PDF Summary:Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks, by Dave Holderread

Whether you're raising ducks for eggs, meat, or companionship, this comprehensive guide has everything you need to know. Dave Holderread covers all aspects of duck rearing, from choosing the right breed for your needs to providing proper housing and ideal nutrition. Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks takes readers through the full lifecycle of ducks—hatching, brooding, feeding, and managing health issues.

The book provides in-depth instructions for maximizing egg production, creating nurturing environments for ducklings, and protecting adult birds from common hazards. You'll also find extensive information on artificial incubation, treating injuries, recognizing developmental abnormalities, and much more.

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The author offers detailed guidance on how to modify the brooder's warmth, suggesting a steady reduction that corresponds with the growth of the ducklings and the progression of their feathering. He highlights the importance of closely observing duckling behavior to gauge their comfort and adjust heat levels accordingly. If you notice ducklings huddling under a warmth provider, it indicates they are cold, while those seen breathing heavily or moving away from the group could be too hot.

It is crucial for the health of ducklings to be fed a diet that maintains nutritional balance.

Holderread emphasizes the necessity of a suitable diet to ensure the health and vitality of juvenile ducks. He underscores the importance of providing nutritionally balanced feed to meet their changing dietary needs. He advises starting ducklings on a diet rich in nutrients that promotes their rapid growth, typically including 18-20% protein for the first two weeks.

The author delves into various nutritional options for ducks, including foraging, consuming grains, and employing both custom-mixed and commercially available feed tailored to the needs of ducklings. He provides in-depth guidance on selecting the right feed tailored to the different growth stages of ducks, essential for their optimal health and development.

Ducks thrive when they have the chance to graze and forage in their natural environment.

Holderread recommends permitting young ducks to seek food on their own in grassy fields. He underscores the importance of physical activity, along with the benefits of being in natural surroundings and the positive effects of sunlight, for their overall health and development. He also emphasizes how ducks contribute to their own nutritional needs by searching for tender grasses, a variety of weeds, seeds, and insects, thereby reducing their feeding expenses.

The author recommends enhancing foraging prospects in meadows by proposing the cutting or grazing of these regions and by endorsing the use of portable fencing to frequently change the areas where grazing occurs. He also suggests starting ducklings on a nutrient-rich diet during their first one to two weeks before gradually introducing them to foraging.

Maintaining well-being and averting typical problems

Holderread offers a comprehensive approach to ensuring the health of ducklings and preventing common issues. He underscores the importance of hygiene, which involves ensuring that bedding remains moisture-free, regularly disinfecting drinking containers, and protecting ducklings from potentially contaminated surroundings. He also pinpoints typical factors that lead to health issues, such as insufficient dietary intake, excessive population density, and consumption of poisonous materials.

The author provides detailed advice on how to tackle specific challenges including the propensity for ducks to eat their own feathers and various ailments. He underscores the importance of quick identification and resolution of problems, advocating for preemptive measures to ensure the ducks' health and thriving conditions.

Other Perspectives

• While geese can incubate larger duck eggs, their larger size and different behavior could potentially lead to issues with crushing or neglecting the smaller eggs.
• The recommendation to keep the mother duck and ducklings undisturbed might not always be practical, especially in farming situations where regular check-ups are necessary to ensure health and safety.
• Housing ducklings in a completely dry area might not be entirely beneficial, as ducklings require water for proper development and to learn essential behaviors.
• Raising birds that thrive in water separately from those that prefer land could lead to increased resource use and complexity in managing different habitats.
• The use of DIY incubators might not provide the same level of reliability and precision as commercially available models, potentially leading to lower hatching success rates.
• The advice to assist struggling ducklings during hatching could be debated, as intervention can sometimes do more harm than good, potentially leading to injury or rejection by the mother.
• The suggestion to start ducklings on a high-protein diet might not take into account the specific needs of certain breeds or individual health concerns that could require dietary adjustments.
• Permitting young ducks to forage in natural environments could expose them to predators or environmental toxins, which might outweigh the benefits of natural foraging.
• The recommendation to enhance foraging prospects in meadows through cutting or grazing might not be feasible for all keepers due to land or resource limitations.
• The emphasis on strict hygiene practices, while important, might not acknowledge the need for ducklings to be exposed to some level of bacteria to develop a healthy immune system.

Caring for and feeding mature ducks.

Ducks need a safe habitat that protects them from potential threats.

Providing appropriate accommodations and amenities.

Holderread underscores the necessity of creating appropriate living spaces and protective measures for ducks, recognizing their inherent ability to withstand harsh weather conditions thanks to their thick down and water-repellent feathers. He emphasizes the importance of protecting ducks from predators, particularly by being more watchful after dark and constructing habitats that are spacious enough, ensure proper ventilation, and offer protection against harsh weather.

The author offers advice on constructing simple shelters with floors that are easy to clean and structured to ensure sufficient air circulation. He advises placing shelters on higher ground to guarantee efficient water runoff and prevent damp conditions. He also provides detailed advice on building outdoor structures and robust pens that act as secure areas for safely housing ducks during the day when needed.

Utilizing electric barriers alongside other preventive measures

Holderread emphasizes the necessity of sturdy barriers to protect ducks and keep them securely confined, away from possible hazards. He offers detailed guidance on choosing appropriate accommodations for ducks, considering both the particular breed being raised and the common predators in the area. The author advises building enclosures and outdoor spaces using closely-knit mesh and advocate for taller barriers composed of interlaced wire, augmented with electrified strands, to create perimeters that deter predators from digging their way in or scaling over.

He offers detailed advice on setting up an electric barrier and the necessary power settings to counter various predatory challenges. The author stresses the importance of regular upkeep for both fences and gates to ensure they remain operational. He also suggests creating a distinct perimeter to remove tall vegetation, underbrush, or any other potential hiding places for predators in areas where ducks reside.

Designing environments for ducks that include spaces for habitation and zones for foraging.

Holderread emphasizes the importance of ensuring that adult ducks have ample space. Dave Holderread recommends providing each duck with an enclosed outdoor area ranging from 10 to 25 square feet to allow ample space for foraging as they would in the wild. He also underscores the necessity of providing ducks with shaded spaces to protect them from sunlight, which can be created through natural or artificial means, particularly in hotter climates, and he points out the essential requirement for proper water regulation to prevent muddy conditions.

The author offers crucial guidance on establishing and preserving duck habitats, emphasizing the need for clean water, strategically placed feeding areas, and ample spaces designated for egg-laying by ducks. He recommends incorporating elements such as bushes and trees to provide shelter against environmental factors, resting spots, and alternative sources of nourishment.

Dietary requirements and sustenance for mature ducks.

Formulating feeds suitable for the different growth phases of ducks is essential.

Holderread emphasizes the importance of a nutrition plan for ducks that is specifically designed to cater to their different growth phases. He outlines the crucial nutritional components such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals that are vital for optimal health and productivity during different growth stages, starting with the initial growth phase, then the phase of continued growth, followed by the developmental stage, the egg-laying period, the maintenance phase, and the molting cycle.

He underscores the importance of regular nourishment to avoid stress, reduced egg production, and digestive upsets. He also advises against giving young ducklings food designed for ducks that are laying eggs or breeding, as the high calcium levels in such feeds can lead to harmful mineral imbalances.

Utilizing additional resources from the garden can improve the innate foraging behaviors of ducks.

Holderread recommends adding foods found in nature to the ducks' diet to reduce feeding costs and enhance their nutritional consumption. He advises allowing ducks to forage in grass-covered areas, making use of surplus vegetables, collecting grains from fields post-harvest, and benefiting from insects attracted to outdoor lights. He provides insightful guidance on setting up environments conducive to ducks' foraging habits, suggesting the growth of mulberry trees, apple trees, and grapevines in their habitats for extra nourishment and shelter.

The author recommends that although these natural supplements are beneficial, they should not replace a balanced diet, particularly because ducks that lay eggs require additional protein and minerals to sustain high levels of egg output. It's crucial to evaluate not only the quantity but also the nutritional content of these additional dietary contributions.

Providing essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins.

Holderread emphasizes the necessity of ensuring that laying ducks have constant access to calcium, which is essential for the development of robust eggshells. He advises providing unlimited access to ground limestone or crushed oyster shells, particularly when utilizing non-layer feeds or mixes prepared at home, during the egg-laying period.

He also underscores the significance of a nutrient-rich diet, particularly the role of vitamin D3, in promoting overall health and increasing both egg production and the chances of successful hatching. He advises supplementing their diet with nutrient-dense additives, including fish liver oils, brewer's yeast, and various plant foods, especially for ducks not receiving adequate sunlight.

Managing the group of ducks that lay eggs.

Ducks require appropriate lighting to lay eggs effectively.

Holderread underscores the critical role that lighting plays in regulating egg production. He emphasizes the importance of extended periods of light in stimulating the production of egg and sperm. To maintain steady egg production when daylight diminishes in the fall and winter, he suggests adding extra lighting, particularly for flocks located at greater distances from the equator.

The author provides detailed instructions on creating a lighting schedule that gradually increases the duration of light to stimulate the onset of egg-laying in juvenile female ducks, and ensures a consistent daily light duration of 13 to 14 hours for mature ducks that are already producing eggs.

Allocating specific areas where the ducks can lay their eggs.

Holderread underscores the importance of designing nesting spaces that are both appealing and appropriate to ensure the eggs remain clean and to prevent the ducks from incubating their eggs. He recommends arranging nesting boxes in peaceful, dimly lit areas, stocked with an abundance of fresh bedding, and to prepare these well before the ducks begin their egg-laying cycle.

He suggests using artificial eggs, available for purchase or crafted from wood, to prompt ducks to start building their nests. He also advises removing broody ducks promptly and isolating them in a brightly lit pen without nests to break up their maternal desires and return them to lay.

The book explores how ducks maintain their plumage, nurture their offspring, and extend their egg-laying phase.

Holderread explains that the annual molt, which involves the shedding and regrowth of feathers, is a natural process for ducks. He notes that there may be a simultaneous decrease in egg production. To maintain consistent and optimal levels of egg production, as well as to support their ongoing health, he recommends periodically inducing a controlled molt.

The author provides a comprehensive strategy for beginning the molting process in ducks, encompassing changes to their diet, light exposure, and ensuring they have water availability. He also explores the intricacies of managing ducks that possess a pronounced natural tendency to brood and bring forth their young from eggs. He advises promptly gathering eggs and providing ample illumination and room to deter hens from persistently nesting.

Other Perspectives

• While electric barriers can be effective, they may not be the most environmentally friendly or cost-effective solution for all duck keepers. Alternative methods, such as the use of guardian animals or non-electric fencing, might be more suitable in certain contexts.
• The recommendation for specific square footage per duck may not be feasible for all keepers due to space constraints. Some may argue that with proper management, ducks can thrive in slightly smaller spaces.
• The emphasis on adding extra lighting to stimulate egg production could be seen as interfering with the ducks' natural cycles. Some may argue for a more natural approach that follows seasonal patterns.
• The advice to induce a controlled molt to maintain egg production could be criticized from an animal welfare perspective, as it may put undue stress on the ducks.
• The suggestion to use artificial eggs to encourage nesting behavior might not be necessary for all ducks, as many will exhibit this behavior naturally without such prompts.
• The recommendation to isolate broody ducks to break their maternal desires could be viewed as unnecessarily harsh by some animal welfare advocates who prefer to allow ducks to exhibit natural behaviors.
• The reliance on supplemental feeds and nutrients, while important for health, could be critiqued by proponents of more natural foraging-based diets who argue that ducks can obtain many of their nutrients from a diverse and well-managed environment.
• The advice to remove tall vegetation and underbrush to prevent predators might not be suitable for all environments, as it could reduce the overall biodiversity of the habitat, which can be beneficial for the ecosystem as a whole.

Addressing Duck Health and Troubleshooting Issues

Identifying and managing common diseases

Infectious, nutritional, and environmental issues

Holderread dedicates an entire chapter to identifying and treating common health problems that affect ducks. He categorizes health problems according to their origin, identifying ailments stemming from dietary and toxic causes, as well as those due to infections, physical injuries, genetic defects, and infestations by parasites. He underscores the necessity of grasping the root issues to devise strategies that successfully tackle and prevent such situations.

The author provides detailed analyses of various health issues that affect ducks, including aspergillosis, botulism, duck plague, erysipelas, fowl cholera, and infections caused by staphylococcus and streptococcus, as well as the highly contagious Duck Virus Hepatitis.

Strategies for preventing and controlling outbreaks.

Holderread emphasizes the critical importance of establishing biosecurity measures to prevent disease transmission. He provides comprehensive advice on reducing risks, including acquiring strong birds, quarantining new arrivals, maintaining strict sanitation, minimizing contact with wild waterfowl, and implementing flock management techniques that minimize stress and ensure the ducks have ample space.

He offers guidance on recognizing early signs of illness and promptly isolating sick birds to prevent the spread of infection. The author underscores the importance of working with a veterinary expert to accurately diagnose diseases and administer the right care, which could involve antibiotic therapy, supportive actions, or, if required, decreasing the number of ducks in the group.

Ensuring the well-being of the ducks by proactively managing parasites and preventing injuries is crucial.

Providing initial treatment and handling various types of injuries.

Holderread offers comprehensive advice on how to maintain the well-being of ducks and treat their ailments. Dave Holderread provides comprehensive advice on treating minor skin injuries, which encompasses cleaning the affected areas, applying germ-fighting solutions, and taking steps to prevent insects from infesting the wounds and potentially causing larvae to grow. He also explores techniques for repairing fractures and employing supports that aid in the healing process.

The author emphasizes the importance of prompt attention to injuries, noting that ducks have a high body temperature, which helps protect against infections, and a remarkable ability to heal from even seemingly severe wounds.

Managing both external and internal parasites is essential.

Holderread outlines methods for managing external parasites like lice and mites, as well as internal ones, which include roundworms and tapeworms. He underscores the importance of maintaining hygiene and taking proactive measures, which include regularly sanitizing the habitats, providing ducks with appropriate water for swimming, and administering the right insecticides or dewormers to birds that are newly added to the flock.

The author offers detailed guidance on identifying different parasites and recognizing signs of infestation, such as feather picking and skin irritation, along with noting a reduction in the overall body weight of the ducks and a less frequent production of eggs.

Recognizing and addressing developmental abnormalities

Holderread explores various developmental abnormalities in ducks, including legs that splay out, twisted wings, nervous system complications, and malformations of their feet. He offers practical advice for resolving these problems, highlighting that taking swift and suitable measures can often successfully correct instances where ducklings exhibit splayed legs.

The author emphasizes the importance of ensuring ducks receive a comprehensive nutritional regimen that supports their growth and promotes the correct development of their bones.

Seeking advice from a veterinary professional and implementing measures to protect against biological risks is crucial.

Guidelines for separating newly obtained fowl

Holderread emphasizes the potential danger of seemingly healthy ducks carrying diseases and parasites that could endanger existing flocks. He advises setting apart newly acquired fowl to safeguard the health of both the existing flock and the newcomers before merging them. He recommends isolating newly acquired ducks for a duration of three to four weeks to observe them for any health concerns and to address potential internal or external parasitic infestations.

The author details the creation of a dedicated isolation zone, equipped with separate utensils, aimed at minimizing the risk of contamination. He underscores the importance of stringent biosecurity measures, such as changing shoes and disinfecting tools, when transitioning from the isolation area to the main living space of the ducks.

Performing necropsy examinations and diagnostic tests.

Holderread acknowledges the frustration of unexplained deaths in otherwise healthy-appearing ducks. The duck's caretaker or a veterinarian should conduct a necropsy to determine what led to the duck's demise and to prevent such incidents from happening again.

He offers comprehensive instructions on performing a fundamental post-mortem analysis, which includes scrutinizing different organs and tissues to detect indications of illness.

Building a relationship with an avian vet

Holderread emphasizes the necessity of establishing a strong alliance with a veterinarian who possesses expertise in avian health. He outlines the critical roles played by an animal doctor, such as providing medical prescriptions, identifying health issues, performing emergency surgeries, and advising on the upkeep of the ducks' well-being.

The author emphasizes the importance of prompt measures, including seeking veterinary assistance promptly, when serious health issues in ducks are observed.

Other Perspectives

• While Holderread emphasizes the importance of biosecurity, it's important to note that even with strict measures, the risk of disease transmission can never be entirely eliminated due to factors like airborne pathogens or wildlife that may be difficult to control.
• The effectiveness of isolating sick birds to prevent disease spread can vary depending on the disease's mode of transmission and the stage at which it is detected.
• Relying on veterinary expertise is crucial, but access to avian vets may be limited in some areas, which can make timely diagnosis and treatment challenging.
• The recommendation to treat all new ducks for parasites may not be necessary if the birds come from a reputable source with documented health checks, as prophylactic treatment can contribute to drug resistance.
• While Holderread suggests that developmental abnormalities like splayed legs can often be corrected with swift action, some genetic issues may not be as easily rectifiable and could require more complex interventions or may not be treatable at all.
• Necropsy examinations are useful, but they may not always provide a definitive cause of death, and the cost and practicality of performing them on every deceased bird may not be feasible for all duck keepers.
• The advice to establish a relationship with an avian vet is sound, but for non-commercial duck keepers, the cost of regular veterinary care may be prohibitively expensive, leading them to rely on less specialized local vets or self-treatment based on research and community advice.