Make sure the pen you have set up is large enough to comfortably house all of the ducks you’re keeping. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 4 square feet (about 0. 37 square meters) of space per animal. [2] X Research source It’s also possible to train adult ducks to free range, although it may take them a little longer to catch on.
Newborn chicks and growing ducklings may benefit from having a space heater or heat lamp positioned nearby during the colder months of the year. Be sure to clean out any messes your ducks happen to make on a daily basis so they aren’t cooped up with their own filth. [4] X Research source
Don’t try to force your ducks out of their pen. They’ll make their way out on their own when they’re ready. Young ducks are typically more willing to venture out of their pen when there are other adult ducks outside. If you don’t own any other ducks, a handful of mealworms will usually do the trick.
Don’t use your herding tool to physically move the ducks. Doing so could hurt them or send them into a frightened frenzy. Ducks have a tendency to group up and follow one another, so they shouldn’t need too much coaxing.
Even if you decide to train your ducks to free range, it’s a good idea to keep them shut up within in a large enclosure to prevent them from getting lost or nabbed by predators in the area. [7] X Research source Allowing your ducks to roam is good for them. It gives them some much-needed exercise, keeps them well-fed, and helps control populations of common pests like beetles and slugs.
Ducks also love to nibble on fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, herbs, and whole grains. Seeds, berries, beans, corn, and leafy greens are among their favorites. Contrary to popular belief, ducks should never be fed bread products (such as sliced bread, bread crumbs, or crackers). Starchy, nutrient-poor foods can be bad for their health. [9] X Research source Produce items like onions, nuts, and citrus should also be avoided, as they can be hard for ducks to digest or present a possible choking hazard.
Don’t reach for your ducks too quickly or forcefully—since they’re natural prey animals, this will more than likely scare them away. Instead, let them come to you. It’s important to handle ducks with care, especially when they’re young.
Ducks typically tolerate being petted pretty well, but it may take them a while to warm up to being held. Try petting them with both hands or coaxing them into your lap with treats first. If your ducks don’t want to be held, let them go. Seizing them by force will only teach them to panic when picked up.
Ducks are usually very calm when held like a small dog or cat. [13] X Research source
You can also assign a name to your duck based on its physical characteristics. For instance, you might name a solid white bird “Snowflake,” while an especially small one could be called “Peanut. ” Be creative and don’t be afraid to get a little silly. Ducks can be fun pets, too!
If you have multiple ducks, you might have success teaching them to respond to different names by using a certain name whenever you’re interacting with them one-on-one. Feel free to repeat your duck’s name as frequently as you want. Even if it doesn’t understand what you’re saying, the sound of your voice can be very relaxing for it. Ducks are quick learners. The more often you refer to them by name, the faster they’ll come to associate that name with a particular stimulus like food.
With consistent training, your duck will gradually begin to pick up on its name the way chickens and other farm birds do.
