Call ducks are the smallest domestic breeds of ducks, making them a perfect beginner pet.Due to their small size, they require less resources and are a lot more economical to keep than your average duck.Continue reading below to learn how to raise call ducks.
Step 1: Check with the land laws in your area.
The livestock and poultry act may result in strict regulations in suburban towns.If you want to keep ducks in your area, you may have to abide by certain limitations, such as the amount of ducks you can keep, and the size of your land.It's a good idea to research regulations in your area to make sure you don't get fined by your council.You can find your local laws on the internet.Let your neighbours know if you're going to keep calling ducks.
Step 2: You can create a budget.
If you don't manage your resources well, call ducks can become expensive.There will be monthly expenditures for feed, supplements, bedding, and cleaning supplies if you spend a couple hundred on an enclosure.If you want to save money, keep a small flock.Call ducks don't need as much resources as other ducks due to their small size.The breeds of ducks come with their cons.Hens are loud and vocal, are messy, and can fly a distance.If you can't cope with a mess and have easily disturbed neighbours, these breeds are not for you.If your ducks are free-range, you will need a large backyard that is secure with high fencing to keep them out.
Step 3: Plan for a flock of ducks.
Birds benefit in pairs.You'll want to buy at least two.A group of at least four benefits a flock.
Step 4: You can organize your time to fit your schedule.
Call ducks are not low maintenance pets.There are a lot of risk factors when it comes to feeding poultry a balanced diet.If you want to keep free-range ducks, you will need to supervise them each day and clean their housing regularly.If one of your ducks gets sick, there will be vet bills.You should split your time between your partner and children if you have a family.You could take turns feeding or cleaning the flock.
Step 5: Find a male.
If you want to breed call ducks, you need to find a farmer who breeds them.Call ducks are easy to find and buy.Either fertile eggs or day old ducklings can be found on the internet.If you don't have enough time or money to raise ducks on your own, consider buying adult hens.It will save you a lot of time.
Step 6: A small or medium sized pen is a good purchase.
Call ducks need a minimum of 12 square feet of floor space per duck in their run and half that inside their pen.If necessary, a little more space will be appreciated.You can buy a duck house with an attached run.A tractor can be used to create easy maneuvers to different patches of grass.You can house your ducks in a shed with backyard access if you can't get a run.Due to their small size, call ducks are fragile and need constant supervision during the day.Shelter built to keep vermin at bay is recommended.
Step 7: Set up a pond.
A tub of water is needed for your call ducks to swim in.You don't need to go all out to build a pond.A plastic baby bath or tin tub can be built into the ground.There is a childrens sand pool.The size of your artificial pond depends on your flock.In-ground ponds require less cleaning than a tub of water, so keep that in mind.If the water bath is above ground, use a brick or ramp to help your ducks get to it.
Step 8: Purchase a drink and eat a dish.
Depending on the size of your flock, a small to medium sized food dish will suffice.ducks may want to play inside their water bowl, so avoid bowls of water.Drinkers get dirty more often and can't be tipped over when full, so invest in a drinker instead.
Step 9: Fresh bedding and hay are needed.
Wood chips are the leading material used for bedding.Adding an additional bundle of fresh hay will allow ducks to build their nest on the ground.Birds will not use roosts and boxes to access the enclosure.Hay and other materials found on the ground will be used to build their nest.
Step 10: Shelter can be provided by some form of shelter.
ducks need shelter from storms and persistent cold, even though they are good at weathering cold and wet climates.Provide a duck house or similar place for them to shelter in.This feature should be included within the pen if they are penned in.It is easy for them to reach their housing if they are roaming free.Put ducks away at night to protect them from animals.
Step 11: A daily pellet diet is what you should be feeding your ducks.
Adult duck pellets can be purchased from farm stores.Chicken pellet can be fed to your flock if duck pellets can't be obtained.Whole wheat and mixed grains are important in their diet.All-round access to grit is required.Call ducks grind their food in their gizzard.Purchase something that has small particles for your flock to digest.During the summer months, provide a calcium supplement.Egg shells are a great source of calcium.Fresh water should be given to a drinker every day.It's important to refill your call ducks each day with clean water because they may tip over or play inside a water dish.
Step 12: You can give your call ducks vegetables and table scraps.
You can give them pasta, noodles, rice, fruits, vegetables, greens, grains and cooked eggs.Don't feed them spoiled or mouldy food.Don't eat avocados, citrus fruits, uncooked potato, iceberg lettuce, crackers, salt, sugar, nuts, large seeds, popcorn, chocolate etc.It's not good for ducks to be fed bread and can cause a sour crop.Table scraps should be limited.
Step 13: The enclosure should be cleaned on a daily basis.
A deep clean is only required at least one every two weeks, however, you will still need to do a spot clean around the pen and clean their artificial pond and feeding station every day.When caring for call ducks, hygiene is important as water and humidity can attract pests.
Step 14: From time to time, you should check on your call ducks.
Enter the pen at the minimum of each morning and afternoon to let them out, feed them, replenish their water resources, and to give them more time to recover.Take the time to observe your flock for any changes in appearance or behavior while you're with them.There are signs of an underlying illness, such as sudden changes.