how to raise ducklings

www.tyrantfarms.com

A step-by-step guide

www.tyrantfarms.com

We’re duck fanatics with 10+ years experience raising ducks. Here are our top tips for responsibly raising ducklings:

www.tyrantfarms.com

Tip #1: Reputable breeder

Buy a sexed run from a reputable breeder, not a farm supply store.

www.tyrantfarms.com

Tip #2: Hatching is hard

Don’t try to hatch duck eggs unless or until you’re more experienced with ducklings.

www.tyrantfarms.com

Tip #3: Warmer months

Aim to raise ducklings from April - July. It’s warm and there’s time for your ducks to mature before it turns cold.

www.tyrantfarms.com

Tip #4: Be prepared!

Be fully prepared to raise ducklings BEFORE you get them rather than scrambling to get what you need AFTER you get them.

www.tyrantfarms.com

Things you'll need:

– Brooder – Heat source + thermometer – Low-dust bedding (aspen or pine work well) – Duckling-specific feed – Possibly: Niacin supplement (nutritional yeast or B-complex vitamin capsules) – Organic old-fashioned oats – Small no-tip water & feed bowls – Duckling grit or outdoor foraging time – Sunlight access

www.tyrantfarms.com

Tip #5: Ducklings love water

Allow supervised swims early, but take precautions — young ducklings are at high risk of drowning & hypothermia.

www.tyrantfarms.com

Tip #6: Outdoor time 

Take them on supervised outdoor foraging adventures when weather and time permits.

www.tyrantfarms.com

Tip #7: Outdoor transition 

Around Weeks 6-8, begin your ducklings’ transition to being fully outdoors.

www.tyrantfarms.com

Remember: a coop!

Before an outdoor transition is possible, they need a predator-proof environment, a coop & possibly a run.

www.tyrantfarms.com

Tip #8: Integration

If integrating your new ducks into an existing flock, make sure it’s a slow, gradual, supervised transition.

terrible picture, but this shows the older flock + new flock separated by a temporary fence.

www.tyrantfarms.com

Want to dive deeper? Check out our full “how to raise ducklings guide”!

Click the link below! 

www.tyrantfarms.com

And, be sure to check out all of our other duck content while you're there!