisy” for about a year. She has 17 babies that are two weeks old and she roams free with them. My Nieghbora and I try to keep watch for her safety. But we are all enjoying her and the babies. I love watching them interact.
Thanks for sharing! That is awesome. They are so much fun to watch. And what personalities!
My husband and I have just been given 10 baby ducks two days ago! We had no warning, so we are a bit overwhelmed as you can imagine. We think they are around 5-7 week old Peking (sp?) ducks. We are used to chickens so any help in the duck department will be greatly appreciated!!!!! The duck house is very spacious but they get it so wet playing in their water. Yesterday due heavy downpours of rain we were unable to clean it so it was very wet inside not from rain but their playing. We cleaned it today and let them out for a swim/bath and some time in the sun. Sadly they all had trouble walking, 2 were worse than the rest. I treated their feet. Seems they are a bit better this evening, up moving around.Can we take the water and food out at night???
One thing to understand. Ducks are wet and messy. But this can be a good thing, as they drown the mites and such and are much cleaner birds. I use a deep litter method which I find works wonders. I place a layer of hay on the ground and any surface (coop). My ducks have enough room that I usually only need to do this once a week. When I was raising babies, my number had doubled and I had to spread fresh 2 or 3 times a week. I just put the new layer right on top of the old. Some areas will need more than others. I only remove it 2 or 3 times a year. The earth worms love it and the ducks love the earth worms. Win Win. I have a secure run so I just leave all the water and food in all the time. I’m not sure taking the water out completely is a good idea, unless you do it late at night and return it early. Ducks will dig and need to clean there nostrils so they can breathe and not choke. My advice is just get use to the mess. These are ducks, not chickens. A little mess is OK. Oh, one more thing. I had a fly problem, until I started the deep litter method. Now almost no flies! What was the reason that they couldn’t walk? Poor health or slippery floor? How old are they? Let me know how I can help you further.
I thought the trouble with them walking was due to the pen being wet that 1 day, but as I was watching them walk and play yesterday I think some may have a deformity. Their feet seem to point inward and their knees seem to point WAY outward. Not all are like this, the others seem fine and normal. When you see them all together you can REALLY see the difference in their legs!!! The floor was a bit slippery that 1 day but only that day, we’ve been changing the bedding everyday. We think they are 5-7 weeks but not real sure. An elderly lady our friend knows thought it would be “neat” to put 22 duck eggs in an incubator and see what happens…….21 hatched and the lady was overwhelmed! So, our friend thought since we have chickens and have had adult ducks in the past we’d be great duck parents! We are trying!!!!! 😉 They still have all their yellow fluff but on daily inspection I’ve noticed little pin feathers on their tail end. They’re really cute and my hubby and I are working on training them to follow us. We are trying to handle them a bit so they get used to being picked up, figured that would help if they need medical attention and such. I have them on non-medicated chick starter feed plenty of water…. a lot of water…. geez so much water!!!! I also read it was a good idea to add brewers yeast to their food so I bought some yesterday. Not sure what else to do. I am building a catch tray to set the water station on, hoping that will help keep the water from spreading all over their “duck hut”! We put up a covered enclosure (during a huge rain storm lol) and I’ll be letting them play in that starting today. Am I missing anything? Should we do more?
I’ll respond to you directly so you get the info sooner. For anyone else, I’ll be sending her links on “spraddle (or splay) leg”http://www.metzerfarms.com/Spraddleleg.cfm and a link to http://fresheggsdaily.com/2012/02/deep-litter-methodcoop-cleaning.html Lisa is very knowledgable about poultry. Hope this helps anyone else with this problem.
Hi Mary, my husband and I are interested in moving to Florida, and have had Muscovy ducks given to us because of city restrictions (not where we lived) and because we had acreage and ponds…we would love to have them again and was wondering if there are any Florida restrictions from either the city or county that you are aware of. Thanks and have sure enjoyed your website.
Every Municipality has it’s own set of rules as far as keeping fowl. You would have to check the city or county where you are moving. And don’t think there is a rhyme or reason to it. In our county, you can keep them in one posh neighborhood, but not out in a rural neighborhood with only one house on a block. Go figure! What area are you moving to? Do you garden? If so our gardening season is VERY different than up north. Check out “Guide to Florida Fruit and Vegetable Gardening” I have it listed in the menu under “a few of my favorite things”. I truly is invaluable for gardening in Florida.
Thank you so much for Ducky 101. My husband brought home three baby ducks he was going to get two but could not stand to leave the other one by its self. I guess he did good. Thank you for the tip about yeast we did not know that. The pictures are great too! I do really enjoy your blog.
Donna Harvey
I’m so glad it was helpful. Let me know how it goes or if you have any other questions. Enjoy them. I know I do mine.:)
Hello …i currently have a lonesome mallard duckling my husband and i named Duck Norris …my momma duck was attack and eggs were every where i have 3 more eggs that have nickel size hole in the top but membrane sack is intact ..i wrapped the eggs in cling wrap to keep them from drying out will they be able to continue to hatch and be fine or am i just being hopeful ….please any advice on what to do with the other ones would be greatly appreciated ….p.s the ducks in the eggs are moving i had 9 total all the other ones were rotten
If they were about to hatch, they probably will. If not they would have to be kept at the right temperature and humidity to continue to develop. It is a very tricky thing. I love the name you gave the one. is it one of the hatchlings or the father? If it is one of the hatchlings and is the only one who makes it, he will need a buddy. I hope they were ready to hatch.