How to Feed and Care For Your Baby Ducks

According to the University of Minnesota, about 22 million ducks are raised in the United States every year. Factory farms raise the majority of those ducks, but small farms and backyard duck enthusiasts are also adding to the flock. Whether you are raising ducks for meat, eggs or just enjoyment, these little feathered friends are simple to care for.

Things You'll Need

  • Shelter in a building
  • Pen
  • Litter
  • Heat lamp
  • Feeder
  • Waterer
  • Duck feed
  • Disinfectant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide appropriate shelter for your ducklings. The University of Minnesota recommends using a corner of a barn, garage or any small building. The area should be warm and free of drafts. Newly hatched ducks require only ½ square foot per duck. The size requirement of your pen will increase to 2 feet per duck as your ducklings grow. Place a fence around the area to contain the ducklings and guard them from vermin. Spread litter down on the ground of the pen a few days after the ducklings hatch. You can use crushed corn cob or wood shavings for litter.

    • 2

      Regulate the temperature of your ducklings with a heat lamp. Start by keeping the temperature around 90 degrees. If the ducklings crowd together on the far side of the pen, away from the heat lamp, the temperature is too warm. If the ducklings are crowding by the heat lamp, move the heat lamp closer to the pen to raise the temperature.

    • 3

      Feed your ducklings a high-quality commercial feed mix and always provide fresh water. Keep your feed in a dry place, free of rodents. Free feed the ducklings starter feed -- consisting of 1/8-inch diameter pellets or crumbles -- until they are 2 weeks old. As ducklings grow, feed them 3/16-inch diameter pellets. Clean your feeders and waterers with disinfectant at least three times a week.