Duck farming is gaining popularity among small and medium farmers due to its low maintenance, high egg and meat yield, and suitability for integration with fish or rice farming. This guide introduces you to modern duck farming techniques that maximize productivity and ensure profitability.
Why Choose Duck Farming?
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Lower feeding cost compared to chickens
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Ducks are hardy and less prone to diseases
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Dual-purpose: eggs and meat
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Ducks thrive in both wet and dry conditions
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Ideal for integration with fish/rice farming systems
Duck House Setup: Key Considerations
A proper duck house protects against predators, extreme weather, and disease.
Housing Tips:
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Location: Dry, elevated, near water sources
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Ventilation: Ensure airflow to prevent moisture buildup
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Flooring: Bamboo slats or concrete (easy to clean)
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Space: 2–3 sq. ft per duck
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Lighting: 14–16 hours of light increases egg production
Keep nesting boxes and clean water nearby to reduce stress.
Feeding Ducks the Right Way
Proper feeding leads to fast growth and more eggs/meat.
| Feed Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Starter Feed (0–2 weeks) | 20–22% protein |
| Grower Feed (3–6 weeks) | 18–20% protein |
| Layer Feed (after 6 weeks) | 16–18% protein + calcium |
| Extra | Kitchen scraps, duckweed, snails, rice bran |
✅ Ducks need constant access to clean drinking water for digestion.
Good Practices for Family Poultry Production
Best Duck Breeds for Farming
| Breed | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Khaki Campbell | Egg | 300+ eggs/year |
| Pekin | Meat | Rapid weight gain |
| Indian Runner | Egg | Low feed cost |
| Muscovy | Meat | Strong immune system |
Disease Prevention & Management
Though ducks are hardy, prevention is essential.
| Disease | Symptom | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Duck Plague | Sudden death | Vaccination |
| Botulism | Paralysis | Change feed, give charcoal |
| Pasteurella | Swelling, diarrhea | Use antibiotics (vet guided) |
Prevention Tips:
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Clean house weekly
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Avoid overcrowding
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Vaccinate at 4 and 10 weeks
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Quarantine new ducks
Profitability Snapshot
| Expense (per 100 ducks) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ducklings | $100–120 |
| Feed (3 months) | $250–300 |
| Medicine & Vaccines | $30 |
| Housing setup | $150 (one-time) |
Income (eggs/meat):
3000 eggs x $0.10 = $300
OR 80 ducks x $5 = $400
Net Profit (approx.): $150–300 in 3–4 months
Pro Tips for Beginners
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Start with 50–100 ducks to learn the system
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Use a pond or build a small water bath for natural behavior
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Combine duck farming with fish farming for better results
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Sell directly in local markets or online to increase margins
FAQs
Q1: Can I raise ducks without a pond?
Yes, but provide a small water container for bathing and cooling.
Q2: Are ducks better than chickens for farming?
For some farmers, yes. Ducks are more resilient and lay more consistently in certain climates.
