Considering Keeping Ducks? What You Need to Know

Ducks can be wonderful additions to your backyard or farm, offering not only the joy of watching their playful antics but also benefits such as pest control and egg production. If you're thinking about adopting ducks in the UK, there are several factors to consider, from choosing the right breed to understanding their care needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to get you started.

Choosing the Right Breed

Egg-Laying Ducks

Khaki Campbell: Renowned for their high egg production, Khaki Campbells can lay as many as 300 eggs per year, making them an excellent choice for those looking for reliable egg layers.
Indian Runner: Famous for their upright posture and good egg-laying capacity, Indian Runners are also great foragers and can help keep pests at bay.

Ornamental Ducks

Mandarin Duck: Known for their striking appearance, these ducks are less about utility and more about aesthetics. They are a bit more sensitive to the cold and require a secure pond area.
Call Ducks: Originally bred as decoys to attract wild ducks, Call Ducks are small, charming, and less noisy, suitable for smaller gardens.

Meat Ducks

Aylesbury: A traditional British breed known for its meat quality. They are large, white ducks that are also quite docile, making them good pets as well as meat producers.
Pekin: Similar to Aylesbury, Pekins are also known for their meat and fairly good egg-laying abilities, plus they're quite hardy.

Housing and Space Requirements

Shelter

Duck House: Ducks need a secure shelter to protect them from predators and harsh weather. The shelter doesn’t need to be as enclosed as a chicken coop since ducks prefer airier spaces.
Bedding: Use straw or shavings to keep the area dry; ducks are messy and can quickly turn a small area into mud.

Water Access

Ponds and Pools: Access to water is crucial for ducks, not just for drinking but also for their health. They need water to keep their eyes, nostrils, and feathers clean.
Size and Depth: A small pond or a kiddie pool will suffice for backyard ducks, but ensure it’s easy to clean and refill.

Feeding and Nutrition

Diet

Duck Feed: Provide ducks with a diet formulated for them; regular chicken feed isn’t suitable due to different nutritional requirements.
Grazing: Ducks are excellent foragers and will graze on insects, snails, and slugs. This can help keep your garden pest-free.

Supplements

Grit: Like chickens, ducks need grit to help digest their food.
Oyster Shell: For laying ducks, additional calcium supplements like oyster shell can help maintain strong egg shells.

Health and Maintenance

Regular Health Checks

Monitoring: Keep an eye on their behaviour and physical condition. Limping, loss of appetite, or changes in their quack can indicate health issues.
Cleanliness: Maintain cleanliness in their living area to prevent diseases, as ducks can be quite messy.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Regulations

Local Bylaws: Check any local restrictions on keeping ducks, especially if you live in urban areas.
Welfare: Always consider the welfare of the ducks, ensuring they have enough space, proper nutrition, and companionship.

Conclusion

Keeping ducks can be a delightful experience, providing you with fresh eggs, natural pest control, and the pleasure of their company. By understanding the needs of the ducks and preparing adequately, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your feathered friends. Whether you opt for the prolific Khaki Campbells or the beautiful Mandarins, ducks can add a lot of joy and utility to your life.