If you’re looking for an interesting and unique animal to add to your farm, then you should consider raising Pekin ducks. These ducks are a great choice for beginner farmers, as they are easy to care for and relatively low maintenance. Plus, they produce delicious eggs and meat that you can enjoy! Keep reading to learn more about how to Grow Pekin ducks on your farm.
Why Raise Pekin Ducks?
Pekin ducks are one of the best breeds of ducks to raise. For this reason, they are one of the most popular ducks. Specifically, Pekin ducks are raised as meat birds commercially. However, they make for excellent egg layers as well. They also have a ton of personality making them the perfect backyard pet.
Some of the reasons Pekin ducks are so popular is because they are such great egg layers. In fact, Pekin ducks can lay up to 200 eggs a year making them very efficient egg layers. That being said, if you’re looking to get into duck raising for commercial purposes, then Pekin ducks are not the right breed for you as most commercial duck operations prefer to use Khaki Campbells or White Pekins.
However, if you’re looking for a backyard flock then Pekins make an excellent choice. Another reason Pekins are such a good backyard flock is that they are very friendly and have great personalities. Of all the duck breeds, Pekins are known to be some of the tamest which makes them good around kids.
They’re also relatively quiet compared to other duck breeds which are good news if your neighbors are close by. All in all, there’s a lot to love about Pekin Ducks which is why they’re one of the most popular duck breeds around.
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What Do You Need to Raise Pekin Ducklings?
If you are thinking of raising ducklings, it is important to do your research and be prepared to meet their unique needs. The following supplies are the bare essentials to care for baby ducklings.
A brooder: This is a box or enclosure where the ducklings will live during their first few weeks of life. It should be large enough for them to move around freely and have access to food and water.
A heat lamp: Ducklings need to be kept warm, so a heat lamp is essential. Make sure the lamp is securely attached to the side of the brooder and that the bulb is not too close to the ducklings, as this could cause burns.
Food and water: Ducklings need access to food and water at all times. A commercially-prepared chicken starter kit is a good option, or you can make your own by mixing together equal parts of flour, oats, cornmeal, and wheat. You will also need a waterer that is shallow enough for the ducklings to reach but not deep enough for them to drown in.
Vaccinations: Ducklings need to be vaccinated against several diseases, including Newcastle disease and fowl pox. Your veterinarian can provide you with the necessary vaccinations. With proper care, ducklings can make great pets and provide you with years of enjoyment.
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What Can You Feed Your Ducks?
For the first two to three weeks, ducklings should be placed on a starter feed designed for waterfowl—ideally the MannaPro Duckling and Gosling Starter. The starter feed is higher in protein, between 20-22%. This is important because protein is essential for proper growth and development.
Ducklings should then be transitioned to a grower feed until they are mature adults. A grower feed is approximately 16-18% protein. This lower protein content is adequate for maintenance and feathering. In addition to quality feed, ducklings also need access to clean, fresh water at all times. A simple way to provide this is to use a poultry waterer.
Poultry waterers come in a variety of sizes and styles, so choose one that best fits your needs. Make sure to clean and refill the waterer daily to prevent disease. Lastly, ducklings also need access to grit. Grit helps with digestion and allows ducklings to break down their food properly. A lack of grit can lead to problems such as malnutrition or poor growth. Offer chicks a small bowl of chicken grit or sand so they can help themselves as needed. With proper care, your ducklings will grow into healthy adults in no time.
Where to House Your Ducks
When it comes to ducks, one of the most important things to keep in mind is their housing. By the time ducks are around 6-8 weeks old, they will want to be outside for the duration of the day and night.
As such, it is important to build them a simple house or enclosed run where they can feel safe and protected from predators. Some of the most common predators that target ducks are raccoons and opossums.
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These animals are attracted to the soft down of ducks and can easily kill them if they are not properly protected. As such, it is essential to make sure that the duck house is strong and secure, with no gaps or openings that these predators could exploit.
With a safe and comfortable place to stay, ducks will be able to enjoy a long and healthy life.
Ducklings are a great addition to any farm or homestead. They are relatively easy to care for, and their eggs make a delicious and nutritious breakfast. If you are thinking about getting ducklings, it is important to do your research and be prepared to meet their unique needs.
