How to Raise a Duck as a Pet

Research ducks extensively before purchasing any as pets. As a pet duck owner, you'll be responsible for their health and well being, and should know as much about them as possible. Your research will also help you decide which breed to choose.

Adopt 2 or more ducklings from a reputable source. Ducks are sociable animals, so you shouldn't adopt only one.

Feed ducklings with a starter feed containing 20 to 22 percent protein for the first 3 weeks. After that, their feed should have about 16 percent protein. Adult ducks require 16 to 18 percent when laying, 14 to 16 percent when not laying. Keep the feed in a heavy plastic air tight container to avoid contamination.

Give ducklings a shallow dish of water to drink and play in. Once the ducks get older, a pond or a hard plastic kiddie pool in your yard will be a great place for them to swim in. If you use a kiddie pool, get a filtration system or replace the water daily and construct some kind of ramp that allows the ducks to get in and out. Water is essential for ducks - they need it to wash their food down and clean the vents in their beak.

Keep baby ducklings in a cage with a covering over the bottom such as pond liner, an old soft towel or blanket. Ducklings should have a heat source in their living space that is out of reach of the ducklings. Place it on one side of the container with the water dish on the opposite side. Ducklings like to sleep under the heat source.

Construct a shelter for your ducks that will protect them from the elements. It should be large enough for a duck to fully expand and flap its wings. Grown ducks should never be caged. Hay or straw makes good bedding.

Hold, hug and pet your ducks as they grow. They love the attention. When children and pet ducks are playing together, they should always be under adult supervision.