Duck Farming – 12 Easy Steps for Beginners to Start

Duck farming is a very popular, old and profitable business in many areas around the world. Both commercial or small scale duck production systems are popular and practiced in many areas throughout the world.

You can start commercial duck farming business for high profits. It is a very old and traditional business in many areas around the world, and very popular also. It is absolutely an easy, and lucrative business and anyone can start this in anywhere around the world

Food demand is increasing gradually, due to increased global population. And people are doing different types of food production business to fulfill this demand and also for making profits.

And commercial rearing of ducks can be a very good business for making profits. And at the same time it will help to enhance food security. Here we are trying to describe more information about the advantages of this business, starting and operating guide of a successful duck farm.

What is Duck Farming?

However, before discussing more about this business, let us first explain ‘what is duck farming‘.

Duck farming is a type of agriculture, and it is the practice of raising ducks for their products such as meat, eggs, fat or feathers. In a duck farm, farmers usually feed them and take care of them until they are ready for selling or for their eggs. Duck farms can be big or small depending on numerous facts, but in all cases the ducks often live in open spaces or shelters.

Why Duck Farming is A Good Business for Beginners to Make High Profits?

Duck farming is a very good business for making high profits for many reasons. Ducks are hardy and taking good care of them is very easy and simple. They are smaller in size and raising a few ducks will not cost you a lot of money.

Ducks are good for producing both meat and eggs. And both meat and eggs are very popular in the market. Marketing these duck products is also very easy. All these reasons have made duck farming a good business for making high profits for the farmers.

How to Start a Successful Duck Farming Business

Starting duck farming business is very easy and simple. You can start this business easily with a few birds, even if you are a beginner. But try to complete a training first from an institute or practically from an expert before starting commercial production of duck products.

Having a complete training will help you to run your business successfully. And try to make a good duck farming business plan before starting.

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However, here we are trying to describe more information and the essential steps for starting and operating a successful duck farming business from training, selecting breeds to caring and marketing. Hope you will enjoy the full process! Lets start:

Step 1: Complete a Training

The first step of a successful and profitable duck farming business, is obtaining the training from a trusted source.

Actually, completing a training or having practical knowledge is very important for staring and operating any business successfully. Duck farming training is not an exception, and you will be able to run your business smoothly and perfectly if you complete a detailed training about this business.

There is a variety of training resources available in many parts of the country. And if you are thinking about starting a money making farming business by using your existing resources (such as land, labor, money etc.), then it is the right time to get started in this traditional business in modern ways.

There are a variety of resources available throughout the country to learn practically about this business. Training resources for completing the training includes online courses, workshops, and in-person training programs. Many universities and agricultural institutions also available and they offer courses and resources on duck farming. You can also contact your local agriculture extension office to learn more about the training.

Step 2: Make an Effective Business Plan

The second step of this business is making an effective business plan. You have to make a very good, detailed and effective duck farming business plan before starting this venture. Having a good and effective business plan is a must and it will help you to plan and manage your farm properly.

You should not start a business immediately after thinking about it, or hearing something good about a business. Rather, you should wait and make a good business plan. Consult with some existing farmers and ask them for help for preparing your business plan.

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Try to include everything about this business in your business plan from building house, purchasing ducklings, feeding to caring and marketing. And do everything according to the plan. Here, we will discuss the key elements of a duck farming business plan.

Step 3: Select a Good Location for Your Duck Farm

Selecting the right location for a duck farm is a very important step. Actually, this business can be successfully operated in a variety of locations. But you have to think wisely as the location of a duck farm can have a significant impact on the success of the operation.

Selecting the farm location affects some other factors such as land availability, climate, and proximity to markets. Here are some of the key considerations when selecting a location for a duck farm:

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  • The selected location of a duck farm should have access to sufficient land to support the desired number of birds and associated facilities.
  • Ducks require moderate temperatures and access to water, so consider this while selecting the location.
  • It will be better if you select a land which is close to market. This will make your purchasing required things and marketing process much easier.
  • Consider any local regulations or zoning laws before selecting a location for a duck farm.
  • Your selected location should have key resources such as water, feed, and veterinary services. Ducks require a significant amount of water for drinking and bathing, which should be readily available on the farm.

Step 4: Determine the Products

Determining the products is very important, and do this before starting. Ducks are raised and highly valued for their various products, which include meat, eggs, feathers, down, foie gras, duck fat, duck liver etc.

But most of the commercial duck farms used to raised ducks either for meat or for eggs. So, determine the products you want to produce from your farm.

Step 5: Select Good & Right Breed

This is a very important step for a successful duck farming business for maximum profits. You have to select good and right duck breeds for your business depending on your production purpose. There are actually numerous duck breeds available throughout the world. Although all of those breeds are not suitable for commercial duck farming business.

Some of those breeds are suitable for egg production and some are ideal for commercial meat production. Usually ducks are of three types according to their production type.

Type 1: Meat Duck Breeds

These type of ducks are very good for meat production purpose, and they are already popular. For example, you can start muscovy duck farming business commercially, because it is a very good meat producing breed. Along with Muscovy ducks there are some other duck breeds available which are also famous for meat production such as Pekin, Aylesbury, Cayuga and the Swedish Blue ducks.

Type 2: Egg Laying Duck Breeds

Indian Runner is a popular layer duck breed and very famous for their egg production capability. Khaki Campbell ducks are also very popular for high egg production. Some other popular laying duck breeds are Welsh Harlequin, Ancona, Buff etc.

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Type 3: Dual-Purpose Duck  Breeds

The duck breeds which are good for both meat and eggs production are called dual-purpose ducks. Some other dual-purpose duck breeds are Khaki Campbell, Pekin, Cayuga, Swedish, Ancona etc.

Step 6: Purchase Necessary Equipment

Purchasing the necessary equipment for your duck farming business is also a very important step toward ensuring the success. Depending on the breed, ducks have specific needs, and the right equipment can make this process easy and simple. Some common equipment required for duck farming business are:

  • Water pools or ponds
  • Feeders
  • Waterers
  • Fencing
  • Bedding material
  • Brooders
  • Incubators
  • Nesting boxes
  • Lighting system
  • Cleaning equipment
  • Feed storage containers
  • Veterinary supplies
  • Protective gear
  • Office tools for record keeping

Step 7: Purchase Ducklings

After selecting the right breed for your production, it’s time to purchase healthy ducklings. It is a crucial step in starting and operating a successful and profitable duck farming business.

Always try to purchase the ducklings from a reputable source to ensure that you have healthy birds. Look for a breeder or hatchery within your area that has a good reputation and that specializes in the breed that you’re interested in.

Inspect the ducklings closely to ensure that they are healthy and free from defects. You can also ask for help from an expert if you are new in this business.

Look for ducklings that are active and alert, with clear eyes and clean beaks. Avoid ducklings that are lethargic, have discolored feathers, or have any signs of illness.

Step 8: Ensure Good Housing Facilities

A good, secure and comfortable duck housing system is a must for running a successful duck farming business. Ducks generally require ample space to move around and also to engage themselves in natural behaviors such as foraging and bathing.

Depending on the breed, you have to provide a minimum of 4-5 square feet of space per bird, with additional space required for nesting boxes and other equipment.

Ducks also require access to water for drinking and bathing. So, their housing system should provide a clean and easily accessible source of water, such as a pond, shallow pool or trough.

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Like many other farm birds, the ducks are also vulnerable to a variety of predators, including raccoons, foxes, and birds of prey. So make their housing system in a good way to provide protection from predators, with secure fencing, locks, and other measures.

Good ventilation system is also essential to maintain a healthy and comfortable environment for ducks. So, ensure good ventilation system to ensure adequate airflow. And doing this can help prevent the build-up of moisture and odors that can contribute to disease.

Keep enough nesting boxes inside their housing system, because ducks require nesting boxes to lay eggs. And also try to provide appropriate lighting, with natural light preferred whenever possible. Adequate lighting can help ensure proper egg production and growth rates.

Step 9: Ensure Balanced Feeding

A good and balanced duck feeding system is a must for keeping your birds happy, healthy and productive. In commercial duck farming business, you have to spend most of your money for feeding the ducks.

The protein requirements of ducks vary depending on their age and stage of development. Young ducks require a higher percentage of protein in their diet than mature ducks. For example, ducklings require a diet that contains 20-24% protein, while mature ducks require a diet that contains 15-16% protein.

Ducks can obtain protein from a variety of sources, including animal and plant-based sources. Animal-based sources of protein include fishmeal, meat and bone meal, and poultry by-product meal. Plant-based sources of protein include soybean meal, corn gluten meal, and wheat gluten meal.

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Commercial duck feed is the most common and cost-effective way to meet the protein requirements of ducks. Commercial duck feed is specifically formulated to provide the necessary nutrients, including protein, that ducks require at different stages of development. If you are not an expert, so you can just buy this type of food and feed your ducks.

For providing a balanced diet to your ducks, you have include protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. A commercial duck feed that is specifically formulated for ducks can provide all the essential nutrients.

Along with providing the ducks with good quality and nutritious food, they also require access to fresh and clean water at all times. Change their frequently to prevent the build-up of bacteria and other harmful substances. And make the water source deep enough for ducks to submerge their heads and it will be better if it become large enough for them to swim in.

Step 10: Duck Breeding or Reproduction

Duck breedingDuck Breeding: Best Guide For Beginners process is really very easy and simple. Just keep good ratio of male and female ducks in your flock and they will do the rest. Generally, one male duck is enough for breeding around or up to 10 female ducks.

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Some people make this process complicated and think about whether to go for natural or artificial breeding. We recommend choosing natural breeding and using of incubators for hatching the eggs.

Step 11: Caring for Ducks

Taking good caring for the ducks requires some knowledge and attention to their specific needs. Good caring tasks for the ducks include:

  • Providing them with good housing or shelter.
  • Ensuring balanced and nutritious feeding.
  • Closely monitoring their health.

Step 12: Marketing Your Products

Marketing the products to the right consumer is also a very important step for successful duck farming business. Because your venture will not be profitable if you can can’t market your products to the right customers.

We recommend targeting your local market first, then local restaurants or any other nearby market. You should determine your marketing strategies before starting this business.

However, for making maximum profits from duck farming business, you have to be more careful on taking care of your ducks, feed management, accommodation, brooding and marketing. If all these process are done well, then you can make a handsome income from this business. Hope this duck production guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are many questions people often ask which are related to duck farming. Here we are trying to list the common questions about commercial duck farming business. We hope you will find answers to your questions. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.

What is duck farming?

Duck farming means ‘raising ducks commercially for the purpose of meat and eggs production’. Most of the duck farmers used to keep ducks for the purpose of meat or eggs production. And they generally sell the produced eggs and meat in the market or directly to the buyer/consumer.

Why raising ducks?

There are many reasons why raising ducks is becoming increasingly popular. Ducks are good source of protein, they produce different products, they are good for pest control, require low maintenance, they are environmentally friendly and very entertaining.

What is commercial duck farming?

Commercial duck farming means raising hundreds or even thousands of ducks together for meat or eggs production. It is a very good business for making high profits.

What are some advantages of duck farming business?

There are numerous advantages of starting duck farming business. Some notable advantages of duck farming business are:

  • Ducks need less expensive, simple and non-elaborate housing facilities. As a result housing costs are very less for setting up commercial duck farming business.
  • Ducks are very hardy bird and they need less care or management. They can adopt themselves with almost all types of environmental conditions.
  • They lay eggs either at night or in the morning. So you can collect their fresh eggs every morning :). And you can do your other work during rest of the day and you don’t have to spend time for caring your ducks.
  • You need comparatively less space for raising ducks. Ducks have comparatively shorter brooding period and ducklings grow faster. Ducklings grow so fast that, you can dispense artificial heat within their 5 to 7 days. Although they will require a little longer heating period during cold months.
  • Ducks are highly resistant to the common avian diseases.
  • You can feed your ducks with a wide variety of foods. A duck’s regular food includes cassava, copra, corn, rice, fruits and any other low cost and easily available foods. They also have the natural tendency of foraging on aquatic weeds, algae, green legumes, fungi, earthworms, maggots, snails, various types of insects etc. which directly reduce feeding cost.
  • You can also use your ducks for controlling apple snails or some other harmful insects from your garden.
  • Ducks have less mortality rate and usually they live longer than chickens. In case of egg production, ducks lay eggs for a long time period.
  • Duck products such as eggs and meat have a great demand in the local and international market. So commercial duck farming business can be a great source of earning. There are already many successful farmers who are making a high profit from their duck farming business.
  • Duck farming business can also be a stable employment source. Young unemployed educated people can join this business and make their own employment source.

What are some disadvantages of duck farming business?

Like many other farming business there are also several potential disadvantages of this business to consider. Here are some of the main drawbacks of duck farming business:

  • Require high initial investment
  • Ducks prefer messy living areas
  • Ducks are more susceptible to some diseases and parasites
  • The market for duck products may be limited in some areas
  • Duck farming is often a seasonal business
  • Arranging a water source can be challenging for farmers with limited space or access to water sources

Is duck farming profitable?

Yes, duck farming is definitely profitable. But you have to do everything perfectly.

How profitable is a duck farm?

A duck farming business is very profitable, just like chicken farming business.

How to start duck farming?

You can start duck farming easily after learning practically from any experienced farmer.

What do I need to start duck farming business?

First of all, you have to complete a training. Then arrange capital and start.

How many ducks can you have per acre?

If you raise the ducks in free range system, then no more than 30-50 ducks per acre. The less the better.

Why do farmers buy ducks?

Farmers usually buy ducks either for their family nutrition needs, or for starting a new duck production business.

How much capital/investment do I need?

Actually, it is very tough to tell the exact amount. Because it depends on numerous factors, such as number of ducks, raising methods, purchasing ducklings, feeding, building the house etc. So, it will be better if you can consult with an expert before starting.

How much profits can we make?

Commercial production is definitely profitable. But it is not possible to tell the exact number, because it depends on numerous facts. Consult with some existing farmers for having some ideas.

How do you make a duck farm?

Making a duck farm is just like starting any other poultry farming business. You just need to have a good house, water source, ducklings, feeding and good caring mindset for the ducks. Having a big pond or other water source will be very beneficial for commercial production.

How much money can you make with ducks?

Commercial duck production business is not doubt a profitable business. But it is not possible to tell the exact number, because duck farming profit it depends on numerous facts. It will be better if you can consult with some existing farmers in your area for having better recommendations.

How log does it take to raise duck?

Depends on the type of your ducks. If you raise meat ducks, then you will be able to start selling them after their 4-5 months of age or even earlier. But if you raise laying ducks, then will start laying eggs after their 5 months of age.

What is more profitable duck or chicken?

Chicken farming seem to be more profitable than commercial duck production business. Duck farming will be highly profitable for you, only if you have a big water source in your area where your ducks can roam freely and have their foods from the nature. Ducks generally eat more than chickens. So, if you can cut their feeding costs by raising them in free water source, then ducks will make more profits than chickens.

What is the best duck to farm?

Peking, Aylesbury, and Muscovy ducks are most popular for meat production. On the other hand, Khaki Campbell or Indian runner are highly eggs production.

How long do farm ducks live?

Ducks actually live for long time in nature. But the farm ducks last only a fraction of their natural lifespan. The ducks which are raised for meat are sold when they reach their 7-8 weeks of age. And the egg laying ducks are slaughtered when they reach 18 to 24 months of age when their ability to lay eggs begins to decline.

How about farm ducks life quality?

Farmed duck’s quality of life is very poor. They are crammed into confined, dimly-lit, indoor barns for their whole lives, sometimes without adequate access to open water.

What do ducks eat naturally?

Natural or wild ducks feed on a variety of grains, grasses, aquatic plants and invertebrates.

What are duck’s favorite food?

Slugs, earthworms, mealworms, minnows, crickets, meat leftovers, feeder fish, lobster or shrimp shells etc.

What can ducks not eat?

Don’t feed your ducks bread, popcorn, chocolate, onion, garlic, avocado or citrus fruit.

What is the best thing to feed ducks?

Best thing to feed ducks include rice, oats, wheat, cracked corn, barley, milo seeds, birdseed etc.

How much food does a duck need per day?

Depends on the size and breed you are raising. For example, a mature Khaki Campbell duck can eat between 100 and 150 grans food daily.

Can ducks live with chickens?

Yes! Domestic ducks can easily live with chickens.

Where do ducks sleep?

Ducks are flexible when it comes to their choice of where to sleep. They can sleep both on land and water.

Do ducks lay eggs every day?

Depending on the species, ducks can produce one egg everyday.

How to market duck meat and eggs?

Marketing duck products (egg and meat) is very easy. People all over the world like duck egg and meat from the ancient time. In some areas, people like duck eggs and meat more than chicken meat or eggs. Duck eggs are usually larger in size than chicken eggs. In some areas duck meat is less popular than their eggs. However, there is no tension about the marketing of ducks eggs and meat. You can try to determine the demand of duck products in your local market.

9 thoughts on “Duck Farming – 12 Easy Steps for Beginners to Start”

  1. Francis Ederu

    We are interested in starting a small duck farm in uganda. Advice us on what to do or farm design details.
    Thank you and best Regards,
    Francis Ederu

  2. What type of ingredient are used in making their feed?can ducks stay with our bird’s? Any local way to hatch without incubator? I am greatful for the information you have given.

    1. Review the duck feed page on our website for more info. Yes, the ducks can stay with your birds. You can use broody hens or ducks for hatching eggs. Good luck!

  3. Honestly you have given an elaborate explanation, which gave me a courage for Duck farming. By 2022 I will start my farm.

  4. Am grateful to you for taking your previous time sharing vital information about ducks to us , God bless your heart

    1. We are actually not clear about your question. What do you want to mean by Bangla? Do you want to mean Bangladesh or West Bengal State of India? Commercial duck farming is possible in both Bangladesh and West Bengal State of India. Because both of these areas have lots of natural water reservoirs, which are very beneficial for duck farming business. You can definitely start commercial duck farming business for both meat and eggs production in these areas. There are many duck farms available in these areas to learn from and also for collecting hatching eggs or ducklings. You can plan for this business without any doubt. Start with a few ducks, learn practically and expand gradually. Good luck & May God bless you!

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