Raising Ducks: Feed, Space & Egg Production Guide

Ducks are hardy, entertaining foragers that lay prolifically and provide excellent pest control. Khaki Campbell and similar breeds rival chickens in annual egg output while thriving in wetter climates.

Feed needs

A duck layer eats about 0.3 lb of feed per day. For 6 ducks that totals 1.8 lb daily — slightly more than chickens but offset by superior foraging.

Space requirements

Ducks need 4 sq ft of shelter per bird and 15 sq ft of outdoor space. They do not need a pond — a splash pool refreshed daily suffices for bathing and mating.

Water needs

Ducks drink roughly 0.25 gal per bird per day. They need water deep enough to submerge their bills for nostril cleaning.

Tips for success

• Use a deep-litter system in the duck house — straw or pine shavings 6 inches deep, turned weekly.
• Provide niacin supplements (brewer's yeast in feed) for ducklings to prevent leg problems.
• Collect eggs early morning — ducks typically lay before 7 AM and often in nesting corners on the floor.

Common mistakes

• Raising ducklings on wire flooring, which injures their webbed feet.
• Providing only nipple waterers without open water — ducks cannot clear their nares properly.

Estimates only — consult your local extension office for advice specific to your land and animals.