The right place for breeding ducks
The duck needs a water cage so that it can escape to it in case of scorching sun, rain, strong winds, or snow, while providing an area of not less than 3m for each duck.
The duck cage should also contain deep water so that it can use it for diving, and submerge its nasal openings in it to moisten its mucous membranes. It should be noted that it is necessary to clean the cage constantly to avoid unpleasant odors and the accumulation of bacteria.
The suitable weather for duck farming.
It should be noted that if these birds are raised at home without their mothers, they should be placed in spacious cages close to a source of artificial light, as they need a slightly higher temperature than room temperature in their first week. After their first week, room temperature is suitable for them. If they are obtained with their mother, they will not need this, as she will take care of raising them outdoors.
It is important to know that ducklings should stay away from cold weather, and warm weather is preferred for their growth. It is also better to release them from their cages to roam and play, while cleaning their area immediately at this time to prevent diseases, such as foot sores.
The necessary food and water when raising ducks:
Ducks are considered carnivorous unlike geese, but it is advisable to provide plants with them. They can consume the seeds, leaves, stems, and roots of all aquatic plants, as well as corn, wheat, and barley. It should be noted that they tend to eat insects, mollusks, and crustaceans if the previous food is scarce. Additionally, they prefer to dive to shallow water depths to retrieve and consume their food.
It is preferable to provide food for ducklings in the first two weeks of their life, and it is recommended to let them search for it in a confined area once they reach four weeks of age. It is worth noting that clean water should be provided next to their food, as ducks tend to wash their food before consuming it. Then, they can be moved to a safe area where they can eat non-toxic plants and insects as desired.
The breeding stage:
The courting period in ducks begins in the autumn, where the female tries to attract the male swimming around her, causing him to constantly chase her until the winter season arrives. During this time, mating occurs and the male and female move to the northern parts of their habitat for breeding, building their nests on the ground or in tree cavities, which are usually about 91.44m away from the water.
Ducks are considered oviparous animals, where the females lay a clutch of eggs that hatch in a incubation period of less than a month. The male leaves the female as soon as she lays the eggs, while she remains around the newly hatched chicks to protect them until their feathers grow and they become able to fly. Despite being born with open eyes, the newborn chicks have the full ability to swim and search for food.
