Ducks are wonderful creatures to have. They are adorable, entertaining, and lay delicious eggs. They are intelligent, social, and just plain fun!
However, before you get them, there are things you need to know before raising ducks. It’s important to know what ducks are like and have realistic expectations before you bring them home to raise.
Learning about ducks will ensure that you are prepared to provide them with the care they need. Ducks can be a wonderful addition to your backyard homestead, but they are not low-maintenance pets.
Ducks take a time commitment and are not for everyone.
In this article, I’ll share a few things you need to know before you get your first little fuzzy balls of fun.
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1. They Don’t Stay Small For Long.
This is VERY important to know before raising ducks. Ducks grow much faster than chickens. That adorable little fluff ball with feet will grow fast. And I mean really fast. It is only that cute little duckling for about a week, and then it starts to change.
They start turning into long and lanky adolescent-looking ducks so quickly that you can almost watch them grow, and they become afraid of everything, even you, “the treat lady or gentleman”. (more on that part later)
2. You Can’t Have Just One Duck.
Many people have a dog, a cat, or a parakeet, but ducks are different. You can’t have just one duck.
Ducks are flock animals and will be lonely living alone. It needs more of its kind. Even chickens are not appropriate companions. If you have ducks and chickens, they will separate into groups of ducks and chickens. They co-exist, but they are not part of the same flock.
You are not and cannot be a constant companion for a duck. Ducks need a companion, or two, of their own kind. Ducks need more ducks.
Related>>Raising Ducks 101 – How To Take Care Of Baby Ducklings.
3. Ducks Are Not House Pets.
Ducks are not suited to living indoors. They love being outside. They need sunshine and a place to explore and forage. Even though they must be kept in a secure enclosure at night, most ducks don’t like being indoors unless the weather is bad. Keeping ducks indoors can lead to many health problems, including obesity, boredom, and feather plucking.
Besides, ducks are not sanitary animals to keep inside. They cannot be potty or litterbox trained like your cat or dog. Some people put “duck diapers” on their ducks, but this is not a good solution for either the duck or the humans.
Ducks poop A LOT! They poop every 10 to 30 minutes and their poop is quite watery. You would have to be changing a lot of diapers and that would just annoy your duck.
If you don’t have an outdoor space, please don’t get ducks.
Related>> Better Flock Health Using Probiotics With Chickens And Ducks.
4. Ducks Can Be Messy
With all that poop you will need to clean their coop and run regularly.
Ducks also make a mess when they eat and drink.
They get water in their food, and there will be mud in their water all the time. It has been said that a duck can turn a tablespoon of water into an acre of mud and that’s only a slight exaggeration.
Ducks love mud. If you are not prepared to clean up after them, ducks may not be the right pet for you.
Related>> Ducks Are Messy But Amazing: The Real Truth About Backyard Ducks.
They also like to poop in their water when they swim, so you will have to empty and refill their bathing tub every day or two at the least.
The biggest complaint I hear from homesteaders who don’t like ducks is because of the other animals they have.
If you keep them with other animals, you will have to ensure that the ducks cannot get into the watering troughs. You don’t want your horses, cows, goats, or alpacas drinking duck poop water.
Related>> 10 Best Reasons To Raise Ducks.
5. Ducks Aren’t Automatically Friendly And Cuddly.
Unlike dogs and cats, ducks don’t like being petted, cuddled, and picked up. They are naturally afraid of humans. If you want a friendly duck, you will need to plan on spending hours getting them used to you from day one.
They need frequent, careful handling to be tamed. With a lot of time and patience, you can train your ducks to like a little bit of gentle petting or scratching. But you can’t expect your ducks to be friendly without a lot of effort.
6. Ducks Take Time Every Day.
Your pet ducks must be fed and watered daily, and their coop must be cleaned regularly.
Their water, especially, has to be cleaned frequently. I usually spend about 15 minutes a day and a half hour to an hour on the weekend.
Related>> Can You Keep Ducks With Chickens?
7. Ducks Can Live For A Long Time.
You need to know before raising ducks, is that it is a long-term commitment.
Ducks have an average lifespan of five to ten years, but their life expectancy can vary depending on their breed, environment, and living conditions. In captivity, ducks can live up to 20 years.
Ducks are very healthy animals. They are much less likely to die of diseases than chickens, and they can also better survive the heat of summer and the cold of winter.
The biggest threat to their lives is predators.
Related>> How Long Do Ducks Live? How To Extend Their Life.
8. Ducks Need Lots Of Water.
Ducks need clean water every day for many different uses.
They need water to drink, of course, but they also use water to bathe and remove external parasites. They use water to mate and also to keep cool.
Related>> Do Ducks Need a Pond To Be Healthy And Happy?
9. Ducks Have Special Nutritional Needs.
There is waterfowl food available, but sometimes it is hard to find. You can use chicken food with a few additions. Since ducks eat more than chickens, they should never be fed medicated food.
Ducks also need extra niacin to develop strong bones and legs, which chicken food does not supply. Adding brewer’s yeast to the chicken feed will supply the extra niacin that is needed.
10. Ducks Need A Secure Coop And Run.
Your ducks will need a secure coop to sleep in at night and to protect them from predators. The coop should be well-ventilated and have plenty of room for your ducks to move around. It should also be appropriate for the weather in your area.
They also need a run to spend their days. They need fresh air, sunshine, and shade for the heat of the day. It needs to be large enough so there is no squabbling, and most importantly, it should protect them from predators.
You need to have your coop set up before raising ducks. Before You Bring Them Home. Ducks grow FAST and they need a secure home.
Related>> 10 Necessities To a Perfect Duck House.
11. It’s Difficult To Find Medical Care For Ducks.
Before raising ducks, it is important to understand that as far as medical care goes, you are generally on your own. Very few vets treat ducks and chickens, so it’s difficult to find medical help. You will need to learn how to treat or euthanize a sick or injured duck yourself.
Related>> Make A First Aid Kit For Chickens And Ducks.
Related>> Better Flock Health Using Probiotics With Chickens And Ducks.
12. Ducks May Not Be Legal Where You Live.
The most important thing you need to know before raising ducks is, is it legal. Check your city or HOA’s deed restrictions. You may need a license or permit to keep ducks, or they may not be legal at all. Please be aware of the ordinances in your city before getting ducks. The fine for illegal ducks can be pretty steep as well as you have to rehome them immediately.
There Are More Things You Need To Know Before Raising Ducks.
Keeping ducks can be a wonderful, satisfying endeavor. But this is far from everything you need to know before you get ducks. Keep reading and keep learning!
To have success keeping ducks, you need to learn proper housing and feeding and how to keep them safe from predators. Why they need swim water and how to provide it. What supplements do they need, and what are the best snacks to give them?
It’s also important to learn about the different duck breeds so you get the best breed for you. There are a lot of things you need to know before getting ducks to raise them to be happy and healthy.
So, keep learning. This is just the start of a wonderful adventure of raising ducks.
More You May Enjoy
The Simple Start Raising Ducks System.
Setting Up A Brooder Box For Baby Ducks.
A Well Designed Duck Coop To Make Your Life Easier.
Duck Eggs vs. Chicken Eggs, Why Duck Eggs Are Better.
Raising Ducks 101 – How To Take Care Of Baby Ducklings.
How To Get Clean Water For My Ducks.
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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.
