Ducks — Animal Guide — Holly's Homestead

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Space

0.4m² shelter, 2–4m² run with water access

Diet

Waterfowl or poultry pellets + foraged slugs/greens

Water

Constant access, plus a tub for dabbling

Temperament

Calm, hardy, good foragers

Lifespan

8–12 years

01Water access matters

Ducks don't need a pond, but they do need enough water to dunk their whole head — this keeps eyes and nostrils clear and is important for their wellbeing, not just enjoyment.

02Housing & setup

Shelter

Simple, draft-free shelter; ducks are hardier in wet weather than chickens.

Fencing

Lower fencing usually sufficient — most breeds don't fly well.

Bedding

Straw, changed often as ducks are messier and wetter than chickens.

03Daily care

Provide a tub or shallow pond deep enough to submerge the head.
Let out to forage — ducks are excellent at slug and snail control.
Feed a waterfowl-appropriate pellet, avoiding excess medicated chicken feed.
Clean water areas regularly to avoid mud and disease build-up.

04Health & problems

Muddy, fouled housing — manage water areas to avoid a permanent bog.
Predator loss — secure housing overnight, as with chickens.
Bumblefoot — from wet, dirty housing; keep bedding drier where birds rest.
Egg-laying in odd spots — ducks often lay away from nest boxes; check the run each morning.

05Production & harvest

Yield

Up to 300+ eggs a year in good dual-purpose laying breeds.

Collection

Check the whole run each morning — ducks lay early and don't always use nest boxes.

Meat breeds

Meat-focused breeds are typically processed at 7–9 weeks.

Storage

Eggs: similar to hen eggs, several weeks unwashed. Meat: fridge a few days, freezes well.

06Compatibility & considerations

Good with

Vegetable garden (pest control)Chickens (with separate water access)

Avoid keeping with

Areas without any water access

Note

Duck eggs are rich and excellent for baking; some people with egg sensitivities tolerate them better than hen eggs.