A DUCK FOR ALL Seasons

Care for ducks throughout the year with this seasonal guide.

- SHERRI TALBOT

Care of domestic ducks can be tricky, depending on the breed of duck and the season. While most waterfowl do well in rainy seasons, extreme cold and extreme heat can be a concern for some breeds. How to care for ducks in these various environments may be of concern to the new duck owners and this article will seek to provide an overview of possible topics and solutions for some of the most common issues.

SPRING

Ducklings and chicks are often found in feed stores, catalogs and through local breeders in early spring. It’s easy to be lured in by their cute peeps and fluffy bodies, but the first step to rearing healthy ducklings is to research breeds ahead of time and choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and climate. All domestic ducks are descended from the wild mallard, but they’re still found with a wide variety of sizes, colorings and environmental needs.

Ducks are waterfowl. This doesn’t just mean that they enjoy water; it means they need it. The larger the duck, the more water they’ll need. Properties with large ponds or access to constant running water will be best, especially for large breeds. It’s nearly impossible to keep ducks of any size in kiddie pools and limited space for bathing makes it more likely that ducks will fight over what exists. Keeping smaller breeds — such as call ducks — will make access to water a lesser concern.