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Muffin and Daisy
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1. Feeding DucksWhen we have choosed to keeping the ducks as pet we should to provide food, containing 18-20% protein for ducklings and young ducks. Because young ducks develop quickly, they need a diet rich in protein and high in calories. In the first three weeks after the ducks hatch, give the ducks the initial type of food in the form of small pellets (about 0.3 centimeters in diameter) containing 18-20% protein content.
After the ducklings reach 20 weeks of age, you can replace the duck feed with chicken feed (as long as the protein content is the same
Provide food containing 14% protein when the ducks reach 3 weeks of age. Male and female ducks need the same protein intake. Check the back of the duck feed for nutritional information.
Provide food that contains 16-17% protein and 3-4% calcium for laying ducks. Calcium intake is needed so that laying ducks can produce quality eggs. You can start feeding the female ducks a higher protein diet at certain seasons (eg dry season when the ducks start laying eggs).
Occasional snacks such as corn, carrots, and green vegetables such as cucumbers or broccoli. The portion of snacks provided should not exceed 15-20% of the main meal portion. Cut the treats into smaller pieces for easier eating. You can also allow ducks to forage on their own outdoors as long as the area allowed for foraging is free of pesticides or toxic materials.
Always have food available at all times. Make sure you let the ducks eat their food freely. However, throw the food away at night to prevent it from rotting or attracting ants and mice. Usually, ducks consume about 150-200 grams of food every day. However, larger ducks may consume more food.
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| Feeding time |
Try to buy fresh food more often (in small quantities). For groups of ducks in large numbers, buying duck food in large quantities will certainly facilitate the feeding process. However, for small groups, it's a good idea to buy food in small quantities more often so that there is always fresh food available for your pet ducks. Keep in mind that moldy food can make ducks seriously ill. Store leftover duck food in a dry place.
Provide clean drinking water with a temperature of about 10-21°C. You can provide drinking water for the ducks in a trough, outdoor pond, or small bucket. Basically, a large, open container that allows the duck to insert its beak is sufficient. If you want to use a drinking water line (eg one used on a chicken or turkey farm), make sure your ducks can reach the drain.
Make sure the drinking water for ducks is always clean because ducks are susceptible to botulism (food poisoning caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum).
Change the drinking water every day.
2. Preparing the Cage for Ducks
Keep newborn ducks (DOD) in a heated cage for 4-6 weeks. Ducks can't regulate their body temperature yet, so it's important to keep and care for them in a heated cage or brooder. In the first week after hatching, the ducklings must live in an environment with a temperature of 30°C. After one week, you can set the ambient temperature to 27°C.
After 4-6 weeks, ducks are able to regulate their own body temperature and no longer need to be kept in a heated cage. Heated kennels can be purchased online or at pet stores.
If the duckling appears to be panting (as if it's hot), lower the warmer's temperature just a few degrees.
Maintain the optimal temperature for adult ducks. Ducks that are 35 days old (or older) and ducks that lay eggs need to be kept in cages at 13°C. If the ducks gather together and close each other, there is a possibility that the ducks will feel cold. On the other hand, if the ducks seem to be panting, might be the ducks are feeling hot. Pay attention to these signs and adjust the heating temperature according to the conditions. If the weather is very hot, try providing a cold water pool so the ducks can swim.
Keep or care for ducks in a place with air temperature that can be easily regulated or controlled.
Make sure the cleanliness and ventilation of the cage is maintained. Ducks are irregular animals with liquid feces. Therefore, you need to clean the cage using a non-toxic disinfectant product, at least 3 times a week. The cage should also be well ventilated (eg open windows). If ducks are kept indoors, make sure they can get fresh air.
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| Open Cage |
3. Play and Interact with Ducks
Keep trying to talk to your duck. Like humans, ducks can hear and respond to the sounds that they hear. Try talking to him so you can get closer to him. You can also give it a name.
Play carefully with the ducks. Ducks are known as animals that can do tricks and show love. You can buy some bird toys to play with the ducks, or just take them to the soaking tub so they can swim while feeding their favorite little fish. Each duck has a different “personality.” Ducks can also play with string or twine, or even try to dig a hole. Spend a lot of time with your duck to keep them happy and more docile.
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| Muffin |
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| me and muffin |
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