Things You'll Need
- Habitat area
- High-quality food
- Water
- Veterinarian who treats ducks
Instructions
Create a habitat for your male and female ducks. This habitat should be covered and provide protection from predators with fencing material. The shelter should include a pool area, food and water, and houses for the ducks to sleep in. Use sand or grass to cover the bottom of your habitat and hay or straw for the bedding area. Change the bedding daily and keep the habitat clean.
Feed your ducks high-quality food to ensure their health. A duck's diet should consist mainly of duck pellets, crumbles or mash, with supplemental food thrown in. Many ducks like hard-boiled eggs, chopped with the shell still intact; worms; snails; slugs; cottage cheese; and vegetables, such as shredded carrots, greens and tomatoes. Use a bin feeder to provide food for your ducks at all times.
Offer your ducks clean drinking and swimming water at all times. Change the drinking water twice a day.
Place a ramp or shallow stairs in front of the pool or other vessel you use for a swimming area. According to the duck information website LiveDucks.com, leg injuries are extremely common when entering and exiting pools. In addition, change the water after the duck swims or when it's cloudy. Not doing so can create a pool full of bacteria that is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Find a veterinarian who sees ducks. Typically, veterinarians who treat ducks are called avian veterinarians. This may be a bit difficult, but it is important to have a doctor available if a problem occurs. In addition, find an emergency hospital that is open when your duck's doctor's office is not. Call your local veterinarian for a recommendation of avian vets in the area, or visit the website Birds n Ways for a listing.