HINTS ON HATCHING DUCKS

Hatching ducklings is different to hatching chickens.

Different breeds of ducks have different brooding times. Many breeds will not go broody easily. These breeds usually do better hatches artificially, in incubators or under a broody hens or ducks.

Whilst most ducks hatching time is 28 days (4 weeks) the Muscovy duck is the same time as the Goose 35 days (5 weeks).

Artificially- incubating eggs needs a little more attention. Firstly not all incubators are the same, but they all have the same principal.

The eggs need to be turned 3-6 times each day for 3 to 4 weeks depending on the breed and for the last week misted at least twice a day this will help get the humidity up, at this point there is no need to turn the eggs.

The temperatures vary with different incubators and a wet bulb thermometer could be handy for that last week.

Storing eggs awaiting incubation- should be stored on an angle and turned each day. Remember eggs can be stored for up to 10days before setting in the incubator but longer the hatch rate drop.

REARING DUCK - (Back To The Top)

Ducks make the best mothers and they will look after more then what they hatch, I have known same Muscovy mothers to raise 25-30 ducklings.

Rearing ducklings without their mother is not a hard job, this can be done in a shed or even a large box or packing crate. The area should be dry and well ventilated but free of drafts. Floor covering should be 10-15cm deep of absorbent litter material such as wood shavings, sawdust or rice hulls and it is important the litter remains dry and mould free changing regular.

Infrared heat lamps are the best source of heat when setting up your brooder. You will find generally that after 2 weeks they will no longer require the heat lamps in the warmer times of the year and 3-4 weeks if the weather is cooler.

Ducklings are prone to hypothermia so it is important that all water containers have means by which the ducklings can escape. The ducklings hatched artificial means do not have the access to the oils from their mother’s plumage, without this they are more prone to waterlogging. It is important that they are able to dry off if they get wet.

Give your ducklings plenty of fresh-temped water, provided in shallow dishes deep enough so they can fully immerse their bills in the water.

When about 5-6 weeks old they can venture outside and put away at night. During the day crows cats and dogs are their main enemy

Ducklings need a good food preparation such as a Starter Crumble this has everything in it and it is important they have a good diet for the first 6-8 weeks and a balanced diet when they are older.

HOUSING DUCKS - (Back To The Top)

Ducks love to have space to roam. Once your ducklings have feathered they like a free range atmosphere grazing on grass adds to their diet and is a good tonic for them.

When they have all their feathers they should now be more waterproof and will enjoy a swim. But remember ducks although like getting wet they also like to dry off. So make sure they have shelter or cover when it is raining.

Their yard or housing should be fox proof to.

Ducks and Geese love a pond or dam and this also gives a higher fertility rate when breeding especially for the Goose and Muscovy.

PREPARATION & SHOWING - (Back To The Top)

To help you be successful your birds need to be in Prime Condition. It is recommended to start sorting your birds 6 weeks before and then preparing birds at least 1 week before a Show. Wash your bird using a little Sunlight soap and rinse in clean water and allow them to dry off. Then keep bird in a heavily littered pen (with straw or shavings) water should be kept in small container.

When transporting birds to a show use a large box or carton with plenty of holes for ventilation and clean shavings on the bottom.

When penning your bird always have a clean cloth and a mist bottle for those last minute clean-ups.

Showing Waterfowl can prove to be interesting and enjoyable and help you improve your bird and breeding. This can also lead to many new friendships.

When you are ready to show get a Schedule and fill it in before the closing date see when penning and unpenning times are.

Always check that the Judge is a Waterfowl Judge.

Don’t be disappointed if you don’t Win or get a place. This is when you ask the Judge why? And this is when you start to learn.

Buy your birds from a specialist breeder, you might pay more but you should get a good quality bird. Remember it doesn’t cost any more to feed a good bird to an average bird.

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