How to Raise Yellow Ducklings

Yellow ducklings are typically of the Pekin breed, Some other breeds, such as mallards, Campbells, and Aylesbury ducks, can produce white ducklings. Ducklings sold in pet stores and at farm supply stores that are yellow in color are usually Pekin. The Pekin duck is the most commonly raised duck, with the numbers of Pekins exceeding the numbers of all other domestic breeds combined. With a little effort, these ducks are simple to raise and keep.

Things You'll Need

  • Large containment
  • Wire top for containment
  • Straw or pine bedding
  • Heat lamp
  • Water supply
  • Feeder
  • Game bird starter
  • Shelter
  • Game bird grower feed
  • Children's pool
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare containment for the ducklings. If you are not planning on a large number of ducklings, a large plastic storage container works well. You can also construct a simple box frame out of two-by-fours or other lumber, and cover the outside of the frame with well attached rabbit wire. Place a wire top on the containment so the ducklings have plenty of access to heat and light.

    • 2

      Ready the containment for the ducklings by spreading straw or pine shavings in the bottom of the containment. Place a heat lamp on the top, either resting directly on the screen or clamped to the side of the containment.

    • 3

      Place food and water for the ducklings. No more than two to three inches of water should be placed in a dish at a time to prevent the ducklings from drowning. Place two to three inches of feed in a dish. Ensure that they have food and water every day. Ducklings less than six weeks of age should be fed game bird starter. Waterers specifically made for young poultry to decrease the chance of drowning can be purchased at farm supply stores, as can feeders designed to limit waste.

    • 4

      Place the ducklings in the containment. Ensure that the ducklings have adequate room to move around. They'll need plenty of space that is not directly under the heat lamp so they will have an area in which to cool down.

    • 5

      Move the ducklings to a larger area, such as a fenced yard or poultry run, when they are five to six weeks of age. Be sure the ducklings have access to shelter. A large doghouse with straw or pine shavings in the bottom will work, as will a small shed or other box. At this time, provide the ducklings a water source large enough to swim in, such as a children's pool. This is also the age at which to begin feeding the ducklings grower feed in place of the starter feed.