![]() 8 birds/m 2).įor best results, raise ducklings in lots of no more than 500. Those housed semi-intensively need the same space allocation (i.e. In intensive housing, allow 1250 cm 2 of floor space per bird for growing ducks up to 8 weeks of age. Producers who have enough land prefer ground rearing mainly because of the lower housing costs and easier flock management. Ducklings raised in wire cages are generally more advanced at marketing than those raised on the ground, mainly because they are confined and so do not ‘run off’ meat. If ducklings are raised in wire colony cages, do not have more than about 10 ducklings per standard pen (1.25 m × 1.0 m, i.e. Or, if the system of management warrants it, ducklings may be reared in the brooder house with the heat removed, until marketing time. RearingĪfter brooding, ducklings may be placed in intensive or semi-intensive rearing sheds or in wire colony cages. For each duckling up to 3 weeks of age, provide 1.5 cm of drinking space and 4 cm of feeding space. Both feeders and drinkers must be easily accessible. Place feeders on an elevated platform to prevent them from becoming contaminated with droppings. ![]() Should the water supply fail, give ducklings a drink of warm milk before providing them with water - this will help avoid intestinal cramp and staggers. Staggering and convulsions are typical symptoms of lack of water. To avoid damp litter, place drinkers on a wire grid over the concrete floor.ĭucklings can die if they are without water for even short periods. Ducklings should be able to immerse their heads in the water but must not be allowed to swim in it. This can be provided by 4.5 L drinking fonts for the first few days and then preferably by an automatic ballcock-operated drinking vessel, or a bell-type hanging drinker. ![]() Waterers and feedersĭucklings must have a permanent supply of good clean drinking water. Protect the ducklings from predators such as rats and foxes. Remember that artificially brooded ducklings cannot tolerate rain until they have enough feathers at about 3–4 weeks of age. Gradually reduce this by 3☌ each week until the third week, when the heat may be removed (depending on the weather).ĭucklings may have access to outside runs from about 10 days of age. Where hover brooders are used, place surrounds around the brooder, moving them a little further away from the brooder each day, and removing them by the end of the first week.įor the first week, the temperature of the brooder should be 30☌. As a general rule, the number of ducklings that can be brooded is half the stated chick capacity of a brooder. Irrespective of the type of brooder - gas, electricity, hot water or hot air - it should provide enough constant heat and ventilation, and ample space to avoid overcrowding. This area will need to be 1250 cm 2/bird (8 birds/m 2) by the time the ducklings are 8 weeks old, as they grow quickly.Ĭontrolled-environment houses are ideal for brooding ducks and can be used for brooding for the first 2 weeks of age before transferring the ducklings to an adjacent growing house. For ducklings up to 10 days old, allow 200 cm 2/bird (i.e. Stir the litter periodically.ĭucklings do not take up much floor space. Keep the litter dry at all times - mouldy litter can cause ducklings to die. The floor should preferably be concrete, with litter 8 cm deep. Wall openings 1.2 m from the floor provide good ventilation.ĭucklings may be brooded on wire or litter, or on a combination of both. Brooder houseĭesign the brooder house so that it is well ventilated but excludes the draughts that cause chills. Discourage broodiness by placing broody ducks in broody coops, usually for 3–5 days, making sure they have continuous access to feed and water. Although Muscovy ducks can be used for brooding ducklings, they should not be wasted for this purpose - they are more valuable for egg production or incubation. In fact, ducklings are generally easier to brood than chickens. Ducklings can be successfully brooded in any brooder house and under any type of brooder used for chickens.
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